What to Expect When Undergoing a Blepharoplasty
Undergoing eyelid surgery, or a blepharoplasty procedure, is becoming increasingly popular. There are several reasons for having eyelid surgery, ranging from creating a more appealing, larger-eyed look, removing dark circles under the eyes, and looking younger by getting rid of the bags and wrinkling in the eyelids. There are five different types of blepharoplasty procedures used to accomplish these goals.
Blepharoplasty Types
An upper blepharoplasty deals with the upper eyelids. It remedies issues with wrinkling, droopiness and puffiness that can make the patient look tired and older than their years. The surgery can also improve the upper eyelid’s functionality by removing skin that impairs vision. Upper eyelid surgery generally takes about one to two hours. The recovery time can take one to two weeks and results last about eight years on average.
A lower blepharoplasty is often used to reverse ageing and gravity’s effects on the lower eyelids. As we age, we lose elasticity in our skin, which begins to sag and droop. The skin under the eyes tends to collect in pouches. The skin may also take on a darker color, resulting in unwanted dark circles under the eyes that make us look older. A lower eyelid procedure takes about the same time as an upper blepharoplasty, and the recovery time and longevity of the result are also about the same length.
Bilateral eyelid surgery combines an upper and lower blepharoplasty into one procedure. Doctors recommend a bilateral eyelid procedure when the patient has swollen and sagging skin in both the upper and lower eyelids. Depending on the eyelid’s condition, the surgery takes from one to three hours, and recovery time is around ten days to two weeks. Patients are asked to avoid sun exposure post-surgery and wear sunglasses on their way home from the clinic. For the first 24 hours after surgery, it’s recommended to gently use cold compresses on the eyes to reduce swelling and avoid wearing contacts or straining your eyes for at least two weeks.
Double Eyelid Surgery is extremely popular with Asian patients who have monolid eyes. These are eyes that don’t have the crease on the eyelid that allows you to open your eyes wide. Many patients often opt for double eyelid surgery to make their eyes appear bigger.
There is a choice of two surgical techniques used in double eyelid surgery. In the full-incisional technique, the surgeon makes thin, precise incisions in your eyelids. They will then remove excess skin and fat before attaching the skin and muscle to the connective tissue in the eyelid. The amount of skin removed will depend on the length and height of the desired crease. The incisions are hidden in the crease and will be unnoticeable once the eyelid is completely healed.
The suture technique is also known as the double suture and twisting technique (DST). In this technique, the surgeon strategically places sutures that compress the upper eyelid structure into a more natural-looking crease. The technique can take as little as 30-40 minutes for both eyes. Recovery can take as little as a week to ten days.
Transconjunctival Eye Surgery is performed to reduce the fat pockets around the eyelids and make the eyes look less baggy, swollen, and puffy. Many patients choose this procedure because their lower baggy eyelids make them look much older than their years. Patients with plenty of skin elasticity respond well to this procedure, and it’s often all that’s needed to remove eye bags successfully. The procedure typically takes under an hour to perform and heals within seven to ten days.
Before and Undergoing a Blepharoplasty
The steps taken before and after a blepharoplasty procedure are designed to reduce the chances of complications and infection. You’ll undergo a consultation with your surgeon as the first step to improving the look and function of your eyelids. Your surgeon will explain the procedure in detail, the preparation required beforehand, and the aftercare regimen you’ll be expected to follow to achieve the best results.
Before your eyelid surgery, you’ll undergo a medical evaluation to ensure there are no reasons to postpone or avoid the surgery. You’ll also be asked about any medications you’re taking and asked to avoid taking aspirin, blood-thinning medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements. These medications can increase bleeding and bruising. You’ll also be asked to stop smoking before and after the procedure.
Eyelid surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis. You may be mildly sedated to feel more comfortable. The surgery is typically performed under a local anesthetic. You should arrange for a ride home, as you’ll be unable to drive, and someone should stay with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure.
Aftercare of Your Blepharoplasty Procedure
Recovery from a blepharoplasty procedure should take between 7 days to 2 weeks. Although you can wear eyeglasses a day or two after your procedure, you should avoid wearing contact lenses until at least 2 weeks after the surgery.
The ointment used during the surgery can make your vision blurry temporarily. Avoid driving until your vision clears up and you’ve stopped taking pain medication. For the first 3-4 days after your surgery:
- Avoid any heavy lifting or exercise
- Try to avoid sneezing, coughing and vomiting. These can cause your wounds to bleed.
- Rest and sleep with your head raised to help reduce any swelling.
- Keep your incisions clean and dry. Use baby wipes to clean your eyes, and apply cold compresses often to reduce swelling.
Have Your Blepharoplasty at Nirunda Aesthetic Clinic
If you’re contemplating a blepharoplasty procedure, your first step should be to make an appointment for a consultation at Nirunda Aesthetic Clinic. Our surgeons can give you an examination and tell you whether you’re a good candidate for eyelid surgery. They can also advise which blepharoplasty procedure would provide you with the desired results and answer any questions you have about the procedure. Book an appointment at Nirunda Aesthetic Clinic today.
