Blepharoplasty, or better known as eyelid surgery, is an oculoplastic surgical technique that involves correcting excess fat, skin, and muscles of the upper and lower eyelids. Features that give an appearance of aging and tiredness and can even affect vision.
Blepharoplasty surgery does not correct wrinkles or other symptoms caused by the passing of the years, however, although it can sometimes be carried out independently, it can also complement other facial aesthetic techniques, for example, to correct sagging or facial rejuvenation as well as stain removal.
Who is An Ideal Candidate For a Blepharoplasty?
- Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is aimed at those patients who seek to improve, not drastically change, their facial appearance and appearance, whether for cosmetic or other reasons.
- Patients who undergo this intervention are usually 40 years of age or older. There may be exceptions in those younger patients who are more predisposed to having bags due to family genetics.
- If the patient suffers from thyroid, lack of tears, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, glaucoma or diabetes, the viability of performing a blepharoplasty should be consulted with his eye plastic ophthalmologist, since such medical conditions could involve some complication.
Types of Blepharoplasty
The classic method is performed using a scalpel, but in some cases a surgical laser can be used to cut the skin. Alternatively, eyelid plastic surgery can be performed with the help of non-surgical methods – radio waves, cosmetic laser, microcurrent exposure.
- Lower Blepharoplasty: Involves correction of the lower eyelids. Removal of excess skin and fatty tissue to eliminate bags, elimination of a pronounced nasolacrimal groove, tightening of the eyelid skin, especially the outer corners of the eyes. The incision is made at an indentation of 1.5-2 mm from the edge of the lower eyelid along the growth line of the eyelashes, so that after surgery there are almost no visible scars on the skin.
- Upper Blepharoplasty: It aims to correct drooping and sagging of the upper eyelids and to elevate the outer corners. The incision is made along the natural fold line between the movable and fixed upper eyelid, which allows to minimize postoperative scars.
- Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty: In this technique, the incision is made with a laser on the inside of the lower eyelid. This ensures the absence of stitches and rapid healing in the postoperative period. However, this method is not shown to everyone: this type of surgery is mainly suitable for young people when the skin turgor is in good condition and there is no excess skin. For others, classic plastic surgery will be more effective.
- Circumferential Blepharoplasty: It involves the simultaneous correction of the upper and lower eyelids, which provides the most pronounced and noticeable aesthetic result: the face and the area around the eyes look 10-15 years younger.
Cost of Eyelid Surgery in Turkey
A circular eyelid surgery can range from 4,000 USD to 8,000 USD, including anesthesia and consumables. This is slightly more expensive than simply removing sagging upper eyelids or tightening the lower eyelids. The price of laser correction of the eyelids will be slightly higher than the cost of classical blepharoplasty, but the rehabilitation period in the first case will be much easier and faster.
Blepharoplasty Diagnosis
In the first consultation, clinical parameters necessary for a correct indication are evaluated.
A doctor-patient relationship is established in which both parties establish realities about pathology and expectations. The doctor will explain in detail to the patient what the indicated procedures consist of.
- The position of the eyebrow will be evaluated
- Eyelid parameters will be measured to rule out associated palpebral ptosis.
- Lower palpebral position, as well as associated laxity, will be evaluated
- Corneal sensitivity test
- Corneal surface evaluation- biomicroscopy: to rule out the existence of ocular pathology (dry eye) that requires special considerations in surgical planning.
- Fundus study.
How is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
Upper eyelid surgeries are performed under local anesthesia and lower eyelid surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. The incisions for the surgery are made in the upper eyelid to match the fold of the eyelid, and in the lower eyelid just below the eyelashes, so that the surgical scars can be easily hidden and prevented from being noticed.
While the operation takes approximately 1 hour in the upper eyelid, this time may vary between 2-4 hours in lower eyelid surgeries. In eyelid surgeries, as in all other surgical operations, blood thinners such as aspirin etc. should be discontinued 10 days before surgery.
Who is Not Suitable For?
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Dry eye syndrome;
- Intraocular pressure, glaucoma;
- Recurrent conjunctivitis
- Acute infectious diseases;
- Failure of the heart and blood vessels, kidneys, liver;
- Poor blood clotting;
- Pregnancy and lactation.
Things to Do Before Eyelid Surgery
- Aspirin and similar blood thinners should be stopped one week before surgery.
- Consumption of herbal teas such as green tea containing vitamin E should be stopped.
- Alcohol intake should be stopped and smoking should be minimized.
- You should avoid thermal procedures (hot bath, sauna, hammam, solarium).
- People with eye diseases such as hypertension, eye thyroid, eye pressure etc. should definitely inform their doctor before the operation.
What to Do After Eyelid Surgery
- Ice compresses should be applied around the eyes to prevent edema and bruising.
- High pillows should be preferred to accelerate the elimination of edema. Eyes should not be too tired during the first 5 days following the operation.
- Contact lenses should not be worn and make-up should not be applied for 15 days following the operation.
- Water should not touch the area for the first 5 days following the operation.
- It is recommended to wear sunglasses in the first two weeks after the operation and protect the eyes from excessive strain.
- Reading should not be done for the first two days following the operation and driving should be avoided for 5 days.
- Patients who use lenses can start using lenses again 1 week after eyelid aesthetics.
- After 1 week, daily routine can be resumed, but heavy lifting and heavy sports should be avoided for 2 weeks.
- Makeup around the eyes can be applied on days 10-14.
- During the first 1-2 weeks after the operation, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or tearing are normal and temporary conditions.
