What is eyelid plasty and what does the procedure look like?

Eyelid plasty, professionally known as blepharoplasty, is a procedure involving the removal of excess skin, a portion of the circular muscle of the eye and fatty hernias, if present. The procedure can involve the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both at the same time. 

The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, and the duration depends on the type of plastic surgery performed. It is preceded by an initial consultation, during which qualification for the procedure takes place. 

Upper eyelid plasty

Upper eyelid plastic surgery is the most commonly performed type of blepharoplasty. It involves the removal of excess skin and, if necessary, a portion of the circular muscle of the eye and fatty hernias located under the skin.

Indications for the procedure are drooping eyelids that limit the field of vision, tired facial appearance, feeling of heaviness of eyelids. The effect is to improve the field of vision, rejuvenate the appearance of the face, reduce the feeling of tired eyes.

The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours and is performed under local anesthesia. After the operation, a small scar remains, hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid.

Lower eyelid plasty

Lower eyelid plasty focuses on the removal of excess skin and fat herniations that cause so-called bags under the eyes. Indications for the procedure include visible swelling, dark circles under the eyes, excess skin or fat causing unsightly bags.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision just below the lash line, which allows precise removal of excess skin and fat. In some cases, a transconjunctival access is used, which leaves no visible scar. Effects include: reduction of puffiness, smoothing of the lower eye area, and facial rejuvenation.

As with upper eyelid plasty, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes about 1-2 hours.

Combined procedure - upper and lower eyelid plasty

For patients whose both upper and lower eyelids require correction, a combined procedure is often performed. Indications for the procedure include advanced signs of aging of the eye area, excess skin on both upper and lower eyelids, puffiness and bags under the eyes.

Combined surgery includes simultaneous correction of the upper and lower eyelids, reducing the overall recovery time. Cuts are made in the upper eyelid crease and under the lower eyelashes. The result is a significant improvement in facial aesthetics, a marked rejuvenation of the eye area, and the removal of problems with a limited field of vision caused by drooping eyelids.

The procedure usually takes 2-3 hours and requires a slightly longer recovery period compared to separate treatments.

How to prepare for eyelid plastic surgery?

Three weeks before the scheduled procedure, blood clotting-lowering drugs should be discontinued. One week before surgery, it is recommended to stop or limit stimulants such as alcohol and cigarettes. In the case of planned general anesthesia, the patient should consume the last meal about 8-10 hours before the operation, while in the case of local anesthesia, a light meal can be consumed. In addition, you should refrain from applying cosmetics to the skin.

Recuperation after eyelid plastic surgery?

If the procedure was performed under local anesthesia, then the patient leaves the clinic the same day, while in the case of general anesthesia, a one-day stay in the clinic is required. After eyelid surgery, cool compresses should be applied. The sutures are removed on the 4th-5th day after surgery, and full recovery takes about 2-4 weeks. During this time, excessive exercise should be avoided and sunglasses should be worn.

What are the contraindications to eyelid plastic surgery?

Contraindications for eyelid plasty include diabetes, hypertension, a coagulation disorder, active viral or bacterial infections, pregnancy and breastfeeding, certain autoimmune diseases and cancer, as well as a tendency to scarring.