Blepharoplasty is the plastic surgery responsible for removing excess skin from the upper and lower eye areas.
Also called droopy eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty helps correct a tired-looking appearance, which is caused by the weakening of the muscle that lifts the eyelids or even by a genetic predisposition.
Blepharoplasty is common in patients aged 40 and over; however, it is important to point out that blepharoplasty is also indicated for younger patients, from the age of 19.
The plastic surgery can correct cases in which the patient has excess skin or asymmetry even at 20 or 30 years of age, as Dr. Rogério Leal explains in the video:
How is blepharoplasty performed?
Blepharoplasty is performed in a hospital setting under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, with the best option determined by the surgeon. Incisions are made in the eyelid creases; in the case of lower blepharoplasty, the incision is made along the lash line.
Before eyelid surgery, it is important for the patient to have undergone all the preoperative tests to ensure a safe procedure.
In general, blepharoplasty lasts between one and four hours, depending on the complexity of each case and whether other procedures are combined.
For a better result, other aesthetic treatments may be indicated and performed during blepharoplasty surgery, such as a brow lift, hyaluronic acid fillers, fat transposition, chemical peels and others.
Where is the blepharoplasty scar?
Since the incisions are made in “hidden” places, such as the lash line and the natural crease of the eyelids, the scars are not visible.
This applies even in cases where fat transposition is performed to fill the so-called tear trough.
It is normal to have questions about surgical scars, so be sure to talk to your doctor so they can explain the procedure in detail and even show you photos of other surgeries.
What care is needed after blepharoplasty surgery?
In general, the patient is usually discharged on the same day as the blepharoplasty surgery. A good recovery and the reduction of swelling depend greatly on the care instructions given by the doctor.
The cold compresses are started while still in the hospital; they help reduce swelling and speed up recovery. At home, the patient should repeat the process for 15 to 20 minutes every hour during the first two days. On the third day, the frequency can be reduced to every two hours. On the fifth postoperative day, the intervals increase to three hours.
Cold compresses can be made with gauze moistened with saline solution or with ice packs. It is common for the patient to feel some discomfort or pain, which is easily relieved with painkillers prescribed by the doctor.
The stitches are removed seven days after surgery, and the patient is usually cleared to return to work right afterward. For physical activities, it is necessary to wait about 15 days, and it is always important to consult the surgeon.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation. Whether any procedure is indicated depends on an in-person assessment, case by case. CRM SP 90.116 | RQE 11.350.
