The eyelids and the area around the eyes are one of the most expressive elements of the face. This delicate area can be affected by factors such as long hours of sunbathing without glasses and late nights, but also by heredity, stress, and a diet that includes too much fat. The result is premature aging in the eyes, with an appearance similar to actual age, tired, or feeling heavy that worsens as the day goes by. In cases of severe drooping, a reduction of the field of vision from the eyelids “dropping” over the eyes can also occur.

Blepharoplasty can help patients achieve a more youthful appearance and improve vision. It eliminates the tired look and improves the overall appearance of the face. It releases the eyelids by relieving them of the weight of loose skin and excess fat. It reduces the discomfort caused to the forehead by the strain on its muscles when it has to lift the sagging eyelids constantly.

Blepharoplasty is usually addressed to people aged 35-40 years and older. This is because sagging is more apparent in that age range, although it is not excluded that it can be done at a younger age of 20-30 years if there is a hereditary condition.

Ideal candidates are all those who want to choose blepharoplasty as a solution to eyelid loss, sagging, and “bags” under the eyes and for aesthetic issues such as a desire to correct the shape of the eyes or to correct the arch of the eyebrows.

Blepharoplasty is a procedure whose results are permanent and follow the natural flow of aging as it happens with the rest of the face. Excess skin is eliminated to the maximum extent possible, resulting in the sculpting of the eyes. The fat of the upper eyelid responsible for the ‘heavy’ and drooping look is removed, as well as the fat on the lower eyelid responsible for the ‘bags’ of the eyes. The scars are almost invisible since the stitching is done as precisely as possible, and we take advantage of the natural folds of the eyelids. The results are immediate and spectacular, even with significant eyelid sagging, giving a more relaxed and lively look in no time.

There is no alternative to eyelid skin sagging other than blepharoplasty. The other treatments do not have the same results or the same duration. A typical example is laser treatment, whose effect is not permanent and usually not indicated if you have dark skin. Botox injections can soften fine wrinkles in the eye area and give a more relaxed look, but they do nothing for sagging skin and may even worsen its appearance.

Blepharoplasty can be combined with most facial cosmetic procedures, such as facelift (also known as wrinkle removal, which eliminates sagging and sagging skin) and mini lift, rhinoplasty (performed on the nose), genioplasty (performed on the jaw), and fat transfer (in which excess fat is taken from another area of the body and placed on the face to give firmness). However, it is advisable to discuss the possibility of a combined procedure with your doctor so that they can advise you appropriately for your case.

The operation can be performed individually on the upper or lower eyelid or both. In upper blepharoplasty, a section of skin and fat is removed in such a way that during suturing, the resulting scar is imperceptibly visible as a regular fold of the upper eyelid. In lower blepharoplasty, the incision is made under the eyelashes, erasing outwards to the wrinkles at the outer corner of the eye.

Then the fat is removed as well as a small amount of excess skin, and finally, the area is stitched with a thin suture. The anesthesia can be total or local, and the duration of the operation is about one and a half to two hours, while the patient can return home a few hours after the procedure. At first, the vision will be blurred due to the ointment placed in the eyes, but this does not last long. It is important to note that neither vision nor eye movement is affected.

The office visit – in which you’ll mention what exactly is bothering you about your appearance – is a key part of the process. You will discuss whether blepharoplasty is the indicated treatment for you. The doctor should be fully informed about your medical history, whether you are taking any medications, vitamins or herbal supplements, allergies, previous procedures, and whether you smoke. Dr. Pagkalos will then evaluate your overall health and any risk factors. You will discuss the possible results of the surgery and any risks, and finally, you will be informed about anesthesia.

Another critical part before the operation is the pre-operative check-up. This mainly includes blood tests and perhaps a chest X-ray and cardiogram if you need general anesthesia. More specialized tests may be requested after it is deemed necessary after reviewing your medical history. You will also need to stop smoking preoperatively and immediately postoperatively and avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, as they increase the risk of hemorrhaging.

The recovery time from blepharoplasty is different for each person. In general, however, there is no pain after the surgery; the only discomfort subsides on its own or with the usual painkillers on the 1st or 2nd day. Great care is needed with medications and painkillers such as aspirin that increase blood flow. After surgery, it is normal to experience swelling in the eyes and minor bruises that will go away on their own after a few days.

Although the procedure is performed in the eye area, swelling is likely to occur in other parts of the face. To minimize swelling and bruising, you can apply cold compresses to the eyelids, and when you sleep, you should lie with your head elevated for the first two days to reduce swelling. The use of spectacles is allowed, and the use of dark sunglasses is compulsory. The use of contact lenses is prohibited for the first seven days. Stitches are removed after seven days unless they absorb on their own. Showering and washing the face are not allowed for the first three days. Cleaning and make-up may be done after the first seven days.

Depending on the subject, the return to work is after 7-10 days. Bending and lifting weights should be avoided for the first few days, and vigorous physical activity is allowed after 15 days. Itching is perfectly normal and is an indication of the healing process of the skin. Also, drying of the eyes should be prevented by using special eye drops.

Blepharoplasty is a procedure that rarely presents complications if the plastic surgeon who will perform it is experienced and well-trained.