Blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that corrects imperfections of the upper and lower eyelids, removing excess skin, fat deposits, and redundant muscle tissue. The periocular area is one of the first to show signs of aging, as eyelid skin is the thinnest in the body. Over the years, upper eyelids tend to become heavy, sometimes even limiting the field of vision, while lower eyelids develop bags and dark circles that give a tired and aged appearance. Blepharoplasty restores freshness and brightness to the eyes, with an immediate and natural rejuvenating effect.
Blepharoplasty is recommended for those who present periocular concerns that cause aesthetic discomfort or, in some cases, functional limitations: • Drooping upper eyelids with excess skin that weighs down the gaze or limits the field of vision • Under-eye bags caused by herniated fatty tissue accumulation • Excess eyelid skin creating unsightly folds • Tired and aged-looking eyes that do not reflect the patient's health and vitality • Pronounced dark circles with a deep tear trough • Eyelid asymmetries that compromise facial harmony
The procedure is not recommended in the following cases: • Severe dry eye syndrome, as blepharoplasty can further reduce tear production and worsen the condition • Uncontrolled glaucoma or other significant ocular conditions that require ophthalmological treatment first • Hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease), which causes protrusion of the eyeballs and requires thyroid function stabilization first • Coagulation disorders or use of anticoagulant medications that cannot be discontinued • Unrealistic expectations regarding complete elimination of periocular wrinkles (crow's feet)
The procedure takes 1-2 hours depending on whether upper, lower, or both eyelids are treated. It is generally performed on an outpatient or day surgery basis. Recovery requires 7-10 days: swelling and periocular bruising are normal in the first 2-3 days, and applying cold compresses and keeping the head elevated during rest is recommended. Sutures are removed after 5-7 days. Return to normal daily activities is possible after approximately one week, while contact lens use should be avoided for the first 2 weeks.
Yes, blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia with conscious sedation, ensuring maximum patient comfort during the procedure without the risks associated with general anesthesia. The patient remains awake but completely relaxed and feels no pain. For upper eyelids, the surgeon makes an incision in the natural eyelid crease; for lower eyelids, the incision can be placed just below the lash line or, in the transconjunctival technique, inside the eyelid with no external scar.
Initial improvements are visible after suture removal, but residual swelling and bruising may partially mask the result in the first weeks. Final results are appreciated after 1-2 months, when swelling has completely resolved and scars have matured, becoming virtually invisible. The eyes appear more open, bright, and rested, with a natural rejuvenating effect that can take several years off the overall facial appearance.
Incisions are carefully positioned to ensure maximum discretion. For upper eyelids, the incision follows the natural eyelid crease and is completely hidden when the eyes are open. For lower eyelids, the incision is made just below the lash line, where it becomes virtually invisible once healed, or with the transconjunctival technique (inside the eyelid) which leaves no visible external scar. Scars mature over the course of several weeks and become imperceptible.
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