Blepharoplasty aims to provide a permanent solution to the ageing and loss of elasticity of the eyelids. The skin of the upper and lower eyelids is a very thin, sensitive area, so external environmental influences, genetics and age can often cause complaints, which are mainly aesthetic or psychological problems, but can also interfere with vision. Plastic surgery of the upper eyelids is caused by sagging skin on the upper eyelids, while “bags”, stretched and wrinkled skin on the lower eyelids, are common problems. The need for this procedure is mainly seen around the age of 40, but it may also be earlier due to genetic problems.
The surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia under surgical conditions. In addition to local anaesthesia, anaesthesia or intravenous sedation (general anaesthesia) is also available. The type of anaesthesia is discussed between the plastic surgeon, the anaesthetist and the patient. During surgery, the plastic surgeon can use several techniques to perform the desired procedure.
In upper blepharoplasty, an incision is made in the eyelid crease, and in lower blepharoplasty, an incision is made under the eyelashes, so that the crease is hidden and will not be visible after healing. After the incision, sagging skin and excess fat are removed and the skin is closed with thin non-absorbable threads.
Depending on individual needs and complexity, the surgery can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
The nature of the surgery does not require close hospital attention so the patient can return home on the day of surgery. With a balanced lifestyle and careful, gradual exercise, you can return to your normal routine within 1-2 weeks. Suture removal will be due on the 7th day after surgery.
The final shape will be visible 3-6 months after the operation, by which time the scars will have healed completely, as this is the time needed for the tissues to regain their softness and elasticity.
– better well-being, more self-confidence
– small, hidden scars
– a more youthful look
– visibly firmer, more aesthetic eyelids
– improved vision in some cases
Although complications are rare, it is worth being aware of the following potential complications:
– Haematomas : usually not serious and can be safely removed if necessary.
– Infections : very rare with this procedure, micro-infections may develop at the site of the stitches, but these are easily treated. Conjunctivitis is prevented by eye drops routinely prescribed for the first few days after the operation.
– Abnormal scarring: this is very rare in the eyelid, where there is usually minimal evidence of surgery after the skin has healed, but the scarring may be more pronounced than expected.
– Epidermal cysts : may appear along the scars but often clear spontaneously. If this does not happen, they are easily removed and have no effect on the final result. – Tear problems : excessive tear production is a less common problem than “dry eye syndrome”, which can aggravate an existing tear production deficiency.
– Ptosis : (drooping of the upper eyelid) : very rare, except in the over seventies, where a pre-existing problem may be exacerbated by surgery. – Lagophthalmos : (imperfect closure of the upper eyelid) : this may occur for the first few days after surgery but does not last more than a few weeks.
– Ectropion : (eversion of the lower eyelid) : the severe form is very rare after a correctly performed operation. The milder form may occur when the soft tissue is affected by excessive scar retraction; it usually diminishes after several weeks of regular massage, which improves the tone of the eyelids.
– The international literature also reports some particularly rare cases, such as diplopia (double vision), glaucoma or even blindness following blepharoplasty.
Dr. Ruzsena Bene
plastic surgery, reconstructive burn surgery, general surgery
English, French, Hungarian
Doctors English, French, Hungarian language
18+
Patients 18+ from ages and up
