Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is plastic surgery of the eyelids. The human eye locates in a fat pad in orbit. As we age, the strength of the adipose tissue capsules decreases and the fat sacs gradually begin to move toward the subcutaneous tissue of the eyelid. This pushes the fat pad forward and causes more sagging of the eyelid skin and the formation of pouches. The skin on the upper and lower eyelids also loses its elasticity with age. Skin protrusions that can extend up to the eyelashes on the upper eyelids form on the eyelids. For this reason, surgeons should remove fat pads and sagging skin during aesthetic eyelids surgery.
| Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
| 1-3 hours | 1 day | 1-2 weeks |
Sagging skin can affect the field of view and impair vision. It causes a feeling of tiredness, a feeling of heaviness in the eyelids, pain or swelling in the eyes, watering, itching in the eyes, and headaches. Therefore, it is often not only an aesthetic defect but also a functional one. The added benefit is a younger facial appearance. The eyes become optically larger, the client looks more alive, and their gaze goes deeper.
Blepharoplasty is suitable and adequate for men and women of all ages. Personal consultation with an experienced surgeon is essential before deciding to perform the procedure. Eyelid surgery should always perform by an ophthalmologist who specializes in plastic surgery.
Before the eye lift operation, the doctor pre-draws the incision line on the eyelids. The procedure itself takes place under anesthesia. The process after anesthesia is entirely painless and takes about an hour. The surgeon takes a relatively large part of the upper eyelids’ skin in the 1-2.5 cm range. In addition, the expert removes fat pads (sagging) that contribute significantly to the formation of skin sagging. If a specialist doesn’t take these, the effect of the operation will not be sufficient, and the drooping of the skin on the eyelids is likely to reoccur quickly.
However, lower eyelids are more troublesome for the operator and the patient. Unlike the upper eyelids, the specialists remove a relatively narrow strip of skin in the range of a few millimeters. Also, experts empty significantly more fat pockets surrounding the skin, causing under-eye bags and swelling of the eyelids. Bleeding from blood vessels during the operation is carefully stopped by electrocoagulation. The subsequent suture of the wound is made with a very thin, so-called atraumatic suture. The suture guide along its entire length in the subcutaneous tissue. This procedure minimizes the risk of scarring. After the operation, the surgeons close the incisions with special sterile plasters as thin strips that strengthen the wound.
Post-operative care is unpretentious. Absolute rest require on the day of the operation. During surgery, the patches remain on the lids until the stitches remove. You should avoid physical activity. Swelling of the eyelids and subcutaneous bruises are part of the ordinary course after surgery. Sutures and casts are usually removed by specialists 6-7 days after surgery. 4 weeks after the operation, the remnants of swelling disappear, the lids and eye area calm down, and the skin returns to normal. You can start using regular cosmetics, including make-up.
The patient can return to sports and physical activity after 3-4 weeks. Post-operative scars disappear individually from 2 weeks to several months.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery or eyelid lift is the surgical rejuvenation of the eyelids in which excess fat is absorbed. In some cases, specialists perform liposuction on precisely determined areas of the eyelid according to the fat layer in the eye.
Since patients experience their first symptoms around the age of 30, this operation, often preferred by patients after the age of 45, doesn’t initially have a significant effect on the quality of life or the general appearance of the patient. After the surgery, your vision will remain as you want for 7 to 12 years. After this procedure will significantly rejuvenate the face, and the eyes will acquire a bright glow. The operation is suitable for both men and women.
It is a simple procedure that doesn’t require special preparation for the patient. However, you should not use drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid 14 days before the procedure. Patients using blood coagulant drugs should consult their doctor about the suitability of this surgery. We don’t recommend performing surgery 3 days before and after the start of menstruation.
Blepharoplasty occurs under anesthesia, and the patient doesn’t feel any pain during this time. For the upper eyelid, the process takes approximately 1-2. During the procedure, surgeons will remove excess fat from your eyelids and even your fat body. The incisions are in the skin folds above the upper eyelid and just below the lower lash line, mimicking the natural folds of the patient’s skin as much as possible.
For the first 2 days after surgery, you should ideally rest with closed eyes and cold compresses. We strongly recommend massages and the application of special silicone creams to shorten the recovery time. Immediately after eyelid lift surgery, the position of the scars may be asymmetrical. After the operation, specialists remove the sutures after 5-6 days in women and 7-8 days in men. The bruising that almost always occurs after the surgery disappears one week after the upper eyelid surgery and 2 weeks after the lower eyelid surgery. After this time, the eyes look natural, and only a slight redness resembling irritation remains.
It is usually possible to go to work on the fifth day after the procedure. In this period, bruises no longer limit the patient and become only an aesthetic problem. It is up to you when you will return to daily life after 15 days and how much the bruises in your eyes will affect you. Around the tenth day after eyelid surgery, the stitches tighten and harden, and this situation regresses after a while.
Who Should Have Blepharoplasty Procedure?
The signs of aging and sagging of the skin usually appear first on the entire face in the eyelid area. It most commonly occurs between the ages of 40-50. Suppose the cleaning of the skin and subcutaneous structures of the eyelids is approximately the same. In that case, it is possible to perform surgery on the lower and upper eyelids simultaneously with a perfect effect on the entire eye area without any problems.
Lower eyelid surgery is possible even at the age of 25-30 if there are congenital predispositions in the weakened structures of the lower eyelids and if fat sagging occurs in younger generations. Timely intervention prevents significant permanent relaxation of the lower eyelids.
In some cases, when there is already a significant excess of skin on the upper eyelids, and lower eyelid drooping also occurs (especially in women around 40), it is possible to combine the classical method of upper eyelid surgery with removal. A suitable candidate for blepharoplasty is a healthy adult suffering from excess skin in the upper eyelid area or a man or woman with pouches on the lower eyelids.
What are the Risks of the Blepharoplasty Process?
The side effects of blepharoplasty may include temporary discomfort, tightness in the eyelid area, and possibly swelling or bruising. There is usually excessive tearing in the first weeks, and the patient becomes more sensitive to light. Temporary dryness, burning, or itching of the eyes may also occur, but these side effects are rare. Possible complications include temporarily blurred or double vision, infection, bleeding, swelling, dry eyes, asymmetric healing or scarring, or difficulty closing the eyes completely. This complication is infrequent, although its risks include permanent vision loss. Check out the risks of the blepharoplasty procedure in general:
- Eye tearing: After eyelid surgery, temporary excessive tearing may occur due to the limited function of the eyelids. These problems are always infamously corrected during the healing process. You must inform the physician and follow the physician’s instructions.
- Dry eye: Rarely, temporary dry eye and conjunctival irritation may occur.
- Eye expression: The appearance and expression of the eyelids after surgery also go through development. It is necessary to wait for the gradual fixation of the eyelid tissues over several weeks.
- Unsightly scars: During the healing process of spots, some of the faults (mainly in the area of the inner or outer corners) may sometimes enlarge or enlarge. Experts can solve this situation by correcting part of the trace, but we must consider that the fixation of the path and when to fix it should be left to the operator’s discretion.
What Will You Encounter During a Blepharoplasty Consultation?
During a blepharoplasty consultation, you can expect to have a detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon about your goals and concerns regarding your eyelids. They will examine your eyelids, including skin, muscle, and fat, and may take pictures for your medical records.
Your surgeon will also ask about your medical history, including previous surgeries, current medications, allergies, and other related medical conditions. They will also ask about your current vision and any field-of-view restrictions you may have.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure and discuss possible risks, recovery time, and expected results. The surgeon will also explain the different techniques that can be used for the surgery and recommend the best approach for you.
It’s also common for the surgeon to give you before and after photos of patients who have had the same procedure so you can better understand what to expect. They may also recommend additional tests, such as a visual field test or an ophthalmological evaluation.
During the consultation, you should expect a candid and informative conversation with your surgeon and be satisfied with both the operating surgeon and the information they provide.
How Should You Prepare for Blepharoplasty Procedure?
Check out some general guidelines for preparing for blepharoplasty surgery:
- Schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or ophthalmologist to determine if the procedure is correct for you and to discuss specific details.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding pre-operative testing or laboratory work required before surgery.
- Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before and after surgery, and avoid taking blood thinners such as aspirin. Avoid consuming alcohol at least 24 hours before surgery, and drink plenty of fluids.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you at least the first night after the procedure. Make arrangements for necessary leave from work or other activities. Review the detailed instructions provided by your surgeon on how to care for yourself before and after surgery.
- Ensure you have all necessary post-operative supplies, such as cold compresses and eye drops, at home before the surgery. Be sure to ask your surgeon any questions you may have about the procedure and the healing process.
- Following these guidelines and the instructions given by your surgeon will ensure that your blepharoplasty procedure goes smoothly and that you have a comfortable recovery.
How is Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?
Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient goes home the same day. Check out the blepharoplasty procedure steps in general:
- Anesthesia
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia with oral sedation, depending on the patient’s preference and the extent of the surgery.
- Upper eyelid incision
For the upper eyelids, the surgeon makes an incision in the natural crease of the eyelid and removes excess skin and fat.
- Lower eyelid incision
The surgeon may make an incision just below the lower lashes for the lower eyelids to remove excess skin and fat. Alternatively, they may make a transconjunctival incision through the lower eyelid that allows the surgeon to remove or reposition the fat without removing any skin.
- Final
Finally, the surgeon then closes the incisions with sutures or surgical tape. The patient experiences swelling, bruising, and discomfort for a few days. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve these symptoms. Stitches or surgical tape remove within a week, and most patients can return to work and normal activities within a week to ten days. There will be follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the patient’s recovery and ensure desired results achieves. It is important to note that the specific details of the procedure may vary depending on the patient’s situation, the surgeon’s preference, and the surgery’s extent.
What to Consider After Blepharoplasty Procedure?
After the operation, ointment applies to the patient’s eyes, which cover with sterile gauze for one hour. Usually, it is unnecessary to spend the night in the clinic, only in extreme cases when the doctor recommends it based on the increased risk of one of the possible complications. Expect your eyes to be bruised and swollen, but these symptoms will subside in about a week. Stitches are usually removed five days after the operation. Check out what needs to consider after the blepharoplasty procedure:
- Avoid applying eye make-up for at least two weeks.
- Don’t expose the area to direct sunlight or water.
- Don’t strain your eyesight by unnecessary reading or working on the computer.
- Follow the plastic surgeon’s advice on post-operative care and hygiene.
- Don’t engage in strenuous physical activities for a month or until the resulting wound is completely healed.
- Sun, wind, or dusty environment may irritate your eyes; we recommend you wear sunglasses.
What is the Recovery Process After Blepharoplasty?
You can leave for home care immediately if the procedure is under local anesthesia. We recommend having a companion with you, as you cannot drive directly after the surgery. Your eyes may be light-sensitive for a while, so we recommend wearing sunglasses.
If the surgery performs under general anesthesia, hospitalization is required. In the post-procedure period, we recommend observing a resting regimen and applying cooling compresses to prevent more significant swelling and bruising. The most pronounced swelling disappears in a few days. One week after the surgery, we recommend you sleep with your head elevated and limit physical activity.
The stitches will remove on the seventh day after the surgery. On the 13 days after surgery, gently massage the scars several times a day. You can use an oily cream without perfume or olive oil. You should not expose to sunlight for at least 2-3 months; even then, we recommend protecting your eyelids with a cream with a high SPF factor.
As part of post-operative care, your doctor will recommend using ice packs on your eyes about 4-5 times a day. It is necessary to carefully clean the caps and use the prescribed drops or ointments. You can wear contact lenses after 2 weeks, but this time may vary depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendation. We don’t recommend alcohol consumption after surgery. The regimen after blepharoplasty is straightforward and doesn’t significantly restrict you. Carefully apply cold compresses to the wound for 2-3 days to accelerate swelling. Check out the recovery process after blepharoplasty in general:
- Hospitalization: In surgeries performed under general anesthesia, discharge is possible according to the anesthesiologist’s instructions. After standard eyelid aesthetics perform under local anesthesia, bed rest with a cold compression bandage for 2-4 hours is appropriate. Afterward, the operated person can discharge for home treatment.
- Swelling and bruising: In post-operative care, avoiding significant swelling and bruising on the eyelids that occur in response to any procedure is essential. You can apply cold compresses. Swelling and bruises slowly absorb within 5-7 days with careful dressing.
- Sleep: At night, compresses should be tied with an elastic bandage to protect the eyes.
- Typical activities: It is usually possible to join the usual regimen one week after the procedure, but it is still necessary to protect the eyes with dark glasses and gradually stretch them.
- Physical load: Depending on the recovery situation, we can start with more physical bag and activity after 3-4 weeks. In the first month after the operation, it is necessary to protect from direct sunlight.
- Healing: The appearance and healing of post-operative scars are very individual. After the stitches remove, the spots are pink and gradually begin to fade.
- Make-up: It is possible to cover scars, usually 10 days after eyelid surgery. However, recovery occurs individually, so you should follow the attending physician’s instructions.
- Scars: Pink scars stay on the outer corners of the upper eyelids the longest, where they sometimes take a few weeks to disappear. Counting for at least 3 months is necessary to fix scars after eyelid aesthetics.
- Pressure massage: Eye massage after blepharoplasty after the scars have healed. Your operator will show you the entire procedure of pressure massage.
How Long After Blepharoplasty Will You See the Final Result?
The final results of blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, will typically become visible within several weeks after the procedure, but the swelling and bruising can last for a few weeks. However, the healing process can vary from person to person, and it can take several months for the final results to be fully apparent.
In the first week after the surgery, most patients experience swelling and bruising around the eyes, making it difficult to see the final results. The swelling and bruising will gradually subside over the following weeks, and the patient will start seeing the surgery’s final results.
Some people may experience a more extended healing period, and it can take up to several months for the final results to be fully apparent, especially if the procedure is extensive or if the patient has a slow healing process.
It’s essential to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, attend the follow-up appointments, and be patient while the healing process takes place. Your surgeon will be able to advise you on when you can expect to see the final results of the surgery.
How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost?
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty cost can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon’s fees, the location of the practice, the extent of the procedure, and the type of anesthesia used.
It’s also important to note that the cost of the procedure may not include additional expenses such as pre-operative lab work, anesthesia fees, and follow-up visits. Insurance coverage may also vary, and you should check with your insurance company what they cover.
Finding a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon or ophthalmologist who can provide high-quality care and achieve the desired results is crucial. While cost is a consideration, it should not be the sole deciding factor when choosing a surgeon. It’s always best to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your options and get a more accurate estimate of the procedure’s cost.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?
The cost of eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty can vary by country and location of the clinic or hospital. In general, medical procedures tend to be cheaper in developing countries compared to developed countries. Some countries known for their medical tourism industry, such as Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Turkey, Egypt, and Taiwan, offer blepharoplasty procedures at a much lower cost than is typically practiced in the USA, Canada, and Western Europe.
Although the procedure cost is lower in these countries, it is crucial to remember that the quality of care and qualifications of surgeons may not be the same as in developed countries. It is also essential to consider other factors, such as the level of post-operative care, availability of follow-up care, and quality of facilities.
It’s always best to research, compare prices and options, and consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to make a well-informed decision. You should also be aware of the risks and benefits of traveling abroad for medical treatments and make sure you have adequate travel and health insurance coverage. Here are the blepharoplasty costs by country:
| COUNTRY | COST |
| United States | $2000 to $5000 |
| Brazil | $1000 to $3000 |
| China | $2800 to $6500 |
| Japan | $3000 to $6000 |
| South Korea | $2000 to $3600 |
| India | $1500 to $3200 |
| Argentina | $1000 to $2800 |
| Mexico | $1150 to $3500 |
| Germany | $2300 to $4100 |
| Turkey | $1300 to $2000 |
| Colombia | $1200 to $4000 |
| Italy | $2250 to $4000 |
| France | $2400 to $5000 |
| Spain | $2500 to $4200 |
| Taiwan | $1200 to $4150 |
| Venezuela | $1000 to $2600 |
| United Kingdom | $3000 to $6500 |
| Netherlands | $2200 to $4500 |
| Egypt | $1300 to $2600 |
| Peru | $1500 to $4000 |
| AVERAGE COST | $1000 to $6500 |
Attention: For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a specialist surgeon for personal guidance.
References
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/wk/prs/2016/00000137/00000001/art00048
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01676830600985841
https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/FullText/2010/03000/Blepharoplasty_Complications.32.aspx
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2840922/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537078/
