Dr. Linares Recatalá is a prestigious doctor specialized in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery with more than 10 years of experience. With a degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Granada, he has completed his training in hospitals in Granada, Seville and Barcelona. In this article he explains different aspects of blepharoplasty and in which cases it should not be performed.
What does blepharoplasty consist of?
Blepharoplasty encompasses the set of surgical techniques aimed at the removal of a redundancy of skin or muscle of the eyelids with or without the removal of orbital fat. This type of eyelid corrective surgery is performed in patients over 35 years of age. As a result of the patient’s aging, palpebral bags (bags that appear under the eyes and are filled with fat) can appear at any age.
In which cases should blepharoplasty not be performed?
Blepharoplasty should not be performed in the following cases:
- Patients suffering from hypertension problems or uncontrolled diabetes.
- Patients who have a clotting problem or alteration of the immune system.
- Patients who present problems of ocular dryness or lack of tearing, since this procedure could be detrimental to their situation.
- Patients who present healing problems, since the process could be delayed or the wounds could even open up.
- Patients who are pregnant or may be pregnant.
The blepharoplasty process
This technique can be performed on both eyelids. Upper blepharoplasty involves the removal of excess skin in addition to a strip of orbicularis oculi muscle to create a tightening effect on the eyelids. Excess eyelid bags are also removed but not completely. The lower blepharoplasty is mainly performed in a transconjunctival modality (a special technique that is performed in order not to injure the orbicularis oculi muscle and to be able to remove the eyelid bags without difficulties).
On numerous occasions a complementary technique such as canthopexy of the lower eyelids is performed. This procedure is performed to avoid the effect of round eyes and to achieve almond-shaped eyes, by means of a tension effect on the lower eyelids when they are relaxed. On other occasions, the excess skin of the lower eyelids is removed by making an incision under the eyelash line.
The success of blepharoplasty
The results of blepharoplasty last for many years. The fat that is removed from the eyelids is permanently removed, but it should be noted that during the aging process wrinkles and sagging skin may reappear. Most patients are satisfied with the results because they provide a more youthful look.
Blepharoplasty does not require hospitalization.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and sedation on an outpatient basis, and hospitalization is not necessary. In the immediate postoperative period it is advisable to apply local cold in the area to reduce the inflammatory effects generated by the intervention. The patient can return to normal life a week later. The first days it is very important that the eyes rest to recover from the intervention. Finally, the swelling and redness disappear after a few days.