Blepharoplasty

A blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure, which makes it possible to eliminate excessive fat and skin that may accumulate in the upper or lower eyelids. It may correct eyelid bags, dark rings under the eyes (tear-trough deformity) and upper eyelid ptosis, all of which may contribute to a tired and aged facial appearance.

Dr. Bravo performs a “No-Muscle-Touch” technique both on the upper and lower eyelids, in order to not alter the orbicular muscles and often associates lateral canthopexy procedures to achieve more natural results and to avoid the operated look sometimes associated with conventional eyelid surgery, such as the “round eye” deformity, the slanted eyelid or the hollow eyes.

The procedure

A blepharoplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia around the eyes, which is accompanied by sedatives in order to maintain the patient calm and still during the surgery. The procedure may last between one and three hours, depending on whether all four eyelids are performed or not and whether other techniques are also associated, such as removal of frown wrinkles between the eyebrows through the upper eyelid incision or fat infiltration around the eyes.

How is the recovery?

After the surgery some discomfort is usual, such as tightness around the eyes, excessive tear shedding and increased sensitivity to sunlight and wind, all of which do not normally last more than a couple of weeks. Recovery is usually fast and after two or three days one may read and watch television, although contact lenses must be avoided for two weeks. Stitches are removed between days five and seven post-op. Scars are usually very well concealed after a couple of weeks. The patient may undertake a normal lifestyle after five days. The results of a blepharoplasty are normally very long-standing and often times permanent.