
What is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure popularly known as eyelid aesthetics. Due to the effects of aging or genetic factors, sagging, bagging and excess skin may occur on the eyelids. Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure performed to eliminate such problems and provides both aesthetic and functional benefits. Thanks to this operation, excess skin, fat and muscle tissue around the eyes can be removed, resulting in a younger and more dynamic appearance, while at the same time eliminating the restriction in the field of vision.
How is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Performed?
Blepharoplasty surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours and the surgical method is determined according to the patient’s needs. In upper eyelid surgery, the incision is made along the natural fold line and excess skin, muscle and fat tissue are removed. In lower eyelid surgery, bagging and sagging are removed by making an incision under the eyelashes or along the conjunctiva line. Since the incisions are placed in the natural wrinkle lines, the scars almost completely disappear over time.
Types of Eyelid Surgery
Upper Eyelid Aesthetics (Blepharoplasty): Excess skin and muscle tissue in the upper eyelid is removed. It is aimed to aesthetically correct sagging eyelids, especially with age. Sagging that narrows the field of vision is corrected with this surgery, providing both functional and aesthetic improvement.
Lower Eyelid Aesthetics: It is applied to correct bagging and sagging in the lower eyelids. Excess fat tissue and skin that cause bagging are removed, resulting in a firmer and younger appearance.
Combined Eyelid Aesthetics: It is the process of correcting the upper and lower eyelids in the same session. It is generally preferred by patients who want to rejuvenate the entire eye area.
Types of Upper Eyelid Aesthetics
In upper eyelid aesthetics, in addition to removing excess skin, tightening the eyelid muscles and regulating the fat pads around the eyes can also be performed. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and the patient can return to daily life in a short time after the procedure.
Types of Lower Eyelid Aesthetics
Lower eyelid aesthetics can usually be performed with two different techniques:
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty: Excess fat tissue is removed through incisions made on the inside of the eyelid. This method is ideal for patients who do not want external scars.
Subcutaneous Blepharoplasty: Both excess skin and fat tissue are removed through incisions made just below the lower eyelashes. It is suitable for patients with more excess skin.
Combined Eyelid Aesthetics
Sagging, bagging and excess skin on the upper and lower eyelids are corrected simultaneously. In this way, the patient’s overall eye contour aesthetics is improved with a single surgery. Combined procedures are preferred for those who want to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Preparation Before Eyelid Surgery
Before the operation, the patient’s health condition is evaluated and necessary tests are performed. Blood thinners such as aspirin should be stopped at least 2 weeks before surgery. Patients who smoke should quit smoking before and after surgery as it negatively affects the healing process. In addition, it is important for the patient to share all expectations with the doctor before the surgery and to have clear information about the process.
Eyelid Surgery Process
The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and patients can be discharged the same day. In upper eyelid surgery, the incision is made along the natural eyelid line and the stitches are usually invisible. In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is usually made just below the eyelashes or inside the eyelid. After the procedure, thin bands or sutures are placed on the eyelids.
Care and Recovery after Eyelid Surgery
Postoperative recovery time varies depending on the patient’s skin structure and the extent of the surgery. You can usually return to daily activities within 1 week. Mild swelling and bruising are normal in the first days. Applying ice compresses and sleeping with the head elevated helps to alleviate these complaints. Stitches are usually removed in 5-7 days. Full recovery may take 2-3 months, but the final results are fully established after about 6 months.