What is upper eyelid blepharoplasty? (English)

Hernia of the eyelids, or in common people bags, can bother men and women of different ages. If lotions in the form of tea bags, creams, and masks no longer help, then you should consult a doctor about an operation called eyelid blepharoplasty. This manipulation not only solves this problem, but also prolongs the youth of the skin around the eyes, which is very important for modern women. This is a simple procedure that is performed under local anesthesia and takes several hours.

What is blepharoplasty

The most common operation in aesthetic plastic surgery. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest, most delicate, and vulnerable on the face. Due to the anatomical structure, the absence of a fatty layer (when there is a subcutaneous component and no fatty component), there is no possibility of accumulation of a fluid reservoir under the skin, and the upper eyelid droops onto the eye. This area of the face is susceptible to the rapid appearance of wrinkles.

What are the types?

There are several types of blepharoplasty:

upper eyelid lift, which allows you to expand a person’s field of vision;
correction of the lower;
lifting the upper and lower joints together, the so-called circular;
change in eye shape.

Plastic surgery of the upper

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed mainly under local anesthesia, during which time the person does not feel pain or discomfort. This intervention is indicated for skin rejuvenation, because... Changes occur in the epidermis: collagen and elastin, which support the skin, are destroyed over time. Therefore, it loses elasticity and becomes flabby. Upper blepharoplasty, which has only positive reviews, is indicated for the following cases:

when the skin hangs over the eyes, giving a tired, heavy and gloomy look;
problems appear with applying makeup when the skin hangs and rubs the makeup;
There are hernias (sacs), which also occur after drinking liquid at night.

Surgery on the lower

The skin of the lower eyelid is very thin, especially towards the center of the eye. The muscle layer is located immediately under the skin and is separated from the fat layer only by a membrane. With age, muscle tissue and orbital septa lose tone and sag. In place of weakened tissues, an accumulation of fat appears, which causes puffiness and bags under the eyes. There are two methods for removing fat deposits under the eyes:

External – suitable for patients with excess skin under the eyes. The technique is performed by cutting the outer surface of the lower eyelid. In addition to fat deposits, excess skin and sometimes a fragment of muscle tissue are removed.
Internal – involves one incision in the thin membrane lining the surface. This skin tightening is indicated for patients with fat deposits without excess skin.

Asian correction

The standard of beauty in the world remains the European type of face, and in different parts of the world people change what prevents them from looking like the Slavs. The peculiarity of the Asian cut is that the fibers are not attached to the skin, but are attached only to the cartilage, so a line is not formed that makes the look open and fresh. During this type of intervention, the surgeon artificially creates a fold, retreating 5-6 mm from the eyelash edge, and removes excess subcutaneous fat and orbicularis muscle. Despite the fact that the shape of the eyes does not change, they have a beautiful, open and natural appearance.

Circular

When there are problems with both the upper and the lower at the same time, it is advisable to do a circular type of intervention. This operation is performed under general anesthesia while the patient falls asleep. The entire process takes about two hours, depending on the complexity of the defects that need to be removed. A circular lift has the following indications:

the presence of excess skin folds of the upper and lower at the same time;
fatty hernias;
bags and bruises under the eyes;

Blepharoplasty methods

Depending on the indications and wishes of the patient in need of facial plastic surgery, one of the available methods is selected. They differ both in the nature of the surgical intervention and in the final result. It is impossible to identify “right” or “wrong” techniques. A lot depends on the goals and characteristics of each patient’s body.

Classical

Classic blepharoplasty involves an incision in the outer skin, through which excess fat is removed or evenly distributed throughout the entire eyelid. During this operation, overhanging and stretched skin is excised. In addition, the surgeon has the ability to tighten the skin by fixing it at certain anatomical “anchor zones,” which helps lift the soft tissues of the lower eyelid.

Transconjunctival (seamless)

This type of adjustment, called transconjunctival blepharoplasty, is a recent discovery in plastic surgery. About 10-15 years ago, few doctors used this technique, but now it is used everywhere. This technique has a number of advantages over other types:

non-surgical method;
surgical intervention occurs through the mucous membrane of the lower eyelid;
no postoperative scars are formed;
does not affect the shape of the palpebral fissure (eye shape);
does not require stitches.

Such intervention is not performed on the upper eyelid due to the fact that it works a lot throughout life. With every blink, the skin folds and the elastic fibers suffer from this, experiencing greater stress. At a young age, regenerative abilities are high and these fibers are restored, but after 35 years, the skin structure begins to fade, so the incision is made only along the fold line.

Laser

The laser technique is performed without skin incisions. The principle is that several punctures are made on the conjunctiva using a laser, and hernias (fat deposits) are removed. Advantages of this technique:

performed under local anesthesia;
discharge of the patient a few hours after the intervention;
absence of bruises, swelling, swelling and scars;
rehabilitation after this procedure is much shorter than after the classical one.

Injection

This method can be used by people who are afraid of surgery. The injection method is aimed at correcting hernias of the upper and lower eyelids. With its help, the patient can easily get rid of circles, bruises and small wrinkles under the eyes. The procedure involves injecting a drug that helps cancel or delay surgery. Due to the application of a cream with an analgesic effect, the patient does not feel any discomfort.

Indications and contraindications

The purpose is typical for patients with age-related changes, such as

formation of bags under the lower eyelids;
overhang of the upper eyelashes;
dark circles under the eyes;
wrinkles at the outer edge of the eye, the so-called “chicken feet”.

There are contraindications in which this operation should be delayed or canceled altogether:

It is not recommended to carry out during menstruation to avoid unnecessary hemorrhage;
if you have a tattoo of the eyelash area;
with pronounced pigmentation on the skin around the eyes;
during ARVI is not carried out, it is postponed until the patient recovers.

How the operation is performed

Before the operation, markings are made on the skin with a special pencil. This procedure is very important for proper blepharoplasty. It is carried out under general anesthesia, i.e. for a while you fall asleep. An alternative is local anesthesia, which numbs the surrounding tissue and makes you relax but does not put you to sleep. The doctor performs the following manipulations:

A protective sheet, similar to a contact lens, is placed over the eye to improve vision.
An incision is made directly under the eyelashes of the eyelid, this ensures that the postoperative scar will be invisible.
The surgeon will expose the muscle by gently lifting the orbital septum to expose the fat deposits.
The doctor removes fat fragments or redistributes them to reduce swelling under the eyes.
At the final stage, excess skin is excised.
The incision is closed with absorbable suture material.
After the operation, the patient is given a drip with a special solution that prevents swelling and reduces pain.
A cold bandage is applied to the eyes. This procedure takes 15 – 20 minutes.

Rehabilitation

After the operation you will have to endure pain, bruising and swelling. To make the patient feel more comfortable, the doctor prescribes cold compresses or painkillers. If absorbable material was used, there is no need to remove the sutures; the threads will dissolve on their own. The usual suture is removed on days 5–7. The patient notices a decrease in hematomas on the 10th day. After ten days, you are allowed to use makeup. After a month, no marks remain on the face, the patient looks younger and fresher.

For a successful rehabilitation period, so that the result of the operation improves every day, you should follow the doctor’s recommendations:

Avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or exercise, to give your body time to recover.
It is not recommended to watch TV for 10 days to avoid straining your eyes.
Apply cold compresses for 10 days.
Use a special caring cream for the postoperative suture. This gel prevents scar hypertrophy and helps speed healing.
It is advisable to consult with a cosmetologist about cosmetics for professional care of the skin around the eyes.

Possible complications

Some complications may occur in the early postoperative period:

The distance of the lower eyelid, when it does not fit very tightly to the eyeball. This phenomenon goes away on its own after a few weeks.
Eversion of the lower eyelid.
Changing the shape of the eye. Appears during a poorly performed operation.
The occurrence of conjunctivitis, which resolves with treatment at home.
Swelling of the eyelids.

Photos before and after

A prerequisite for successful plastic surgery is photographing both problem areas and the face as a whole. The plan for the future operation is drawn on a photograph and agreed upon by the attending physician and the patient. Blepharoplasty before and after is an integral part of the contract with a plastic surgery clinic. After the operation, a series of repeated images are taken at intervals of 4–7 days throughout the rehabilitation period. The operation performed, the before and after photos of which are stored in the clinic’s archives, is considered the safest.

How many years does it last?

Blepharoplasty of the eyelids will not stop the aging of the eyes, but it will reduce swelling and bags. An unsuccessful result of the operation is excluded, because this method has been perfected over the years. By eliminating age-related changes in the eyelids, the effect will last for many years, giving you the rested, youthful look that every woman dreams of. Modern methods of anti-aging plastic surgery return centuries to the structure that is inherent in a person at a young age.

Factors that cause age-related changes, such as muscle activity, the patient’s lifestyle and nutrition, gravity, insolation, ecology, cannot be canceled by the doctor. They continue to act after the operation, accumulate and after a certain period of time, which is 8 - 10 years, wrinkles and bags under the eyes appear again in the operated area.

Alternative procedure

There are a number of techniques that replace surgical intervention, but also correct and visually hide eyelid imperfections. These include:

Decorative makeup using foundations selected for skin type and color.
Decorative silicone stickers, with the help of which the drooping eyelid is raised.
Botox is a cosmetic injection that temporarily and locally stops the aging process of the skin.
Polishing problem areas of the skin.
Massage of the area around the eyes, which is carried out in a cosmetology office.

Video about the results of eyelid blepharoplasty

After watching a video about how eyelid surgery is performed using a laser, you will see the entire process from the outside. In the second video, experienced surgeon Alexander Sokolov will tell you in detail what blepharoplasty is, the cost of the procedure, the purpose for which it is performed, possible complications and contraindications to the operation. You will see this doctor’s patient before and after surgery, and get acquainted with the process of correcting the impending eyelid. Perhaps this video will help you decide on the choice of blepharoplasty.

Laser surgery

Correction of the impending century

Reviews

Irina, 42 years old I learned from my cosmetologist that there is such an operation to correct eyelids. Having found out how much blepharoplasty costs, I decided to have this operation without much hesitation, and now I don’t regret it at all. The bags disappeared, the look became much younger and fresher. In my case, a lower operation was performed, and I have only good reviews about it.

Marina, 35 years old I had eyelid blepharoplasty at the age of 33, when age-related changes began on my face, which cannot be avoided. I was a little afraid of the consequences, but the plastic surgeon turned out to be very convincing and confident of a good result. He removed bags under my eyes and tightened the skin above my upper eyelid. After the operation I felt great! My friends couldn’t understand what happened to me; I still receive compliments about my youth.

Svetlana, 39 years old I had a serious problem with drooping upper eyelid, dark circles under my eyes did not allow me to live a full life. I’m tired of applying expensive creams and constantly visiting a cosmetologist. I decided to undergo an operation called blepharoplasty, about which I had heard only good reviews. The price of such an operation deterred me, but having saved the necessary amount of money, I came to the clinic. A week after the operation, my swelling and bruising went away. I'm very pleased with the result!

Blepharoplasty is surgical correction of the eyelids. This procedure helps solve not only a cosmetic problem, but also improves the functionality of the eyes. Drooping eyelids create problems with peripheral vision, and this negatively affects a person’s performance. Now this procedure is offered in many clinics. Therefore, you should take a responsible approach to choosing a clinic and a specialist who will perform surgery.

Drooping eyelid is the main indication for blepharoplasty of the upper and lower eyelids. The operation involves the doctor removing and tightens excess skin, which are present on the eyelid. This procedure is often performed for patients with the following symptoms:

large excess skin of the upper eyelid;
swollen eyelids;
overhanging areas of skin.

Plastic surgery is also performed for people who want to increase their field of vision or simply want to get rid of Asian type eye shape.

Stages of the procedure

Blepharoplasty is performed according to the following algorithm:

First, the doctor makes a marking along which the lift will be carried out. At this stage, the desired result is specified.
Anesthesia is administered. It can be both general and local. The choice of type of anesthesia depends on the degree of complexity of the operation.
The specialist makes incisions where natural folds are located. The length of the cuts is from 3 to 5 millimeters.
Next, the doctor removes excess fat, models the muscles and corrects the functioning of the ligaments.
The last stage is the application of cosmetic stitches and bandages.

If the orbicularis oculi muscle is weakened, the doctor can strengthen it and fixation. To carry out such a procedure, some of the fibers from this muscle are attached to the periosteum of the orbit. This stage of the operation is called canthopexy.

Laser eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty can be performed using a laser. This technique allows the operation to be performed without making a single incision. Laser also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, so the patient looks younger after the correction.

Lower or upper blepharoplasty can be either a separate procedure or included in a complex of other plastic procedures.

Preparation for surgery

In order for surgery to proceed without complications, you should properly prepare for it. Yes, preoperative period includes includes the following steps:

Consultation with a doctor. When talking with your doctor, you should describe in detail what you want to see after surgery.
Conversation with an anesthesiologist. It is important to discuss all aspects and choose the most suitable anesthesia option.
Consultation with an ophthalmologist.

The specialist who will perform the surgical intervention should be warned about the following nuances:

are you taking any medications;
if you are predisposed to an allergic reaction to any medicine;
whether there are chronic diseases;
have you had problems with the skin of your eyelids;
are there any visual impairments;
whether similar operations have been performed previously.

Before undergoing eyelid surgery, you should undergo certain tests and undergo a detailed examination. To ensure that there are no contraindications to such a procedure.

The list of such analyzes and examinations includes the following:

blood chemistry;
analysis for hepatitis and HIV;
general blood analysis;
ECG;
chest x-ray;
coagulogram;
fluorography;
test for syphilis.

Before the operation, the doctor gives the following recommendations:

one week before the scheduled time of surgery, you should stop taking anticoagulants;
you should start taking medications to treat swelling and bruises, they should be chosen by a doctor, you cannot prescribe them yourself;
within two weeks you should stop smoking and drinking alcohol;
8 hours before surgery you should not eat or drink anything.

Recommendations for the recovery period

In order for the effect of the procedure to last for a long time, you should follow all recommendations during the recovery period. Restoration activities include:

using eye drops;
constant hydration of the cornea;
use of antiseptic cream;
full sleep, but only on the back;
refusal of alcohol, coffee and heavy physical activity.

On average, the rehabilitation period can last from two to three weeks. This is exactly how long it takes for the bruises to go away and the swelling of the eyes to decrease.

Immediately after the operation, the doctor puts a blindfold on your eyes. If general anesthesia was used, the patient must spend another day in the hospital.

To reduce swelling, it is recommended to apply cooling pads. Please note that the upper eyelids take a little longer to recover than the lower eyelids. The stitches are removed after a few days, the maximum period is a week.

You can start using cosmetics only a few weeks after the intervention. In the first days of recovery, you should completely stop using your phone, tablet, or computer, as unforeseen complications may arise.

Sometimes in the first few days after correction the following unpleasant sensations may occur:

not closing the eyelids;
burst capillary;
dry eyes;
drooping eyelid.

Possible complications after surgery

Incorrectly performed blepharoplasty can lead to the following complications:

Bleeding. This negative manifestation can occur immediately after surgery or after a few days. If such a complication occurs during surgery, additional surgical intervention is not required; a simple puncture will be sufficient. If bleeding occurs after a few days, this indicates that a large vessel was damaged. If this complication is not addressed in time, scarring may occur.
Collection of blood behind the eyeball. There may be protrusion of the eyeball or limitation of its mobility. You should consult your doctor. Often in this case, infusion therapy is performed to help relieve swelling. If the pressure on the eye increases, this can lead to blindness.

Later complications include the following:

Seams coming apart. The stitches will have to be re-applied, but in this case a scar may form.
Severe tearing. Often this complication appears in the first 5-7 days. This is a normal reaction of the body. If profuse lacrimation is observed a week after the intervention, this may indicate edema, which leads to the fact that the tear ducts begin to narrow.
"Eyes rolling" This complication involves incomplete closure of the eyelid and poor hydration of the cornea. This may occur when the patient has recently had other plastic surgery on the face.
Cyst. A tumor may form on the suture line. They often disappear on their own.
Blepharoptosis. Negative manifestations of this kind are most often found in older patients. The only way out is to repeat the procedure.
Asymmetry. It is rare and can only be corrected through another correction procedure.
Infection. It manifests itself in the form of small abscesses in the suture area. Eye drops are used for treatment.

Brow lift or eyelid correction

Many people have a question about whether to choose a brow lift or eyelid correction. Only a doctor can give an exact answer after an examination, since everything depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. So, if the eyebrow is located at the level of the bone above the eye, then most likely a brow lift is not needed.

Cost of the operation

How much blepharoplasty of the upper and lower eyelids costs depends on the complexity of the operation and the qualifications of the doctor. The average prices are:

upper eyelids - 40 thousand rubles;
lower ones - 50 thousand rubles;
upper and lower - 70 thousand rubles.

When choosing a clinic where surgery will be performed, pay attention to the availability of qualified surgeons, quality of service and the general atmosphere. Ask to see before and after photos of upper eyelid blepharoplasty, so you can accurately evaluate the surgeon’s work. Never choose the cheapest options as they are often not of high quality.

What is face lifting and skin tightening? The lifting procedure is designed to tighten the skin of both the face and the entire body. Today, this is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, but also the most effective for skin rejuvenation.

There are dozens of lifting methods. These can be either simpler, non-surgical methods of skin tightening in a salon or at home, or surgical plastic surgery. They all differ in the way they affect the skin.

The main task of lifting is not just to hide, but to remove all imperfections and age-related changes in the skin. Using such procedures you can achieve the following results:

deep healing and rejuvenation of the skin;
smoothing of superficial wrinkles – facial or age-related;
increased elastin production;
double chin removal;
activation of the production of your own collagen, which will lead to increased firmness and elasticity of the skin;
get clearer and more pronounced facial contours and their design;
remove yellowness and grayness of the face;
get rid of age-related pigmentation;
eliminate dryness and sagging, irritation and flaking, drying out of the skin.

Like any cosmetic procedure, lifting has its own indications and contraindications, and you need to be careful about this.

Face lifting is appropriate in the following cases:

the appearance of wrinkles and folds;
loss of skin elasticity;
sagging skin;
age-related decline and aging;
fuzzy and blurry jawline;
presence of a fatty bag under the chin;
weakness of the subcutaneous neck muscles;
weakness of the fat layer in the chin and submandibular region.

Contraindications to this method of rejuvenation include:

age under 25 years;
allergy to one or several components of the lifting product;
excess weight or cellulite;
rehabilitation period after facial plastic surgery (not earlier than 6 months);
scratches, open wounds;
dermatological and vascular diseases of the skin.

Among the most common lifting methods are the following.

Ultrasound is a non-surgical procedure for those who do not want to “go under the knife.” It is ultrasonic lifting that affects not the surface layer, but the underlying muscular aponeurotic layer, which is responsible for the elasticity of the skin and the firmness of the facial contour.

What is upper eyelid blepharoplasty? (English)

What is upper eyelid blepharoplasty?