Let's learn everything about eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty)!

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, "Oh, my eyes look so tired, I look older than I am?" Maybe your upper eyelids are drooping a little. Or maybe you have bags under your eyes. This is a problem that many people have. So today we're going to talk about something you can do to solve this.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Simply put, blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of your eyelids. We usually call this 'eyelid surgery'. It mainly reduces the appearance of bags under your lower eyelids and removes excess skin that hangs down from your upper eyelids.

Now think about it, as we age, our skin loses its elasticity. Along with that, with the force of gravity, extra skin starts to accumulate in our upper and lower eyelids. That's when our eyelids start to look droopy. This surgery can be done on the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or both at the same time.

Most of the time, this surgery involves removing excess skin, muscle, and fatty tissue from the inside. However, sometimes, instead of removing this tissue, doctors reposition it in the right place.

But there's one thing to remember. This surgery won't completely eliminate dark circles, crow's feet, or other facial wrinkles. There are other treatments for that. Often, this surgery can be done in conjunction with things like laser resurfacing or brow lifts.

Who is this surgery best suited for?

Generally, people who are over 30 years of age, in good health, and without other eye-related conditions are best suited for this surgery. If you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor about them.

• Eye diseases such as glaucoma, dry eyes, or detached retina.
• Thyroid diseases, for example Graves' disease, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism.
• Heart disease, high blood pressure, or other circulatory system diseases.
• Diabetes.

Your expectations for this surgery should be realistic. It is true that this surgery can improve your appearance and increase your self-confidence. ButDon't expect your facial features to change completely. Most people's eyes are not exactly the same, and one may be slightly different from the other. These things are part of our body's early development. This surgery will not change the basic shape of your face. So, before deciding to have surgery, have a good understanding of your face and talk to your surgeon about your expectations.

How do you prepare before surgery?

As you prepare for surgery, your eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) will give you some instructions. Here are some of them.

Also, it is essential to arrange in advance for a trusted family member or friend to drive you home after surgery and stay with you that night.

How is the surgery done?

Depending on your needs and your doctor's recommendation, this surgery can be performed on the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or both.

Upper Blepharoplasty

In this, the surgeon makes a small incision in the natural crease of your upper eyelid. This way, the incision is not visible when your eyes are open. The excess skin and fat that has bulging out are then removed and the incision is sewn back together.

Lower Blepharoplasty

If you are having surgery for a lower eyelid, your doctor will make an incision just below the lower lash line. The excess skin will be removed through that incision. Sometimes, an incision (transconjunctival incision) may be made inside the lower eyelid to remove or reposition the excess fat.

Typically, upper eyelid surgery takes about 45 minutes to an hour . If both the upper and lower eyelids are done at the same time, it can take about two hours.

What happens after the surgery? And are there any risks?

After surgery, your upper eyelid will have stitches that will last for about a week. If the incision in your lower eyelid was made from the inside, no stitches will be needed. It is normal for your eyelids to swell and turn blue after surgery. You will need to stay home from work for a few days and rest.

Like any surgery, there are some risks. Complications are rare, but they can happen.

Although the chances of these occurring are very low, it is important to be aware of these risks before having the surgery. However, many people are very happy with the results of this surgery.

How long does it take to heal? How long do the results last?

The surgery is usually not painful, but there may be some swelling and bruising. Most people are back to normal in about two weeks (10-14 days) . However, it may take several months to fully recover. During the recovery period, you can use cold compresses and antibiotic ointment as prescribed by your doctor to reduce swelling.

This surgery cannot stop your eyes from aging. But the results are usually long-lasting. The results of an upper eyelid surgery can last for 5-7 years and can last a lifetime. A lower eyelid surgery usually doesn't need to be done more than once in a lifetime.

If your eyes remain dry for more than two weeks after surgery, see your doctor.