Chirurgie des Paupières, known as Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery to treat droopy eyelids. It helps to improve hooded eyelids or eye bags by removing excess skin, muscle, or fat from the eyelids.
People looking for anti-aging treatments generally opt for blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Eyes surrounded with saggy skin are a natural sign of aging and it can be bothersome. It is when you can consider this type of surgery to enhance your facial appearance.
You can opt for blepharoplasty beyond cosmetic concerns in conditions where your vision is affected by saggy skin. In such a case, hanging skin can block your vision when looking upwards.
Before you go ahead, look at the following points and then decide if cosmetic surgery is right for you.
Initial Consultation
Preparing yourself for Chirurgie des Paupières is not an easy task. It is advisable to have an initial consultation with your plastic surgeon. Discuss all your concerns and desired results for your eyelids. You can also ask your plastic surgeon about their experiences with blepharoplasty.
Before undergoing the surgery procedure, your surgeon will run some important tests. You will have to go through a physical exam on measuring your eyes, testing your vision, and tears. Pictures of your eyelids will also be captured.
Make sure to inform your surgeon about the medications you are taking which includes drugs prescription, supplements, and DIY remedies. Be prepared as you may be asked to stop taking anything that increases the risk of bleeding. You’ll also be asked to stop smoking several weeks before blepharoplasty.
Surgery Procedure
Eyelid surgeries are performed on outpatients, meaning you can go home shortly after the surgery. General anesthesia is not used for every patient. Usually, a numbing agent will be injected into your eyelids.
As the procedure first starts with the upper eyelid, your surgeon will make a small cut and remove the excess skin, muscle, or fat from the area. Your surgeon may also move some of these tissues to other areas surrounding your eyes.
Blepharoplasty on the lower eyelid usually involves the removal of a small amount of skin or fat in the under-eye bags. The surgery may be done inside the eyelid or underneath the lower eyelashes. Sometimes, the lower eyelid may be tightened to the bony skeleton.
Recovery from Blepharoplasty
Recovery from eyelid surgery is relatively short as compared to other types of surgeries. You will be immediately moved to the recovery room after the surgery and monitored for side effects. If you do not have any complications, then you’ll be discharged the same day.
Make sure to take a rest for a few days immediately following blepharoplasty as you may have facial swelling and pain. Usually, it takes a couple of weeks for the symptoms to go away. You may also be recommended to put ice packs for the next two days.
It is important to note that you may also experience blurry vision and sensitivity to light. These are short-term side effects. However, if they last longer than a couple of days then contact your doctor.
Another point to remember is that you cannot wear contact lenses for a couple of weeks following the surgery. Be prepared with an alternative such as prescription glasses.
Keeping your eyes covered throughout the recovery phase is not required. However, you need to wash the area gently and keep it clean. You need to see your surgeon after a few days for an evaluation and removal of the stitches.
Effects
At times, eyelid surgery is combined with other related procedures for better results. People with saggy eyebrows usually opt for a brow lift. Others may even opt for a full facelift at the same time. Ask your surgeon if other related procedures would help to improve the results of blepharoplasty.
Ideally, blepharoplasty is considered to be a one-time procedure. But you may undergo follow-up surgeries if you don’t get the desired results or if your eyelids lack proper healing the first time.
