What is blepharoplasty?
The main aim of blepharoplasty is to remove all the excess fat and skin from both the upper and lower eyelids. The procedure allows us to regain the youthful, rested-looking skin we had in the past. In some cases, it can even solve vision problems caused by a drooping upper eyelid. The vast majority of people who have blepharoplasty feel noticeably more comfortable with their appearance afterwards, as it is significantly refreshed.
Page contents
- What is blepharoplasty?
- Is the procedure safe?
- Is there a bloodless method?
- Scalpel-free laser technique
- How does it differ from conventional blepharoplasty?
- Upper eyelid blepharoplasty
- Lower eyelid blepharoplasty
- What do I need to know before and after surgery?
- What should I do during recovery?
- Are the results immediate?
- Are there complications after the procedure?
- What complications are associated with laser blepharoplasty?
- How important is choosing an experienced surgeon?
- How much does the procedure cost? Cost and prices
- Who is suitable for blepharoplasty
- Cosmetic or functional blepharoplasty
- Excess skin or eyelid ptosis? An important distinction
- Blepharoplasty and dry eye
- The first consultation
- Recovery timeline: what to expect
- Combining with other treatments
- When is the right time of year for the procedure
- Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Blepharoplasty
Is the procedure safe?
Thanks to many years of medical knowledge and the advanced technology available to us, we can now carry out a wide range of procedures with complete safety and effectiveness. Modern blepharoplasty can give every patient a completely natural result, through a fully personalised procedure tailored to their age and individual facial features. The visual result becomes fully representative on average three months after the procedure. The time it takes to achieve the desired result may vary from case to case, depending on general health and fitness, the body’s ability to heal and the person’s age. Following the post-operative advice to the letter is also important for faster and safer healing.
Is there a bloodless method?
Blepharoplasty can be performed using fat from the face to fill in the fine lines around the eyes. This procedure offers a completely natural result, by using the excess fat in areas that need volume and smoothing. Today, blepharoplasty can be performed safely without a scalpel. The belief that prevailed in the past, that excess fat should be removed for good without being reused, has now been abandoned. Today, reusing fat to rejuvenate the area around the eyes gives far better results, as it creates a “protective layer” against the laxity of the periorbital area that naturally comes with ageing. As a result, the eyes look brighter and less tired.
Scalpel-free laser technique
The minimally invasive method of laser blepharoplasty, without a scalpel, is completed in just 30 to 45 minutes in the clinic. The laser allows us to operate with greater precision and safety, making fine incisions in the natural crease of the eyelid (upper blepharoplasty) or on the inner side of the eyelid (lower blepharoplasty). Laser blepharoplasty allows the surgeon to make extremely precise movements, calculating more accurately how much tissue needs to be removed. Getting this calculation right is the key to a natural, long-lasting result, as the eyelid will fit perfectly with the shape of the face.
How does it differ from conventional blepharoplasty?
A major advantage of laser blepharoplasty is the millimetre precision that can be achieved, which is not easy to achieve by hand. The post-operative oedema (swelling) caused by the laser is clearly less, as is the discomfort, which settles within 5 to 10 days, a much shorter period than the 2 to 4 weeks required with the conventional method. As a result, patients return to work and daily activities sooner, with minimal discomfort and pain.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty
Also known as upper blepharoplasty, upper eyelid surgery is performed through small incisions along the lash line. Thanks to the strategic placement of the incisions, the marks of the procedure are almost invisible, as they follow the natural line of the eyes. By removing the right amount of fat and reshaping the upper eyelid, we can smooth out fine lines and safely achieve a completely harmonious, long-lasting result.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty, or lower blepharoplasty, mainly aims to correct the laxity of the skin that leads to wrinkles and sagging below the eye. The incisions are made very close to the lash line (about 2 mm from it). The procedure can deal with excess fat in the lower eyelid, which forms the so-called “bags” that make the eyes look permanently tired. In these cases, removing and repositioning part of the fatty tissue is what improves the overall appearance, giving the eyes a more rested look.
What do I need to know before and after surgery?
Although blepharoplasty is considered an extremely safe procedure with very low rates of complications, some people, mainly because of their personal and family history, may not be suitable candidates. The procedure may not be safe, and is therefore contraindicated, for people with serious health problems in the eye area, such as glaucoma and cataract. Before the procedure, you will be asked to give a detailed medical history and, if considered necessary, to have some preventive tests.
What should I do during recovery?
After surgery, the patient should use the special eye drops prescribed by the doctor to keep the eyes moist throughout recovery. The pain caused by the swelling is easily managed by most people with mild painkillers. For the first few days after the procedure, any strenuous physical activity, such as exercise (in any form) and lifting weights, is not allowed. Applying a cold compress to the eye area at regular intervals will help the tissues and their appearance recover faster. Your doctor will give you detailed information and further advice for a faster and safer recovery at every stage after the procedure.
Immediately after the procedure, cold compresses are applied to the skin on the areas treated with the laser. The compresses significantly reduce swelling, helping the tissues return to normal more easily. For the first few days, an antibiotic cream should be applied as a precaution to minimise the chance of complications. During the day, a high-protection sunscreen is essential if the area is exposed to sunlight.
For the first 2 weeks after the procedure, your eyes will be extremely sensitive to light. You should apply a high-protection sunscreen, wear sunglasses and avoid any exposure to sunlight around midday. Ideally, you should sleep on your back to minimise pressure on the eye area during sleep. Ideally, you should also limit your exposure to screens of any kind (television, computer, mobile phone). Any tenderness in the wider area is completely normal and settles within a few days.
Are the results immediate?
The results are immediate, but not representative straight after the procedure. The final appearance is fully representative only once the swelling and any bruising around the area have settled, after about three months. This certainly does not mean the patient has to wait three months to return to their daily activities. This can happen from the first week after the procedure, with mild painkillers and sun protection.
Are there complications after the procedure?
After the procedure, ecchymosis (bruising) and mild oedema (swelling) around the eye may appear. These are completely manageable and settle within a few days with proper care at home. If a patient notices any unusual complication (e.g. excessive pain that is not relieved by the recommended painkillers), they should inform their doctor immediately so that the cause can be investigated and an appropriate treatment plan drawn up.
What complications are associated with laser blepharoplasty?
Choosing an experienced surgeon with many years of experience and the right equipment minimises the chance of complications with laser blepharoplasty. Among the most common complications are temporary blurred vision, dry eye and difficulty opening and closing the eyelids. Minor irritation and discolouration of the skin around the eyelids may also occur, settling within a few days after the procedure. Laser blepharoplasty should only be performed when there are no clear contraindications. This is why it is important for the patient to give an accurate personal and family history and to inform their doctor of any unusual symptom they notice after the procedure. If the specialist decides that the patient is not a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty, a range of non-surgical options to refresh the appearance of the eyelids can be explored.
How important is choosing an experienced surgeon?
Choosing a reliable surgeon with many years of experience in the field is absolutely essential to the outcome of any cosmetic procedure. Clumsy handling can lead to traumatic results. Our clinic guarantees the highest success rates thanks to the many years of experience and expertise of all our specialists and their team.
How much does the procedure cost? Cost and prices
The cost of blepharoplasty depends on the fee of the surgeon and their team, as well as on the cost of surgical materials. The cost of laser blepharoplasty depends to a large extent on the size and shape of the areas we want to treat. Contact us so that we can create a fully personalised plan that meets your own expectations and needs.
Who is suitable for blepharoplasty
A good candidate is an adult who is bothered by excess skin on the upper eyelid, “bags” under the eyes or a tired look that does not change with sleep, and who has realistic expectations. Blepharoplasty refreshes the eyes, but it does not change the character of the face, and it does not treat the fine lines at the corners of the eyes or dark circles caused by skin pigmentation.
Particular care is needed for people with dry eye, thyroid disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes, or who take anticoagulants. These are not necessarily a contraindication, but they need to be assessed and brought under control before the procedure.
Cosmetic or functional blepharoplasty
In quite a few people, mainly after the age of 60, the skin of the upper eyelid hangs down so much that it rests on the eyelashes and hides the upper part of the visual field. The patient unconsciously raises their eyebrows to see, gets tired when reading and driving, and often has headaches in the forehead. In this case, blepharoplasty is not just cosmetic, it also improves vision.
The functional impairment is documented with a visual field test, carried out once with the eyelid in its natural position and once with it lifted. The difference between the two measurements shows how much vision the eyelid is “stealing”.
Excess skin or eyelid ptosis? An important distinction
Not every “heavy” eyelid is a matter of skin. In eyelid ptosis (drooping eyelid), the muscle that lifts the eyelid has weakened or become detached, and the edge of the eyelid itself drops over the pupil. This is not corrected by removing skin, but by surgery on the muscle. If only blepharoplasty is carried out in a patient with ptosis, the result will be disappointing. A proper eye examination before surgery tells the two conditions apart, and in some patients both are treated in the same session.
Blepharoplasty and dry eye
After any eyelid surgery, the eyes may be drier for a few weeks, because the eyelid temporarily does not close completely and tear production is affected by the swelling. In people who already have dry eye, this may be more pronounced. This is why, as ophthalmologists, we examine the tear film before the procedure, treat any dryness beforehand and remove skin conservatively, so that the eyelid always closes fully. This is one of the main advantages of having blepharoplasty performed by an ophthalmologist who specialises in the eyelids.
Considering blepharoplasty?
At the consultation we will examine your eyelids, tear film and vision and discuss what the procedure can achieve in your case.
The first consultation
At the first visit, a full eye examination is carried out, along with an assessment of the position of the eyelids and eyebrows, the elasticity of the skin and the amount of fat. The tear film is checked and, where needed, the visual fields. We discuss what bothers you, what you expect from the procedure and which technique suits you best. Photographs are taken for before and after comparison. Bring a list of your medicines and, if you like, an older photograph of yourself, to show how your eyes have changed over the years.
Recovery timeline: what to expect
- First 48 hours: Cold compresses, rest with your head raised, mild swelling and a feeling of tightness.
- Days 3 to 7: Swelling peaks and starts to go down. Bruises that change colour may appear.
- Days 5 to 7: Removal of stitches, when non-absorbable sutures have been used.
- After 10 to 14 days: Most people return to work and social activities, with light make-up if needed.
- 2 to 3 months: The scar matures and becomes almost invisible within the natural crease of the eyelid.
Combining with other treatments
Blepharoplasty corrects skin and fat, but it does not affect dynamic wrinkles or skin texture. For a more complete result, once healing is complete, it can be combined with other cosmetic treatments around the eyes, such as treatment of the lines at the corners of the eyes or skin hydration. The right timing and order of treatments are discussed on an individual basis.
When is the right time of year for the procedure
Blepharoplasty can be carried out at any time of year. Many people prefer autumn and winter, because the sun is milder and wearing sunglasses in the first few weeks does not draw attention. Schedule the procedure at least two weeks before any important social event, so that the swelling and bruising have settled. If you travel often, discuss your schedule with your doctor so that your follow-up appointments fit in.
To book a consultation, call 210 677 0007.
Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Blepharoplasty
How many days does recovery take after laser blepharoplasty?
Swelling and any bruising usually settle within 7-10 days, so most people return to work within about a week. In the first few days, cold compresses and resting with your head raised help. Strenuous exercise is avoided for about two weeks, while the final result becomes visible within a few months.
Are the results of blepharoplasty permanent?
The results are long-lasting. The skin and fat that are removed do not come back, but natural ageing continues, so some laxity may reappear over the years. On the upper eyelids, the result usually lasts for many years. Sun protection and not smoking help to maintain it.
What is the difference between laser and conventional blepharoplasty?
In laser blepharoplasty, the incision is made with a laser beam instead of a scalpel. The laser cuts and at the same time seals the small blood vessels, so there is less bleeding during the procedure and swelling is often milder. The aim and approach of the operation are the same, while the result depends mainly on careful planning and the surgeon’s experience.
Is blepharoplasty covered by insurance?
When blepharoplasty is done for cosmetic reasons, it is usually not covered. However, when the skin of the upper eyelid hangs down so much that it restricts the field of vision, the operation may be considered functional and may be covered, depending on the insurer or policy. A visual field test is often required. You will be advised about your own case after the examination.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Vasileios Skouteris MD, FEBO