What everyone should know about blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is also known as plastic surgery of the eyelids. The upper eyelids are responsible for covering and closing the eyes. In addition, they are the structures that have the thinnest skin in the entire body.
Over the years, in addition to sagging skin around the eyes, the bags formed by fat can become prominent and work against a youthful look, negatively impacting your self-esteem.
How is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) performed?
In this procedure, the surgeon removes the excess upper and/or lower skin and, in some cases, part of the prominent fat bags.
Benefits of eyelid surgery
Blepharoplasty performed by specialized professionals, in addition to improving the patient's field of vision (since drooping eyelids impair reading and cause discomfort/fatigue in activities dependent on vision), also offers aesthetic benefits, producing a healthy and rejuvenated appearance.
5 reasons to perform blepharoplasty
- Improvement in the visual field
- Improvement in the tired appearance of the eyes
- Few hours of hospitalization
- Fast recovery
- Long-lasting result
When is eyelid surgery indicated?
The surgery is indicated for patients with advanced skin sagging and/or muscle sagging. Some people may have severe sagging even at a young age, so it can be indicated starting at age 30—when the aging process begins. The most common are patients over forty years of age.
Does blepharoplasty remove dark circles?
It depends! The surgery consists of removing excess skin and fat bags from the eyelids, which allows smoothing the dark circles caused by these alterations.
Which professionals are qualified to perform this surgery?
The Plastic Surgeon is the most qualified professional to perform this surgery.
In this case, Dr. Igor Passaglia completed 06 years of Medicine, 02 years of General Surgery, and 03 years of Plastic Surgery. After becoming a Plastic Surgeon, he also completed 02 more years of Fellows at USP SP in Cranio Maxillo Facial Surgery and Orbit Palpebral Surgery, being one of the few professionals in the country with this vast training and experience in the field.
Can I combine it with other surgeries like Facelift, Rhinoplasty, or canthoplasty?
Yes, these are combinations that optimize each other and are performed very frequently.
When does insurance cover blepharoplasty?
The removal of excess eyelids is covered by health insurance when the skin is impairing vision. If there is no medical report to that effect, the surgery is considered purely rejuvenating (plastic) and coverage is not mandatory.
What anesthesia is used in eyelid surgery?
In this surgery, we administer sedation with local anesthesia, always in the presence of the anesthesiologist, for greater safety and comfort of the patient.
How long does a blepharoplasty take?
Even though it is performed in a sensitive region of the body, the surgery is considered simple and quick, lasting about 90 minutes.
Where are the scars in eyelid surgery located?
Since the skin of the eyelids is not thick, blepharoplasty scars tend to be very thin and hidden in the skin creases. In the upper eyelid, it remains hidden in the palpebral sulcus, and in the lower eyelid, right below the lash line.
Contraindications to blepharoplasty
Patients with decompensated chronic diseases such as:
- diabetes,
- hypertension,
- heart failure,
- We must control them before undergoing plastic surgery.
Those who have vision problems, such as myopia or hyperopia, for example, can undergo surgery without any problems.
What exams are needed to perform blepharoplasty?
According to the patient's age and the presence of associated conditions, preoperative exams are requested, such as blood tests (hemogram and coagulogram), chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram.
What is the appearance like?
Swelling (edema) is common in the first three days after blepharoplasty. Bruising (ecchymosis) is also common. However, both are expected consequences, which usually improve in the two weeks following surgery.
What is the recovery time after blepharoplasty?
Full healing after blepharoplasty can take up to 12 months, which is the time for the incision to become just a very thin and almost imperceptible line on the eyelid. The time away from work activities is 10 days on average.
When are stitches removed?
Stitches can be removed between 3 and 5 days.
What procedures do I recommend for a better recovery?
Healing
The surgery leaves a discreet scar, as it is located exactly in the crease of the upper eyelid (portion that is hidden when the eye is open) and right below the lower lash line, in the case of the lower eyelid, or inside the conjunctiva. The appearance of keloids is very rare in this region.
Smoking
Smoking should be avoided at least 1 month before the intervention and in the two months following surgery as it impairs microcirculation and compromises healing.
Hygiene
It should be done normally with water and soap, since there are no dressings at the site.
Rest
Rest of one week should be done, until the stitches are removed.
Sunglasses
They should be used until healing is complete, about 30 days. The action of the sun can hinder healing and leave the skin of the region stained.
For sleeping
The patient must sleep on their back for two weeks, after that it is possible to sleep on their side.
Swelling
Cold compresses made with water and gauze help reduce swelling in the area.
What are the risks of eyelid surgery?
- According to the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, the risks of surgery are:
- infection,
- temporary vision impairment or loss,
- eyelid dysfunction,
- deep vein thrombosis.
What can go wrong in this surgery?
Although blepharoplasty seems like a simple surgery, it is very important that you choose a surgeon with a great resume and solid training.
The surgeon needs to take some care with eye health when performing this surgery, such as avoiding dryness of the cornea, keeping it lubricated with ophthalmic ointments during the procedure. They must also carefully control bleeding by performing good hemostasis, as released blood can compress the optic nerve and even cause blindness.
Inexperienced surgeons can also make aesthetic mistakes in the surgery. The most common error is the excessive removal of skin (making it difficult to close the eyes) or insufficient removal of skin (causing patient dissatisfaction, as there is still skin to be removed), poor positioning of the incisions, excessive removal of fat bags (leaving the lower eyelid hollower) or insufficient removal of fat bags (leaving fat residue and causing patient dissatisfaction).
How to avoid these problems with surgery?
When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform blepharoplasty, remember that the surgeon's experience and your good relationship with them are as important as the final cost of the surgery.
A good starting point is to use the list below as a guide during your consultation.
- Is the doctor a specialist in plastic surgery registered with the CRM (RQE)? It is possible to check this on the website of the institution (CFM).
- Is the plastic surgeon a Full Member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery – SBCP? It is important for you to know that members within the SBCP have levels of category and experience, with "Full Member" (Membro Titular) being the highest of them, as the professional goes through a rigorous evaluation to receive it.
- How many years of training in plastic surgery does the doctor have?
- Is the location chosen for the surgery safe?
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What is expected of me to obtain the best results?
- Where and how will the procedure be performed?
- What surgical technique is recommended for me?
- What recovery time can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
- What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
- How are complications treated?
Depending on the professionals and the structure involved, to give you greater safety, you will find blepharoplasty with varying costs, from the most affordable to the most expensive. The cost includes hospital, materials, and labor of the plastic surgery team.
The Federal Council of Medicine and the Internal Regulations of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery prohibit the disclosure of plastic surgery prices on the internet. Only after performing an in-person evaluation or video consultation can I provide a value.
Now, pay close attention when choosing the professional!
Do not use price as the main factor. As I said, although rare unforeseen events can occur, the location and doctor you choose must be prepared to handle them.
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