Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

The area of the face that most influences a person’s gaze and, consequently, the impression they give is the eye area. Over time, the upper and lower eyelids may sag, and wrinkles or bags under the eyes can make a person appear tired, unhappy, and older than they actually are. This situation can cause not only aesthetic concerns but also vision problems by distorting the angle of vision.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery refers to procedures performed to correct deformities such as sagging, loosening, and bagging that occur in the upper and lower eyelids for any reason.

Factors contributing to eyelid problems include genetic factors, aging, smoking, alcohol addiction, disturbances in sleep patterns, frequent crying, and long-term use of antidepressant medications.

The age for blepharoplasty may vary depending on the cause. The procedure can be performed after the twenties for genetic issues and after the thirties for age-related concerns. In cases of congenital functional eyelid issues in children, surgery should be performed before the age of six.

How is Blepharoplasty Performed?

The procedure is usually carried out under local anesthesia (numbing only the area around the eyes) and sedation (administering sedatives). General anesthesia may be preferred depending on the patient’s condition. The surgery typically lasts about 1 hour, and the patient can go home the same day.

During the surgery, incisions are made along the natural lines of the upper eyelids and just below the eyelashes of the lower eyelids. The herniated fat tissue is corrected through these incisions, and excess muscle and skin tissue is removed. Preserving the fat tissue as much as possible is crucial. After the surgery, a very faint scar is left, which is barely noticeable.

Before Blepharoplasty

Aspirin and similar blood thinners, as well as herbal teas like green tea and vitamin E, should be discontinued one week before the surgery.

If the patient regularly takes any medications or has a chronic illness, they should inform the doctor during the examination.

Particularly, conditions like eye pressure, hypertension, dry eye, and thyroid diseases should be mentioned during the examination, as they increase the risks associated with blepharoplasty.

After Blepharoplasty

After eyelid surgery, no bandages are applied, only very thin strips are used, allowing the patient to easily see their surroundings. Swelling, bruising, dryness, burning, blurred vision, increased tearing, and photosensitivity may occur around the eyes following the surgery. In the initial days, there may be difficulty fully closing the eyes. These symptoms are temporary and typically resolve within a week. An ice pack can be applied to the eyes for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and bruising. The day after the surgery, a follow-up is conducted, and the strips are replaced. The patient can return to normal activities 2-3 days after the procedure, and the stitches are removed within 5 days. Makeup can be applied once the stitches are removed. Within the first month after the surgery, the eyelids become unrecognizable, and full recovery is generally completed within about 6 months.