COSMETIC SURGERY
BLEPHAROPLASTY
Blepharoplasty may form part of a facelift surgery or may be performed as a separate procedure if the eyelids manifest signs of ptosis. Blepharoplasty aims at solving the problem of eyelid ptosis, removing eyelid bags or lifting the external canthus by 1-2 mm, giving a youthful appearance to the face and eyes. Wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet) cannot be fully corrected through blepharoplasty. Eyebrow ptosis also cannot be corrected, unless it is combined with a forehead lift. The need for blepharoplasty is not determined based on age, but based on the problems that may arise in the eyelids. So, bags may also be present in younger ages, requiring the need for blepharoplasty. Through blepharopslasty, the bags are removed permanently, while eyelid ptosis may continue even after the procedures, but at a much slower pace.
Blepharoplasty incisions for the upper eyelid are placed within the eyelid fold for the upper eyelid and on the edge of the lower lashes for the lower eyelid. These incisions almost never leave a scar and disappear soon, but the timeframe varies from patient to patient. The only case when no incisions are made is on the lower eyelids of young patients without ptosis, but with excessive bags from projected extrabulbar fat. In this case, the incision is made in the inner side of the lower eyelid, through the mucous gland.
Blepharosplasty is performed with local anesthesia; however, it is preferable that the anesthesiologist uses twilight anesthesia on the patient, which will also facilitate the surgeon. The procedure does not last longer than 45 minutes. Upon awakening, the patient experiences blurred vision due to the ophthalmic ointment applied during surgery. This condition does not last longer than 2-3 hours. The possibility of conjunctivitis is rare, but it can be treated with eye drops (collyrium).