Blepharoplasty in Greece
Blepharoplasty is one of the most common but at the same time one of the most demanding facial surgeries. In the upper eyelids, the aim is to correct the sagging of the upper eyelid, by removing the excess skin that covers the eye and gives a tired and sad look. In the lower eyelids, the aim is to remove the bags, improve the dent in the tear trough, remove the excess skin, treat the sagging of the lower eyelid and correct the corner of the eye. Especially for the lower eyelids, proper assessment and execution is of utmost importance.
With blepharoplasty we can also perform more specialized corrections, aesthetic and functional. For example, we can change the shape and inclination of the eyes, treat eyelid ptosis and correct the low bag that exists on the border with the cheekbone (festoon). In some cases we can intervene even more radically, perform a mini facelift of the middle face or combine blepharoplasty with other procedures such as temporal or frontal facelift, to achieve the so-called Foxy eye or cat eye.
The age at which a blepharoplasty is performed is relative. On the upper eyelids, it is usually performed at ages 45 and older, while on the lower eyelids it can be done even earlier. More important is the relaxation and anatomical peculiarities of the eyelids and not age.
One of the most frequent surgeries we perform. The key point is the correct assessment and selection of the appropriate technique!
Blepharoplasty Techniques
On the upper eyelids, the operation is usually performed under local anaesthesia and is of relatively short duration. The sagging of the skin is initially assessed and if and to what extent there is a prolapse of fat in the inner part of the eyelid. Skin removal is perfectly calculated and usually conservative, to avoid functional problems such as lagophthalmos and inability to close the eyelids. The removal of fat is also very conservative, only in the inner part, so that the operation does not lead to type A deformity, a skeletonized and hollow appearance of the eyes. The operation can be performed together with canthopexy, i.e. fixation of the outer corner of the eye in a higher position, so that there is no sad appearance in the eyes and the shape becomes more almond-shaped. In cases of real eyelid ptosis, additional manipulations can be performed to fold the eyelid levator muscle or lift the tarsal plate. Upper blepharoplasty can also be combined with other procedures, such as lower blepharoplasty, forehead lift or facelift.
On the lower eyelids, there are several options, depending on the indication that exists in each case. For example, when there is only a bag, the bag can be removed through the conjunctiva (transconjuctaval blepharoplasty), without external scarring. This technique has excellent results, quick recovery and no scarring. When there is sagging skin of the lower eyelid, a simple skin removal can be done as in upper blepharoplasty, or it can be combined with bag removal through the conjunctiva through the lower lid. In cases of more intense relaxation of the entire complex of the eyelids, a new fixation of both the external canthus with canthopexy or canthoplasty and the combination of the orbicularis muscle sling can be performed. Blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids can be extended even lower, to improve the tear line (tear trough) or low bag under the eyelids (malar bags-festoon).
In very mild cases of skin relaxation, we can improve the upper and lower eyelids using laser resurfacing or radiofrequenciy. An additional tool is fat transfer to the eyelids and periocular eyelids, which completes and completes any correction we perform invasively.
The most common problem of the upper eyelid is looseness of the skin and underlying muscle, which may be accompanied by bulging of the orbital fat pads or reduced tension of the lifting muscle. In some cases, the aging process has an impact on the outer corner of the eye, which may also require some correction in terms of a lateral canthopexy. It also very important to differentiate the looseness of the skin and muscles of the eye lid from the laxity of the brow. Although the clinical appearance may be almost identical, this problem is better solved through an endoscopic brow lift.
The lower eyelid suffers mostly from an underlying pouch and skin laxity, giving the appearance of puffy and tired sight. At this point we would like to explain the process through which the eye bags appear. The membrane holding the orbital fat pads underneath the eyelid loosens over the years, in some cases prematurely, and the fat prolapses outwards, creating a herniation and thus the eye bag. This means the fat itself is not increased, but dislocated from its original position.
After surgery
Blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids is performed under local anaesthesia, while when performed in combination upper and lower it is advisable to do it with local anaesthesia and sedation. There is no need to stay in the clinic. If desired by the person undergoing the operation, it can also be done under general anaesthesia, again without staying in the clinic.
The healing is very rapid and after 5 days the stitches are removed. The scars are almost immediately almost invisible and usually take 1-2 months to reach a point where they will stand out little or not at all. On the upper eyelids the recovery is very short and there are almost no or only minimal bruises. In the lower eyelids the swelling needs 2-6 weeks to subside completely.
Usually, people undergoing blepharoplasty can go outside the home wearing sunglasses on the same day of surgery. After the fifth day the glasses are not needed and one can move freely, putting a little concealer on the bruises, when necessary.
