With increasing age and the loss of skin elasticity the eyelids naturally sag and winkles and bags under the eyes appear changing the overall expression of the face. In some cases, these may even decrease the field of vision. Plastic surgery of the eyelids (blepharoplasty) is a possible solution to these problems. It is a procedure carried out under local anaesthesia or possibly a combination of local anaesthesia and administering of an overall sedative (Diazepam) – this is known as analgosedation.
Plastic lower eyelid surgery – scheme of incision
Plastic upper eyelid surgery – scheme of incision
The course of the surgery of the eyelids
The actual procedure lasts between 30–60 minutes (depending on the extent of the intervention). The patient is lying down during the procedure and the face is covered using a sterile drape. During the procedure, the incisions are made in the natural creases of the eyelids, in the crease of the upper eyelid and right beneath the eyelashes of the bottom eyelid. As a result, the incisions are practically invisible once healed.
Excess skin is removed as necessary and the incision is sutured. Immediately after the surgery a bandage is placed over the eye and the patient leaves. The first few days post-surgery, there usually is swelling and bruises on the eyelids but these gradually recede. We recommend rest, reducing physical strain and sporting activities. It is also advisable to apply cold compresses. We discourage our female patients from applying make-up in the eye area for the duration of at least one month post-surgery. The stitches are removed seven to ten days after the surgery.