Upper and lower eyelid surgery is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries that are performed not only for a cosmetic purpose but also primarily for a constructive purpose. Since drooping eyelids affect the vision field, and are associated with continuous inflammation in the eye. Eyelids begin to droop with age, as a person gets older, the production of collagen in the skin decreases, which is the substance responsible for the bonding of skin cells and thus the consistency and freshness of the skin. In the following lines, with Dr. Yasser Badi, we present to you everything you want to know about the upper and lower eyelid lift procedure, its most prominent advantages and risks, and other important information.
What does eyelid surgery mean?
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery through which excess hanging skin in the area of the upper or lower eyelid, or both, is removed, and fats and buffness, if present, are eliminated. These procedures are performed to improve the shape of the eye and help to improve the field of vision, which is highly affected by droopy eyelids.
Who is a candidate for eyelid surgery?
If this operation is performed for aesthetic issues, to beautify and tighten the eyelid area to get rid of the sagging area in it, then the appropriate age to do this is 35 years and above.
However, if the drooping eyelids are hereditary and occur before this age, it can also be performed, and it can be performed at any age for people who suffer from drooping or falling eyelids that affect vision and cause inflammation. In addition, the candidates for this procedure should be in good health and not suffer from any serious diseases.
What instructions should be followed before eyelid surgery?
Before the operation, your doctor will ask you to perform a set of examinations and analyses to ensure you are in good general health, and there are no obstacles that hinder the procedure.
The doctor will also ask you to stop smoking for not less than two weeks before the operation. Finally, the doctor will perform eye examinations, vision, and imaging of the angles of the eyes, and he will also talk to you about the expected result.
What are the steps of eyelid surgery?
As we mentioned above, during the operation it is possible to perform a lift for the upper or lower eyelid, or both at the same time. Sometimes, eyelid lift surgery is performed with another facial cosmetic procedure, such as a deep facelift, to restore the youth of the entire face.
The operation is performed under local or complete anesthesia according to what the physician recommends and takes a period ranging from one and a half to two hours.
Upper eyelid surgery
The doctor makes a transverse surgical incision in the crease area in the middle of the eyelid. Through this incision, he begins to get rid of tissue, excess skin, and fat, if present. Then this transverse incision is closed with small stitches.
Lower eyelid surgery
As for the lower eyelid, in this case, a surgical incision is made in the line directly below the eyelashes, then through this incision, the skin is tightened fatty bags and excess skin are removed, and in the end, the wound is closed with small stitches.
If the eyelid lift procedure is performed together, in most cases the doctor begins by lifting the upper eyelid.
Are there complications or risks associated with the operation?
Both upper and lower eyelid surgery is one of the very safe operations, and serious complications rarely occur after it is performed. It is normal after the operation to experience some swelling and a change in skin color in the eyelid area, both disappear within a period ranging from a week to 10 days.
But some serious complications might occur when the procedure is performed by a plastic surgeon who is not sufficiently experienced in performing the procedure, such as:
- Leaving a large, clear scar that distorts the shape of the eye.
- Damage to the muscles in the eyelids area.
- Inflammation of the eyes and eyelids.
- Infection occurs due to insufficient sterilization during surgery.
- Also, one of the serious complications that may occur due to the doctor’s error during the procedure is the excessive cutting of the skin, which leads to difficulty closing the eye, or the inability to close it at all.
Therefore, you must be careful to choose a plastic surgeon who has sufficient experience so that you can obtain an excellent result.
What happens after eyelid surgery? How do you go through the recovery phase safely?
In most cases, the patient can leave the hospital within 24 hours of the operation if the doctor recommends so, and here you should know that you will need a companion residing with you, because the eye is covered for a period ranging between 3 and 5 days, after which the doctor removes the bandage, and the patient then begins to apply the ointments and drops that the doctor prescribes, in addition to protecting the wound from contamination.
During the first two weeks, you will have to stay away from watching screens, whether the smartphone or television screen, and any activity that exhausts your eyes. You should also not use any creams or cosmetics on this area, and during the first three months of the operation, you must protect yourself from exposure to direct sunlight.
Eyelid surgery before and after
When comparing the eye look before and after eyelid lift surgery, we will find a big difference. Before performing the operation, the person suffers from vision problems, or a narrow field of vision. In addition, the person suffers from constant inflammation, especially in the summer with high temperatures and increased sweating. Also, drooping The eyelids give a person an older appearance, but after the operation your life will change completely. You will be able to see more clearly, eye infections will disappear completely, and your appearance will appear more youthful and younger.
My experience with Eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery has an effective role in changing the life of the person suffering from ptosis. Mrs. Manal, who is 55 years old and suffers from severe sagging of the eyelids, says that through my experience with the eyelid lift operation, I was able to restore the natural shape of my life, because of the ptosis. What I suffered from for many years was that I was no longer able to read, read newspapers, or watch television, in addition to causing continuous inflammation. After the operation, I was able to practice these activities normally, and I was able to enjoy my life again, and in addition to that, the shape of the eye became better after getting rid of excess skin, you will look younger.
How much does Eyelid surgery cost?
The cost of the eyelid surgery varies from one country to another, and even in the same country prices vary from one region to another. Also, the name and fame of the plastic surgeon responsible for the operation has a major role in changing the cost. To determine the cost accurately, you must visit a doctor to conduct an examination and determine the procedures that will be performed during the operation. Is it for the upper eyelid only? Or for the lower eyelid? Or both together? The extent of sagging and damage to the eyelid, which is determined by the doctor, also changes the cost.
In the end, if you have more questions about the eyelid lift procedure, you can immediately contact the specialists at Dr. Yasser Badi’s clinic, and you will be answered immediately.
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Plastic surgery & body contouring specialist
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
Alexandria University Master of Plastic Surgery
Egyptian Fellowship for Plastic Surgery