Upper eyelids usually start to become limp in the third decade of life but even in younger age there can be extra fat in upper and lower eyelids which causes older and sadder look. These changes can be modified or completely removed by eyelids operation, so called blepharoplasty.
On the upper eyelids we remove the stripe of extra skin, part of the muscle under the lid and the fat accumulated on specific spots. On the lower eyelids we remove much less of the skin to prevent unnecessary tension. The most important is to remove accumulated extra fat from all exactly defined spots - 2 on the upper eyelids and 3 to 4 on the lower eyelids.
Blepharoplasty is suitable for men and women in all ages. When keeping the correct and detailed technique it can refresh and rejuvenates the whole face. We proceed the operation very often and the prognosis says that in ten or twenty years will be drooping of the eyelid skin rare phenomenon, such as uncolored gray hair of women today.
The symptoms mentioned above usually begins slowly emerge after the thirties, but the operation rarely takes place before 35. There are only very few women and men, in whom surgery performed after 45 wouldn't have significant effect which lasts for 7-12 years. The procedure can be repeated but it's not recommended to do so more then twice in the life.
Before the operation you have to call and agree on the consultation with the doctor. If it is a problem to come to the consultation personally it can be proceeded virtually by sending the picture or directly before the operation. However, both options mean a risk of misunderstanding.
By healthy person the operation doesn't require special preparation or examination. Two weeks before the surgery it's not recommended to take medicines containing acetylsalicylic.
Patients who take medicine for restricting blood clotting should carefully consider the surgery. It is also less suitable to operate at the time of 3 days before and after the menstruation. The surgery is performed throughout the year.
Blepharoplasty is performed mostly in local anesthesia without hospitalization. You shouldn't come fasting and thirsty. Except the injection is the whole procedure painless, well tolerated and lasts approx. 1 hour by upper lids and up to 2 hours by lower lids. Scars are in the fold of skin over the upper eyelid, and just below the lash line on the lower lid. The patient goes to the home care in about one hour after the procedure. Operation is very well tolerated and painkillers are taken rather exceptional. Cuts are covered by about half centimeter stripes so the patient sees normally. Stitches are removed on the 5. day after the procedure in women and after a week in men. The swelling and hematoma perists for 7 days when operating the upper lids and up to 14 days by lower lids.
It is necessary to stop using or substitute medication against blood clotting. Before the treatment itself, the clients need to remove all make up and wash their faces.
The treatment is performed under local anaesthesia, while you're lying on your back. Upon request, it is also possible to perform the treatment under general anaesthesia. The surgeon will remove superfluous pieces of skin and fat, then sew eyelid skin back together and place the Steri-strip fixation patch on top.
In the first few days after the surgery, we strongly suggest resting, ideally in a semi-upright position. The client should not lean forward, lift any heavier objects and refrain from any activities, that might result in a higher blood pressure. Watching TV is also not recommended. For a few nights after the treatment, we recommend sleeping on your back, with your head slightly upright. Should you sleep on your side, increased swelling may appear on that side. It is forbidden to swim or visit the sauna until stitches are removed.
Painkillers are usually not necessary. The only medicine administered serves to prevent excessive swelling. If the client has fixation patches, they need to keep them until the stitches are removed. Some doctors suggest using the creme for scars healing in the morning and evening. Swelling disappears quicker, when cold compress is applied.
Stitches are removed after 5-7 days. Scars tend to be pink in the beginning. Later, they become less visible and softer.
Clients may resume their usual daily activities after 10-14 days. It is very important to protect your eyes with a 50 ultraviolet protection factor suncream for 3 to 6 months.
After the surgery there is almost always bruise, which may be up to a dark blue and around the eye. Bruises usually disappear after 14 days. After this time your eyes look naturally and can be compared to an eye irritation, such as in conjunctivitis. To prevent bruisees - hematomas, swelling and for the smooth healing is very important camness and higher position by sitting, especially in the first few hours after the procedure.
48 hours after operation you should relax with closed eyes. You can put the cold compress on eyes. Your doctor will inform you about home care. Swelling may be asymmetrical and this leads to temporarily asymmetric position of scars. Acute complications are rare.
In case the bruises and swelling don't limit you, you can return to work on the 5. day after the surgery. Around the 10th postoperative day scars start to recoil and harden. It's a natural phase of healing scars. This period can be significantly shortened by massages and using special creams with silicone.
Healing and recovery is individual. It is crucial to follow advice and personal care instructions. Bruises and swelling may appear on your eyelids or around your eyes after the treatment.