Blepharoplasty is the most common plastic surgery operation. The procedure is characterized by relative ease of intervention, a short recovery period with rapid social adaptation and minimal risk of complications. Blepharoplasty is beneficial in terms of price-quality ratio.

What is blepharoplasty?

This plastic surgery provides getting rid of excess skin and fat in the eyelid area. As a result, the areas around the eyes become tightened and fresh, wrinkles, overhanging skin and fat deposits disappear.

The procedure involves working with both the lower and upper eyelids. There are several types of such operations:

• upper eyelid blepharoplasty;
• blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids;
• circular blepharoplasty;
• correction of the corners of the eyes (cantopexy), which is usually performed as part of lower blepharoplasty.

At what age is the procedure recommended

Aesthetic plastic surgery, used to remove excess eyelid skin and rejuvenate the areas around the eyes, is usually not performed until 35-40 years old. Blepharoplasty in pathologies used to remove tumors or extract skin areas can be performed at any age.

In some cases, eyelid correction is indicated already at the age of 18-20 years. This is usually due to birth defects, skin swelling and other eye imperfections.

Indications and contraindications for blepharoplasty

Medical indications of the need for blepharoplasty include age-related ptosis or overhanging of the skin on the edges of the eyelashes. According to aesthetic indications, the procedure is carried out in the following cases:

• overhanging of the skin in the upper eyelid areas;
• protruding bags under the eyes;
• flabby skin in the eye area, wrinkles;
• the desire to change the shape and cut of the eyes.

The list of contraindications to blepharoplasty is minimal:

• chronic diseases in the period of exacerbation;
• oncological, infectious, viral diseases;
• pregnancy, lactation period.

Preparatory period

2 weeks before blepharoplasty, it is recommended to completely abandon alcohol and smoking, which reduce the intensity of blood flow and slow down healing. It is necessary to provide the doctor with information about the medications, vitamins and dietary supplements taken.

Before the operation, the following procedures are performed:

• fluorography;
• electrocardiography;
• blood and urine tests;
• examination of vision, fundus, optic nerve.

According to the diagnostic results, the most appropriate method of blepharoplasty is selected.

Features of blepharoplasty surgery

The technology of the operation is directly related to the chosen method
of plastic surgery:

• Correction of overhanging eyelids implies the need for an incision in the upper part of the skin fold, removal of excess fat, suturing. The approximate time of the procedure is 35 minutes.
• With standard blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids, the fat layer is partially removed and distributed, thereby minimizing sagging of the skin. The hernia is removed and the muscles of the lower eyelids are strengthened. The operation time does not exceed 50 minutes.
• Transconjunctive correction in the presence of bags under the eyes is carried out without an external incision and is performed on the mucous part of the eye. As part of the procedure, only the protruding fiber is removed. The operation lasts about 20 minutes.

Possible complications after the procedure

Blepharoplasty is not a very complicated operation with minimal risks of complications. Nevertheless, as after any other surgical intervention, there are edemas, hematomas and puffiness that pass during the standard rehabilitation period.

More serious consequences of blepharoplasty (inversion of the lower eyelid, infection and inflammation, increased lacrimation, eyelid closure disorder, drooping of the upper eyelids, cyst) are eliminated by therapeutic therapy or surgical methods.

Rehabilitation period after blepharoplasty

The average rehabilitation period is from 2 to 3 weeks. After surgery, unpleasant sensations, increased photosensitivity, moderate pain are possible. Stitches after blepharoplasty are removed after 7-14 days. A patch is immediately applied to reduce puffiness. The patch must be worn for 7 to 10 days. At this time, it is recommended to sleep on your back, treat wounds with antiseptic drugs prescribed by a doctor.

The swelling and hematomas that have appeared disappear within a short time, the traces of surgical intervention disappear after about 4 weeks. During the rehabilitation period, it is necessary to follow the doctor's recommendations and not forget about the following rules:

• taking prescribed medications;
• timely treatment of eyelids;
• lack of physical activity;
• avoiding touching the eyes;
• abstaining from alcohol and smoking.

Also, during the rehabilitation period, it is not recommended to strain your eyes, use makeup, visit baths, swimming pools and saunas.