COSMETIC FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY
ΒΛΕBLEPHAROPLASTY/ EYELID SURGERYΦΑΡΟΠΛΑΣΤΙΚΗ
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is performed to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, providing a more youthful face and a rested, "live", bright eye look. More specifically, it treats the sagging of the upper eyelids, removing excess skin and fat and the "bags" of the lower eyelids by tightening the skin. Additionally, it eliminates swelling, "puffiness" or "dark circles" around the eyes.
Eyelid surgery is painless, lasts 1-2 hours and uses local or general anesthesia. It has no complications, and with this technique, any complications from previous failed operations can be corrected. Usually, the patient can leave same day (single day care) and the return to work within 5-7 days. The cost of eyelid surgery is accessible to all since in most cases does not require general anesthesia or expensive pharmaceuticals. At the same time, the cost of the upper eyelid, in some cases, can be covered by insurance in case vision is provenly affected.
The cosmetic effect lasts several years, even permanently. Successful blepharoplasty restores the freshness and radiance of the eyes, resulting in eyelids that "blend in" harmony with the rest of the facial features. However, in cases of intense and extensive facial sagging, it is expected to be unable by itself to give an attractive appearance. For example, if we have a completely aged face, an eyelid surgery will give us a result that is unnatural and mismatched with the rest of the facial appearance. Thus, its needs to be combined usually with some other surgery, such as a temporal lift (which can be done simultaneously), facelift or lifting of the neck to achieve the best and most natural aesthetic results.
Blepharoplasty can now be performed without a knife, by injecting autologous fat-especially if the extent of the problem is not very large. The cosmetic improvement of the eyelids with the new micro-fat grafting technique offers immediate and spectacular results, in a more painless way compared to conventional blepharoplasty. The plastic surgeon under local anesthesia takes a small amount of fat from parts of the body of the woman or the man, where available, such as from the abdomen, thighs, hips or upper arms. Then the fat is processed and infused with a special cannula in the brow area, which achieves an uplift: It is important to note that in cases where the aging type of upper eyelids creates "sunken" eyes, injected fat is the ultimate application while the removal of skin and fat at this point is an absolute contraindication, since it will worsen the problem.
Other points injected with autologous fat are the grooves between the nose and lower eyelids and the area between the lower eyelids and cheekbones (achieving uniform skin, without cavities and wrinkles). Simultaneously dark circles, "bags" and fine wrinkles of the outside corner of the eyelid are vanished, something not achieved effectively by other currently available methods.
The renewal of the whole image of the face offered by eyelid surgery makes it especially popular among women and men.
FAQs regarding blepharoplasty
Am I a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty?
Some of the reasons why you might consider an eyelid surgery are:
First of all, when you have excess skin that covers the natural crease of your upper eyelids or your upper eyelid has "fallen" and covers your vision- this happens particularly with the passage of time in both sexes as a result of the relaxation of tissues. Also, when there are "bags" and creases that make the lower eyelid stand out from the skin of the cheek, and "dark circles" which make eyes look tired and sad. Therefore, not only your look isn't highlighted, other attractive facial features, such as a rare eye color get lost. Another reason, especially important for the female population, is when the upper surface of the eye has become very small- reducing the distance between the eyebrow and eyelid- or the area is no longer smooth enough to apply makeup. Many times both the upper and lower eyelid surgery are performed for therapeutic reasons as the removal of excess upper skin from the upper eyelid improves peripheral vision while the support of the lower eyelid treats tearing.
There are two ways in which aging affects our eyelids: one is a large excess tissue and sagging, while the other is the emaciation, namely "sunken" eyes. The problem in the second case, due to atrophy of fat and is best treated with the so-called augmented blepharoplasty, which consists of micro fat grafting or hyaluronic acid injection in order to address the atrophy.
How can I best prepare for my blepharoplasty?
The plastic surgeon will ask you detailed questions related to the health of your eyes because he has to take account any eye problems such as dry eyes, glaucoma, allergies, etc. He can also make a test to verify the production and drainage of your eye tears. It is suggested that you control smoking a few weeks before surgery to facilitate better healing, and to avoid additional frustration. Also, avoid taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or homeopathic preparations that may cause bleeding postoperatively.
Can eyelid surgery improve my eyesight?
It is not unusual excess skin around the eyes to prevent vision. This can be attributed to the relaxation of muscles which "elevate" the eyelids, causing the eyelids to "cover up" the part of the eye through which we can see. If you believe "droopy" eyelids restrict your vision, an appointment with an ophthalmologist for an examination of your visual field can be especially useful. This is because the results of this special eye test will determine whether or not the removal of excess skin will improve your eyesight. If a blepharoplasty is considered medically necessary to improve eye vision, then the matter of restoring the functionality of the eyelids emerges and the surgery can be covered by insurance.
Are there any factors that contribute to faster recovery after an eyelid surgery?
It is very important the first 24 hours after surgery to avoid any intense activity, maintain the head in an elevated position and use cold compresses to minimize swelling. Because the surgery can disrupt the normal tearing process which keeps the eyes hydrated and there are dry eyes following the procedure, artificial tear eye drops can relieve dry eyes and contribute positively to the recovery process. Avoid, also, tasks or factors that may stress or irritate the eyes, such as watching TV, using a computer, using makeup and contact lenses or participating in sports. Important also is the adequate protection of the skin and eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun, after undergoing an eyelid surgery: use, therefore, sunscreen and dark sunglasses to effectively protect your eyes from infections and intense light.
When can I use contact lenses again after my eyelid surgery?
There is no absolute answer to your question. The period of being able to wear again your lenses varies depending on your recovery progress. Moreover, it takes a while for the eyes to get healed and close well, and also to return to the normal tear function for the treatment of dry eyes In general, you can start using your contact lenses when the swelling of the area subsides along with the above symptoms. In any case, the first few months after your procedure you need to carefully place your contact lenses and remove them without having to stretch the corner of the eye.
How long does the cosmetic effect of eyelid surgery last?
Most patients perform one blepharoplasty in their lives, since the aesthetic result of an eyelid surgery is long-term. In most cases, the removal of the "sagging" and excess skin of the upper eyelid is a process that is performed once. However, keep in mind that nothing can stop the aging process: as this continues, your eyebrows can lose their desired height and "fall" again, resulting in the reappearance of excess skin in the upper eyelids, but in this case, the solution may be a lifting of the eyebrows and not a second blepharoplasty. Lower eyelid surgery, which is usually done to remove "bags" and "dark circles", also has permanent results.
