BLEPHAROPLASTY (eyelid surgery)

Factors such as age, skin texture, visual or emotional problems can leave marks on the eyelids. When you are examined by a plastic surgery he/she will be able to analyze your problem and suggest a procedure only in case it can improve your look.
Many times the eyelid problem is associated with a clinical problem in which case the surgery may not be recommended. Other times, the clinical problems may be alleviated by surgery though not corrected by it.

Eyelid surgery only removes fat--usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes - features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision. This procedure will improve your look without interfering with the eyelid function as long as the post-surgery phase is normal.The most frequently asked questions about this procedure are: (click to see answers)

1. Is there na ideal age for this type of surgery?

No, there’s no ideal age but an ideal opportunity which is determined by the presence of the defect to be corrected.

2. Where are the scars? Are they visible?
The eyelid skin is very thin and so the scars to be practically invisible but to be certain the maturation period (3 months) should be waited. Because of their location, they can be covered by makeup from day one.

3. What kind of anesthesia?
Eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia--which numbs the area around your eyes--along with oral or intravenous sedatives. General anesthesia is only recommended in the rare cases when the local anesthesia is clinically not recommended or when there are other procedures being made simultaneously.

4. Is the post-surgery phase painful?
Usually no although there might be sensitivity in the area which can be removed with regular painkillers.

5. Will there be any swelling? For how long?
The swelling varies from patient to patient. Some patients have a very natural look even on day 4 or 5 after surgery, others only after the 8th. Even so, during the first 3 days after surgery there tends to be more swelling but the use of sunglasses can be helpful ten, as well as cold plasters around the eyes. Only after the third month can we tell whether the residual swelling is discreet or whether it compromises the final result.

6. How long will I be in hospital?

* Local anesthesia: from 4 to 8 hours.
* General anesthesia: 24 hours

7. How long is the surgery?
Usually around 90 min., depending on the case but they rarely go on longer than 50% of that time.

8. What are the purple bruises that some people have?
They’re just blood infiltration in the skin due to the surgery trauma and don’t represent any problem, nor are they considered complication. They are simply a transitory and reversible occurrence.

9. When will I get the final result?
After the third month, however, after the 8th day you’ll have reached about 25% of the result desired and during the 2 or 3 weeks after that this percentage will rise gradually.

10. Will my eyes be covered after surgery?
Not necessarily, we only recommend covering the eyes with cold bandages for a few minutes, many times a day as a way of reducing the bruising. Some surgeons, however, prefer to cover the eyes after surgery.

11. Is the final result worthwhile?
If you’re aware of what you want and your surgeon tells you that’s possible then yes. However, it is important to consider that eyelid surgery does not represent facial rejuvenation, it’s a localized procedure which will improve the aspect of the eyes, not the entire face. Wrinkles and other lines will not disappear with this kind of surgery.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EYELID SURGERY:

1. PRE SURGERY:
1. Check in hospital or clinica t appointed time
2. Tell your doctor of any changes in your health os physical state one day prior to surgery
3. Don’t wear make up in hospital or clinic
4. Bring sunglasses
5. If you check in on the day of surgery, don’t eat or drink anything (general anesthesia) or just a cup of coffe with mil and some crackers (local anesthesia).
6. Bring somebody with you to check in

2. After surgery:
1. Apply bandages wet in cold filtered water (or cotton dipped in cold water), 4 to 6 times a day, for 40 minutes, in the 8 first days
2. Free diet
3. Wear sunglasses when exposed to sunlight
4. Avoid sun, wind and cold for 8 days
5. Follow doctor’s prescriptions
6. Return to clinic to change bandage when doctor asked
7. Consult these instructions as many times as needed
8. Don’t touch or scratch the eyes
9. Normal activities after the third day