What You Should Know about Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery

Eyes are called the ‘window to the soul’ because it is through the eyes that we understand a person’s feelings or emotions. In this guide, learn about upper blepharoplasty, or upper eyelid surgery.

Our eyes play a role in facial beauty and perception of aging.  Aging is a natural phenomenon and unavoidable, and as we age, the functionality of our eyes declines.

The cells undergo wear and tear over time by diet, stress, and environmental toxins. These cause changes in elasticity, texture, and skin tone of eyelid muscles.

What is “blepharoplasty” or eyelid surgery?

Blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgery performed to remove excess skin or orbital fat. The procedure provides aesthetic correction to the eyes, including the eyelid, orbit, and lacrimal apparatus.

Blepharoplasty is also done for cosmetic purposes or facial rejuvenation. A popular form of upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelid) surgery is the double eyelid surgery. It is primarily performed in people with Asian descent to create a crease in the upper lid.

People with droopy eyelids and tired eyes may also benefit from an upper blepharoplasty procedure, namely ptosis correction. A double eyelid surgery is recommended if you want double eyelids or to improve your cosmetic appearance.

Is double eyelid surgery safe?

Blepharoplasty such as double eyelid surgery are generally safe.

The success rate of blepharoplasty is very high and the risks involved are very low.  A thorough physical examination including a detailed ophthalmic assessment is conducted before the surgery.

What can you expect from a blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty can be performed under local, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the patient’s health status, the extent of the surgery, and the surgeon’s preference.

A typical upper blepharoplasty takes an hour while lower blepharoplasty (for eyebags) involves a longer surgical time. A simple eyelid surgery only requires local anesthesia and can be performed in the clinic or day operating theatre.

 

 

However, a combined and more invasive surgery such as blepharoplasty with a mid-face lift or brow lift with fat repositioning is carried out under general anesthesia.

During the procedure

On the day of surgery, the surgical site is determined and marked preoperatively. The surgeon will perform a skin pinch test to confirm the accuracy of the preoperative markings.

A local anesthetic agent is injected superficially followed by incision of the skin using a blade or a cautery. Eyelid fats and muscles are resected to decrease heaviness on the surrounding structure. The incision is then closed using absorbable sutures and/or glue.

What are the pros and cons of blepharoplasty surgery?

The success of blepharoplasty largely depends on the complexity of the anatomical structures of the eyelids. Whether performed to correct a deformity or to enhance look, blepharoplasty has its pros and cons.

Pros

Cons

Blepharoplasty provides a long-lasting improvement of overall appearance. It is one of the most successful eyelid surgical operations where patient satisfaction is highest. It is a great way to improve vision, remove excess fats, get rid of eye puffiness, and provide a younger-looking face. The result of blepharoplasty lasts from 7 years to a lifetime. Depending on how quickly you age, repeat surgery may not be required. The scars are also hidden and virtually invisible for an aesthetic outcome.

As expected in any other surgery, people who undergo blepharoplasty experience bruising and swelling around the surgical site. Complications such as infection, wound dehiscence, hematoma, scar abnormalities, and vision loss may occur but the chance of these potential risks is very low. Patients will receive proper education and support following surgery including limitation of physical activity and administration of cold compress and antibiotic treatment. Pain, redness, and swelling around the surgical site are foreseen outcomes and should go away in a few weeks. However, recovery may be longer for complex and combined surgery.

What is the aftercare following blepharoplasty eyelid surgery like?

After blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery, the following tips are advised for a faster healing process:

 

• Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses when going outdoors. Avoid too much exposure to sunlight weeks after surgery.
• Limit physical activity. Avoid heavy lifting, bending, strenuous activity, and sex for a period of 3 to 4 weeks or as directed by the doctor.
• Avoid the use of contact lenses. Use eyeglasses instead.
• Have adequate sleep and rest. Sit upright as much as possible. Sleep with 2 to 3 pillows to alleviate swelling at the operative site.
• Avoid driving for a few weeks due to altered vision.
• Take a half-bath instead of a full shower until further advice by the doctor.
• Avoid a high-salt diet after surgery. Salt retains fluid and may aggravate symptoms of swelling.
• Contact the doctor immediately when experiencing fever, nausea, vomiting, increased pain,  prolonged bleeding, presence of discharge at the surgical site, and vision loss.

Check out my other blogpost where I include the typical aftercare routine following a blepharoplasty surgery.

When should I consider blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is becoming a common cosmetic procedure in all ages to correct any ophthalmic deformity such as ptosis, to look younger, and to keep eyes in harmony with the rest of the face. It also plays a role in facial rejuvenation that helps to increase confidence in people and able them to perform socially better.

Depending on your eye condition or goals, your plastic surgeon will recommend either a ptosis correction procedure (medical) or a double eyelid procedure (aesthetic) to suit your needs.

Looking for a recommendation for the best plastic surgeon specializing in Blepharoplasty? Check out our list of the top plastic surgeons in Singapore.