Blepharoplasty – upper and lower eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure during which excess skin and the fat herniations responsible for a “heavy,” tired, and asymmetric appearance of the eyelids are removed. The skin around the eyes is exceptionally thin and quickly loses firmness, which is why this is one of the first places where wrinkles, drooping, and so-called bags appear.

It is the most frequently chosen procedure for drooping eyelids — unlike patches or tapes, it removes the cause of the problem rather than merely masking it. Two spellings of the name function in parallel in the literature and in search engines: blepharoplasty and blepharoplasty — both denote the same procedure.

The procedure is performed by a surgeon following a prior consultation and medical qualification. Depending on your needs, the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both areas at once are corrected. The result is a refreshed, more rested look and the restoration of the natural symmetry of the eye area.

You may consider blepharoplasty in situations such as:

• excess skin on the upper eyelids, forming an overhanging fold
• bags and shadows under the eyes resulting from fat herniations
• drooping of the upper eyelid limiting the field of vision
• asymmetry of the eyelids
• a tired, “sad” look of the eyes despite being well rested
• a desire to rejuvenate and refresh the eye area

The procedure begins with a consultation, assessment of the excess skin, and precise planning of the incision line. The surgeon then administers local (infiltration) anesthesia, so that you remain conscious throughout but feel no pain.

The incisions are made in the natural fold of the upper eyelid or just below the lash line of the lower eyelid, so that the scars remain hidden. The surgeon removes excess skin, a fragment of the orbicularis oculi muscle, and fat herniations, and sometimes repositions fatty tissue to areas where it is deficient. The wound is closed with precise sutures. The whole procedure usually takes from 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent.

You achieve optimal tension of the eyelid skin, a smoother and more rested look, and restored symmetry of the eye area. Immediately after the procedure, mild swelling and bruising may appear, which subside within a few days.

After a few weeks the scars become practically invisible, and you assess the final result once the swelling has fully subsided. The results are permanent and last for years.

Proper care of the wound and sutures is crucial for aesthetic healing. Remember to:

• apply cool compresses in the first few days, limiting swelling and bruising
• keep the area around the sutures clean and dry as instructed by the physician
• sleep with your head elevated above heart level
• avoid physical exertion, bending over, and rubbing your eyes
• come in to have the sutures removed between day 5 and day 7
• protect the eye area from the sun and use SPF sunscreen
• return to full activity after about 2–3 weeks

We do not perform it in cases such as:

• blood clotting disorders
• poorly controlled systemic diseases (diabetes, hypertension)
• active viral or bacterial infections in the eye area
• pregnancy and breastfeeding
• eye diseases such as dry eye syndrome or glaucoma (require assessment)
• a tendency to form keloids (relative contraindication)
• allergy to anesthetic agents

The final qualification is carried out by the surgeon during the consultation.