Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is a surgical procedure performed in which excess fat, skin, and muscle are removed from the upper and lower eyelids.
Reasons to have an eyelid lift
Aging is particularly noticeable in the eyelids, as wrinkles are almost impossible to avoid due to the amount of movement they make and the thin skin they need to perform their natural functions. Droopiness, the sagging that begins around the eyelids sooner or later begins to affect them. Eyelids can start to get bigger or bigger as people get older, due to hereditary reasons in the case of younger people or due to excessive eye strain. The eyelids can regain their normal appearance with the help of eyelid lifts.
Things to watch out for pre-surgery
The patient should undergo an examination before the procedure so that the method to be used and the priorities of the procedure can be determined. This procedure can be performed on patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and serious eye disorders with the permission of their doctor.
Age range
Eyelid lifting can be done in people between 35 and 75 years old. It can also be done on people with genetic factors that can lead to eyelid problems from the age of 20. It is necessary to operate on children born with eyelid defects before the age of 6.
Surgical method
The upper eyelid is cut along its fold line while the lower eyelid is cut immediately below the lashes. The sagging tissue of the upper eyelid is eliminated. Connective and muscle tissue is repaired while removing excess fat and skin. Once the excess fat, muscle, and skin from the lower eyelid has been removed, the incisions are stitched with special stitches so that no visible marks are left. A light bandage is placed over the stitches.
Type of anesthesia and length of the procedure
Blepharoplasties last between 1 and 3 hours and are performed under local or general anesthesia. If the upper and lower eyelids are used at the same time, the upper part first, the lower eyelids are monitored. The eyelids may feel tight after the anesthetic wears off; this is very normal and the pain can be managed with pain relievers recommended by your doctor. Patients do not feel any pain during the operation. The patient is discharged the same day.
Payback period
Care should be taken not to rub your eyes for 24 hours after the operation. The dressing placed on the eyelids and preventing them from closing is removed by your surgeon after 4 to 5 days, and the stitches are removed 3 to 7 days after the operation. After the stitches are removed, the swelling and bruising around the eyelids will gradually go away and you will start to see and feel better. 2-3 later you can read and watch TV. Usually, you will be able to return to your normal daily life within a week.
Things to pay attention to post-surgery
Avoid any activity that tires your eyes for the first 2 days.
You can take a shower / bath 4-5 days after the operation.
You can drive 5 days after the operation. Eye ointment (ointment) should be applied after driving.
Do not use makeup for a week after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
Wear sunglasses to avoid direct exposure to the sun.
You can wear contact lenses one week after the operation if you do it normally.