BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELIDS)
From the age of 30 on, the eyelids start to sag and become heavier. But it is in the third age that these changes are more noticeable. Besides the genetic factor and hormonal conditions, the eyelid fat bags appear due to the weakening of the ligaments in the region, because the collagen in the epidermis is altered. The expression lines become more accentuated and, together with flaccidity, give a tired and/or aging aspect to the face.
WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT IS DONE
Creams of great quality, avoidance of direct sunlight, good diet, hydration, good hours of sleep, among others, help to mitigate the appearance of fatigue and/or premature aging, especially around the eyes. Besides age and good habits, eyelid-related problems can be associated with trauma, facial paralysis and even tumors.
If plastic surgery is indicated for you, there are several procedures that can be performed that aim to treat congenital (from birth) or acquired deformities or pathologies in the orbito-palpebral region. In all of them, the incision lines are planned to leave the scars well hidden within the natural structures of the eyelid. The most well-known surgical technique is Blepharoplasty. Regarding the upper eyelid, it removes excess fat deposition and loose or sagging skin. On the lower eyelid, it removes excess skin and fine wrinkles. This procedure, also, treats bags under the eyes.
Eyelid Ptosis correction surgery (drooping of the upper eyelid that comes to cover the cornea more than normal) can improve the outcome of Blepharoplasty. When necessary, we perform the suspension of the eyebrow to obtain a lasting and natural result.
To give more firmness and support to the lower eyelid we resort to the Canthopexy where we suspend the lower eyelid by means of a plicature suture (fold) or the Canthoplasty in which we use an incision at the meeting point of the upper and lower eyelids (external corner).
Surgical treatment has a good response when we reposition the eyelids in cases of Entropion (eyelid folds inward and eyelashes touch the eyeball) e Ectropion (lower eyelid moves away from the eyeball).
In the case of treatment of skin tumors affecting the eyelid, we perform resection and reconstruction.
Depending on the type and extent of the orbito-palpebral surgery, it is possible to associate it with other procedures such as Rhinoplasty, Rhytidectomy and Liposculpture (facial) at the same surgical time.
The patient receives general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The procedure lasts from 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the amount of corrections. If done in association with other surgery, it may take 1 to 2 hours.
INDICATION
Normally, women or men over the age of 30 resort to plastic surgeries that treat acquired orbito-palpebral diseases. Whether for aesthetic or functional reasons, these procedures are essential for the patient’s health and quality of life. Starting with improved self-esteem, improved vision, and so on.
When correctly indicated, the Blepharoplasty eliminates excess or sagging skin and protrusion of fat bags from the upper and lower eyelids, repositions them, raises the eyebrows, among other problems. The area around the eyes rejuvenates after healing, eliminating the appearance of fatigue.
The Canthopexy and the Canthoplasty are techniques indicated to tense the eyelid tendon and reposition the corner of the eyes, with the former being used when eyelid laxity is not as important.
In the case of the treatment of Entropion, surgery is indicated to eliminate eye irritation, tearing, eyelid flaking, mucus secretion, decreased vision, among others. In that of the Ectropion, it is indicated in repositioning the lower eyelids to eliminate dryness, red eye, and eye irritation. In addition to advanced age, this condition can be caused by facial nerve palsy, burns and trauma.
The correction of Eyelid Ptosis is indicated to people with aesthetic compromise and affected visual field. If congenital (from birth), surgical treatment is indicated for any age, including before the age of 7, so as not to compromise vision. Likewise, for cases with skin tumors, those caused by trauma and facial paralysis.
PREOPERATIVE
It is essential to consult the SCHEDULED THE SURGERY? page which has a series of questions to talk about during the consultations, to help you with your doubts and where you will find recommendations for the day of the procedure.
In the case of orbito-palpebral surgeries, it is important to report if you have any eye disease such as glaucoma, dry eye or retinal detachment. If necessary, we indicate a medication to be used days before (or after) the surgery.
Bring sunglasses. It is a great ally to avoid greater sensitivity to light and wind from the time you leave the hospital until during the healing process.
POSTOPERATIVE
After the surgery, the patient stays under observation for a period of 6 to 8 hours and is generally released the same day. You go home with your eyes open, without any type of occlusive dressing. If it is associated with other surgery, the hospitalization time may extend to a period of 12 to 24 hours and some protective bandaging may be required.
Especially in the first few days, it is important that the incision sites not be subjected to tension or touched with excessive force. Do not scratch the eyes. Ideally, avoid excessive movement and move your head as little as possible. When sleeping, keep the headboard elevated with two large pillows.
At first, healing may present with swelling, irritation, dry eyes, bruising, and discomfort. We recommend using cold water compresses, anti-inflammatories, and ointment. Strictly follow the medical prescription we recommend.
After 3 to 4 days, when the edema (swelling) of the eyelids begins to regress, it is already possible to return to normal activities, provided that no physical effort is made. Bathe normally, but only wash your hair after removing the bandage, about a week after surgery.
The eye area begins to look closer to natural between the 1st and 2nd week. For 2 weeks, protect yourself from the sun (especially while bruising persists), wind, cold and do not wear makeup. Wear sunglasses until the healing process is completely finished.
The diet should be based on proteins (meat, milk and eggs), vitamins (fruit) and plenty of liquids (water and natural juices) to favor healing. The scars of orbital-palpebral surgeries are not visible because they are easily hidden in the folds of the skin or under the eyelashes.
We release more intense physical activities after evaluation. Use daily sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF (sun protection factor) on the face for at least 3 months – even not exposing to direct sun – when the definitive result begins to be noticed. Contact lenses can be worn after the 3rd week.