BLEPHAROPLASTY
WHAT IS EYELID AESTHETICS? WHAT ARE THE TYPES?
Eyelid aesthetics is a type of plastic surgery procedure performed to correct aesthetic problems around the eyes or to remove signs of aging. Eyelid aesthetics can include the upper and lower eyelids and can be divided into two main types:
Upper Eyelid Aesthetics (Upper Blepharoplasty): It aims to correct conditions such as sagging, loosening or excess skin of the upper eyelids. This type of plastic surgery is generally preferred to prevent the restriction of the field of vision due to drooping eyelids and to achieve a younger, fresher appearance.
Lower Eyelid Aesthetics (Lower Blepharoplasty): It is performed to solve problems such as swelling, bagging or dark circles on the lower eyelids. This surgery is used to reduce the signs of aging in the under-eye area and achieve a more rested appearance.
Eyelid aesthetics is usually intended for people who want to remove signs of aging or correct aesthetic problems. It can also be performed to correct conditions that affect vision due to certain health problems. The aim of the surgery is to achieve a more youthful, vibrant and rested appearance.
What should be considered after eyelid surgery?
There are some important points to be considered after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). The post-operative recovery process may vary according to the general health status of the person, the complexity of the surgery and the doctor's recommendations. Here are some general recommendations to be considered after eyelid surgery:
Rest: Take care to rest after surgery. Support your body's recovery by resting for the first few days.
Head Position: Keeping your head elevated while lying down after surgery can help reduce swelling and bruising.
Cold Application: Try to reduce swelling and bruising by using ice packs or cold compresses in the first days after surgery.
Eye Drops or Cream: Use eye drops or cream recommended by your doctor regularly, this can reduce dry eyes and discomfort.
Stitch Care: If stitches have been used, care for them as recommended by your doctor.
Eye Protection: Take care to protect your eyes from the sun, wind and dust for the first few weeks after surgery. It may be useful to wear sunglasses.
Avoid Heavy Activities: Avoid heavy sports and activities for a while after surgery. Do not start exercising without your doctor's approval.
Monitoring Side Effects: Share side effects such as pain, redness, swelling or vision problems after surgery with your doctor.
Doctor Check-ups: Do not neglect to go to regular doctor check-ups after surgery. It is important that your doctor follows your recovery process.
Nutrition and Hydration: Pay attention to a healthy diet and make sure you drink enough water. This can make a positive contribution to the healing process.
Smoking and Alcohol: Limiting or completely stopping smoking and alcohol use in the postoperative period can support the healing process.
Psychological Support: Emotional difficulties may sometimes occur in the postoperative period. It is important to be aware of this situation and to receive psychological support when necessary.
Remember that since every patient is different, it is best to follow your doctor's specific recommendations for the postoperative period. If you experience any problems or complications, you should contact your doctor immediately.
What are the risks of blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is generally a safe surgical procedure. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks and complications. The risks of the surgery can vary depending on factors such as the patient's general health, surgical experience and skills. Here are some of the possible risks of eyelid surgery:
Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the wound sites after surgery. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to hygiene rules and perform wound care as recommended by your doctor.
Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after surgery. Especially in the first few days after surgery, the risk of bleeding is higher.
Scars: Scars may form as a result of eyelid surgery. These scars may fade and become less prominent over time, but may appear in different ways for each individual.
Vision Problems: Blurred vision or other vision problems may occur temporarily after surgery. This is usually a short-term condition.
Asymmetry: As a result of the surgery, it is possible for the eyelids to be asymmetrical, that is, unbalanced. This may sometimes need to be corrected.
Dry Eye: Dry eyes may occur after eyelid surgery. This condition is usually temporary, but sometimes it can last for a long time.
Eyelid Movement Problems: In rare cases, there may be problems with eyelid movement after surgery. This may require treatment.
Hematoma (Blood Accumulation): Blood accumulation may occur under the eyelid after surgery. To prevent this, it is important to take care to rest after surgery.
Anesthesia Reactions: Reactions to the anesthesia used during surgery may occur.
Vision Problems: In rare cases, vision loss or other vision problems may occur after surgery.
Sensory Changes: Loss of sensation or sensory changes in or around the eyelids may occur as a result of the surgery.
The plastic surgeon who will perform the surgery will evaluate the patient's specific situation and explain the possible risks in detail. It is important to follow your doctor's advice before and after surgery to minimize the risks.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Post-Operative Instructions
What are my post-operative instructions?
Have someone drive you home after surgery and help you at home for 1-2 days.
Get plenty of rest.
Follow a balanced diet.
Constipation is a side effect of decreased activity, use of pain medicines,
and dehydration. Be sure to walk, drink fluids regularly, and consider
adding raw fruit to your diet.
Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products
containing aspirin unless approved by your surgeon.
Do not drink alcohol, drive a car, or make important decisions when
taking pain medications.
Even when not taking pain medications, no alcohol for 3 weeks as it
causes fluid retention.
If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated.
Do not smoke or be around a smoker. This can be the most significant
cause of serious healing issues.
Sleep with your head elevated 45 degrees for several days to minimize swelling.
What should my activity level be?
Start walking as soon as possible - this helps to reduce swelling, lower the chance of developing blood clots and/or pneumonia, and avoid constipation.
Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting and rigorous sports.
Keep activities to a minimum for 3-5 days; avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks.
Read or watch television after 2-3 days.
Return to work in 10-14 days.
How do I take care of my incision?
Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 12 months.
Always use a strong sunblock, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or
greater).
Keep steri-strips on. If steri-strips come off, you can replace them if
provided with additional strips.
Keep incisions clean with soap and water and inspect daily for signs of
infection.
Use cold saline compresses for the first 24 hours for comfort and to
reduce swelling and bruising.
Generally, your hair can be shampooed anytime after surgery.
Wait at least 2 weeks before wearing contact lenses.
You will have sensitivity to sunlight, wind and other irritants for several
weeks, so wear sunglasses and a special sunblock made for eyelids.
How should I expect to feel?
Occasionally, the eyes are bandaged for the first night.
Maximum discomfort should occur in the first few days, improving each day thereafter.
Expect temporary swelling of the eyelids, tightness of lids, bruising,
dryness, burning, and itching of eyes.
You may have gummy eyes for approximately 1 week.
Your physician may recommend Natural Tears (OTC eyedrops) or
Lacrilube (OTC ophthalmic ointment) as part of your post op treatment.
For the first few weeks, you may experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and double or blurred vision.
You may have difficulty closing your eyes when you sleep.
What are my post-operative instructions?
Have someone drive you home after surgery and help you at home for 1-2 days.
Get plenty of rest.
Follow a balanced diet.
Constipation is a side effect of decreased activity, use of pain medicines,
and dehydration. Be sure to walk, drink fluids regularly, and consider
adding raw fruit to your diet.
Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products
containing aspirin unless approved by your surgeon.
Do not drink alcohol, drive a car, or make important decisions when
taking pain medications.
Even when not taking pain medications, no alcohol for 3 weeks as it
causes fluid retention.
If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated.
Do not smoke or be around a smoker. This can be the most significant
cause of serious healing issues.
Sleep with your head elevated 45 degrees for several days to minimize swelling.
What should my activity level be?
Start walking as soon as possible - this helps to reduce swelling, lower the chance of developing blood clots and/or pneumonia, and avoid constipation.
Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting and rigorous sports.
Keep activities to a minimum for 3-5 days; avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks.
Read or watch television after 2-3 days.
Return to work in 10-14 days.
How do I take care of my incision?
Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 12 months.
Always use a strong sunblock, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or
greater).
Keep steri-strips on. If steri-strips come off, you can replace them if
provided with additional strips.
Keep incisions clean with soap and water and inspect daily for signs of
infection.
Use cold saline compresses for the first 24 hours for comfort and to
reduce swelling and bruising.
Generally, your hair can be shampooed anytime after surgery.
Wait at least 2 weeks before wearing contact lenses.
You will have sensitivity to sunlight, wind and other irritants for several
weeks, so wear sunglasses and a special sunblock made for eyelids.
What will it look like?
Bruising and swelling of the eyelids may last 1-2 weeks.
Healing is a gradual process and your scars may remain slightly pink for
6 months or more.
Tiny whiteheads may appear after stitches are taken out; can be easily
removed by surgeon.
Facial makeup can cover up bruising after the sutures are removed.
When should I call my doctor?
If you have increased swelling or bruising.
If swelling and redness persist for a few days.
If you have increased redness along the incision.
If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
If you have any side effects to medications; such as, rash, nausea,
headache, vomiting or constipation.
If you have an oral temperature over 38 degrees.
If you have any yellowish or greenish drainage from the incisions or
notice a foul odor.
If you have bleeding from the incisions that is difficult to control with
light pressure.
If you have loss of feeling or motion.