We all wish our face could stay youthful and fresh forever, but with time the skin begins to lose firmness, wrinkles appear, and bags may form under the eyes. These changes can make many people feel less confident and negatively affect how they see themselves.
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can help address these natural signs of ageing. This procedure can effectively improve both the upper and lower eyelids, reduce under-eye wrinkles, and correct puffy or sagging eyelids.
Blepharoplasty is usually performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, which means the patient remains awake but relaxed while the eyelids are numbed. In some cases, general anaesthesia may be used instead.
The surgeon makes incisions along the natural folds of the eyelids so that any resulting scars remain as discreet as possible.
Excess skin, muscle, and fat are then removed to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. In the lower eyelids, some of the fat may be repositioned rather than removed in order to fill hollow areas and achieve a smoother result.
Once the correction is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures, which are usually removed after a few days.
It is very important to inform your doctor about any medications, vitamins, allergies, or medical conditions before undergoing blepharoplasty.
To reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery, blood-thinning medications such as Aspirin or ibuprofen are usually recommended to be stopped at least two weeks before the procedure.
If you have high blood pressure, it is important that it is well controlled and within a normal range before the operation.
To support proper healing after blepharoplasty, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. This may include keeping the eyelid area covered with a dressing for the first three days and cleaning the stitched area twice daily.
Be sure to take any oral antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, along with medication to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
Cold compresses are usually recommended during the first three days after surgery to help limit bleeding and swelling. After this period, warm compresses may be used to help reduce the remaining swelling. It is important not to start warm compresses too early, as this may worsen bleeding and swelling.
The stitches are typically removed 5 to 7 days after the procedure.
Until the sutures are removed, the stitched area should be kept dry and protected from sweat and water.
Strenuous physical activity should be avoided during the first week, and rest in a cool, dry environment is generally recommended.
Keeping the head elevated above the body during the first days of recovery can also help reduce blood flow to the treated area and minimise swelling.
Although blepharoplasty is generally considered a very safe procedure, it still carries certain risks, as with any surgery.
The most common potential complications include bruising, swelling, bleeding, scarring, and infection.
These risks can usually be reduced significantly by following your doctor’s instructions carefully and taking proper care of yourself throughout the recovery period.