Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure used to remove excessive skin from the upper and lower eyelids. It is also possible to improve the appearance of puffy eyes by reducing the amount of fat around the eye orbit.
Pretreatment
A detailed physical examination is performed during the preoperative assessment. The specific aspects of the desired eyelid improvement are then determined.
Before the surgery, it is important to tell the doctor about any eye problem you may have, including: the need for glasses, glaucoma, cataracts, dry eyes, double vision, and any prior surgical procedure, including laser eye surgery (Lasik). Eye makeup must be avoided for at least one or two days prior to the procedure.
Conduct of the Procedure
Eyelid surgeries are among the aesthetic procedures with the highest satisfaction rate. The eyes are known as one of the first body areas showing signs of aging. Patients say they look tired even if they are not.
The procedure is usually carried out under local anesthesia. A mild sedative can be given to achieve optimal comfort. The patient must be taken home after the procedure. The patient will receive instructions for the next coming days when leaving the clinic.
Recovery Period
At home, it is recommended to rest in the first days after the surgery. Normal activities can resume two weeks after the surgery, but strenuous physical activities must be avoided for six weeks.
It is recommended to get plenty of rest and sleep in a semi-seated position so as to reduce the swelling of the eyelids. It is not recommended to bend the head forward.
Cold compresses will be applied over the eyelids every hour on the first day after the surgery. This will help reduce the swelling.
The patient can have difficulty in closing his or her eyelids completely. This normal reaction will disappear quickly. Lubricating eye drops will be prescribed in the meantime.
Follow-up
The stitches will be removed about 7 days after the surgery.
In general, swelling and bruising (if any) disappear within one week, but they can persist for two to three weeks.
Makeup is allowed when the wounds are healed.
Contact lenses must be avoided during the first two weeks.
The scar, usually almost invisible, may take up to six months before its final appearance can be seen. It may also be completely resorbed two weeks only after the surgery.
Minor Complications
Asymmetry: this is the most common complication. It is usually temporary, but another surgery may be needed.
Ectropion/entropion: malposition of the lower eyelid which can result in damage to the eyeball. It is treated with massages and artificial tears. This complication may require another surgery.
Dry eyes: in case of reduced blinking, the cornea may be overexposed to air and show signs of dryness. This can be treated with rewetting drops.
Diplopia (double vision): In the vast majority of cases, this complication is rare and temporary.
Corneal involvement: eye protection and antibiotics may be needed for a few days.
Incomplete eyelid closure: in general, this complication is temporary
Infection
Cysts and nodules
Severe Complications
Contact your doctor immediately if one of the following symptoms occurs:
- Significant, increasing pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Eye more swollen than the other
- Persistent bleeding in the incision area
- Decreased vision
Blepharoplasty – Four Eyelids
Blepharoplasty – Four Eyelids
Pictures shown on this page are illustrations. They are intended for informational, non-promotional purposes: they only show a possible result of a procedure. Dr. Cardin-Langlois cannot warrant that a specific result can be achieved.