Drooping upper eyelids, fatty hernias, bags and wrinkles under the eyes can be caused by both genetic predisposition and age-related changes. In these cases, the best solution is to contact a plastic surgeon to perform blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). This is a minimally invasive plastic surgery that effectively copes with problems, radically rejuvenates the face, and gives youth and radiance to the look.
Today, eyelid surgery can be performed using laser and surgical methods. We talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of intervention.
What do you need to know about the operation?
As already mentioned, blepharoplasty is the correction of eyelids. The operation has no age restrictions, but often people decide to undergo it after 35 years.
In this area, the skin is particularly thin, so healing occurs faster and easier than in other areas of the body and face.
It is recommended to consider blepharoplasty for certain indications.
INDICATIONS
- the upper eyelid has drooped;
- bags have appeared under the eyes, there is excess skin in this area;
- the muscles have become flabby;
- nasolacrimal grooves are too expressive;
- wrinkles appeared.
Blepharoplasty is performed not only for aesthetic reasons. It is prescribed if the skin in the upper eyelid area is too drooping, which narrows a person’s vision.
Doctors distinguish 3 types associated with age-related changes. Taking into account the appearance, the doctor selects the appropriate blepharoplasty option. Here are the features of each type:
- First. Small facial wrinkles appear, and fatty hernias are not too pronounced. In this case, a gentle adjustment method is used.
- Second. The eyelids begin to sag. Doctors advise resorting to circular blepharoplasty.
- Third. This type is characterized by clearly visible age-related changes, the appearance of bruises, the formation of a nasolabial fold, and deep wrinkles. In such a situation, it is recommended to think not only about blepharoplasty, but also about performing an operation to lift the midface and forehead. Despite the recommendations of doctors, the final decision remains with the patient.
After blepharoplasty, problems with overhanging skin are eliminated, and the eyes open. The doctor can use different techniques, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
The operation itself lasts 30-60 minutes. Its duration is influenced by the complexity of the intervention.
Local anesthesia is often used. But there are times when the doctor decides to lean towards general anesthesia.
They can resort to it if a person feels strong fear and is psychologically worried about future intervention.
How to choose the right specialist
If everything is clear with blepharoplasty techniques and contraindications, then how can you choose a competent specialist who will do the job in the best possible way and will not harm your health? According to Ksenia Delnik, in our time, the patient has every right to request from the doctor all the necessary documents confirming the availability of medical education and certificates in plastic surgery. She recommended paying special attention to certificates so as not to run into a surgeon who takes on any work without having any skills in this area.
What is the essence of upper and lower blepharoplasty?
Only blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids can be performed (it is recommended to read reviews about it, which are presented below). Initially, the doctor decides how much skin needs to be removed.
Excess fat tissue and muscle may also be removed. At the end of such an intervention, the surgeon applies sutures, which will be practically invisible after rehabilitation.
The placement of the scar after blepharoplasty on the upper eyelid is usually in a natural crease.
Plastic surgeon Joseph Fata
Only the lower eyelids can be operated on. Initially, the surgeon decides whether there is excess skin and takes into account its tone. If it is present, then the operation is performed through the skin.
Part of the orbicularis muscle may be removed. The seam will be located on the eyelash fold.
If there is no excess skin, transconjunctival blepharoplasty is performed. Often this type of intervention is suitable for young people.
The doctor makes an incision on the mucous membrane of the eyelid. Such an operation has a huge advantage - no traces of the intervention remain.
This type of blepharoplasty involves partial removal or redistribution of fat. There are other types of such operations, which will be discussed below.
How does a laser work?
Fractional CO2 laser splits the laser beam into several evenly distributed mini-beams. They penetrate the layers of the skin and instantly heat it, causing the protein fibers of collagen and elastin to contract and water to evaporate. The skin is instantly tightened and its texture improves.
The controlled damage created by the laser causes tissue regeneration and promotes the production of new collagen , which makes the skin more elastic. This helps tighten the facial skin and reduce wrinkles in the long term.
Recovery period
If you read reviews of operated patients after blepharoplasty, you will notice that in most cases the rehabilitation period does not last long. Initially, a person feels discomfort, but this is a normal reaction after any operation.
You should also expect swelling and bruising. To get rid of them faster, it is recommended to use compresses and special ointments prescribed by the doctor.
If the surgeon has not yet removed the sutures, it is strictly forbidden to touch the area of the operation again. You need to care for this area carefully. It is better not to wear lenses during rehabilitation.
In rare cases, complications occur in people undergoing surgery. Side effects such as bruising or swelling should disappear within a week. After this, you are allowed to start working, but you should not burden the body.
The patient will be able to see the effect after 2-3 weeks. During this time, you can observe the blanching of the seam, which as a result will be almost invisible.
After the surgery, the patient will face some side effects. This may include bruising and swelling. There is also a risk of complications: unfavorable scars, asymmetry, chemosis (eye irritation). Blindness is a rare complication.
Plastic surgeon Stephen Wallach
Benefits of laser lower eyelid correction
Laser technology has clear advantages compared to classical surgery. The non-surgical procedure guarantees:
- greater safety (there are no risks associated with surgery near the eyes and the use of anesthesia);
- less bruising and swelling;
- complete absence of scars and seams, which means a more natural result;
- faster recovery. Within a week you can return to your normal life. This is in stark contrast to the two to three weeks of recovery after surgery.
Thanks to all these factors, laser blepharoplasty does not cause as much discomfort as surgery. For patients, such procedures are more peaceful psychologically.
#7 types of blepharoplasty
The operation is divided into the following types:
- Blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids. From photographs of patients, you can see how after surgery the eyes open up and the person looks younger. This surgical intervention involves the removal of excess skin and fat deposits in the upper eyelid area. In addition, the surgeon tightens the orbicularis muscle. Cosmetic stitches are hidden in the crease of the eye.
- Blepharoplasty of the lower eyelid. This is an excellent operation with which you can remove stretched skin and a hernia in the lower eyelid area, this is confirmed by reviews and before and after photos. In this case, as mentioned above, the seam will be hidden in the area of the eyelash fold. This intervention can be supplemented, for example, with canthoplasty or facelift.
- Transconjunctival blepharoplasty . If the doctor sees that the patient has minimal excess skin in the lower eyelid area, then he is inclined to use this method, since it is more gentle. Excess fat is removed through an incision inside the eye. Rehabilitation proceeds quickly due to accelerated regeneration of the mucosa.
- Circular blepharoplasty . The operation is often performed on older people. With its help, you can remove blemishes in the area of both the upper and lower eyelids and tighten the skin.
- Canthoplasty. With this type of surgery, you can change the incision, as well as the shape of the eyes. In rare cases, doctors use the technique to correct the lower eyelid.
- Canthopexy. This is the name given to the surgical intervention, during which the muscles of the eye are tightened and the outer corner is corrected if it has sagged.
- Blepharoplasty for redistribution of fat cells. This look helps eliminate eye asymmetry. It involves an operation during which fat cells are transplanted from one eyelid to another. The nasolacrimal trough may also fill.
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is my favorite approach to lower eyelid surgery. I use this method 90% of the time.
Plastic surgeon Edmond Pierre Khoury
Sometimes operations are combined:
Laser blepharoplasty
Laser eyelid surgery is one of the new technologies for rejuvenating the area around the eyes. Its essence is the use of a laser beam that cuts the skin. It is worth understanding that the laser in this case acts as a cutting instrument and is no different from a scalpel used during surgery. It simultaneously coagulates (“seals”) vessels and capillaries, which eliminates the possibility of bleeding, and also causes collagen synthesis.
Correction is carried out using a CO2 laser with variable settings. Despite the fact that the thermal effect on the tissue occurs to a depth of only 1 micron, for delicate and sensitive skin this can result in a burn. The technique is suitable for correcting minor changes in the periorbital area. It is often performed under local anesthesia. No hospitalization is required after the operation.
Price issue
Having decided on blepharoplasty, you are interested in the question of price. It directly depends on the type of operation.
For example, upper blepharoplasty can cost from 10 to 200 thousand rubles, lower - from 8 to 130. These are approximate figures that depend on the prestige of the clinic, the volume of the operation and many other factors.
Don't be fooled by too low prices. To decide where to go, it is recommended to read reviews of surgeons from people who have undergone surgery and look at their photos. To do this, you can visit various forums.
Contraindications
The use of Plasma Pen, like most hardware and injection procedures, is prohibited in case of acute inflammatory process, infection, serious diseases - diabetes, epilepsy, herpes, autoimmune, oncological and mental diseases, blood clotting diseases. This procedure is not recommended during pregnancy, during breastfeeding, or when wearing a pacemaker. An allergic reaction to local anesthesia, taking blood thinning drugs and a tendency to form keloid scars can also become an obstacle.
And, of course, it cannot be used for non-surgical blepharoplasty if you have already had your eyelids tightened surgically before. If you try Plasma Pen before surgery, there is a high chance that the “before” will be replaced by “instead”.
Question answer
If there are no complications and the operation was successful, then recovery will take about 14 days. To ensure everything goes smoothly, it is recommended to follow all the rules of the rehabilitation period.
You need to understand that raising the eyebrows can lead to a deterioration in appearance. Therefore, if the eyebrow is not lowered and is in the bone area, then you should abandon the second option and lean towards blepharoplasty.
Often the effect lasts for about 10-15 years. It is directly influenced by heredity, age-related changes, and gravity.
Reviews (positive)
VALENTINA, 42 YEARS OLD:
“All women are probably afraid of age-related changes.
But where can you get away from them, especially at my age? The face became dull, and the whole point is that the corners of the eyes sagged, the upper eyelid began to droop, and bags appeared under the eyes. How you want to always look young. I was advised to think about blepharoplasty. After reading a little information, studying the best surgeons in St. Petersburg, reviews of those who had undergone surgery, I began to look for a specialist in Khabarovsk. The operation was successful, there were no unpleasant consequences.
In the modern world, when many methods of rejuvenation have been invented, it would be foolish not to take advantage of the progress. Therefore, I advise all women to spare no expense and try blepharoplasty and feel young again.”
LYUDMILA, 38 YEARS OLD:
“I had blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids back in 2021. I took the choice of a surgeon very seriously, I read reviews about specialists in Kazan.
Having decided, I went to the clinic. First I went through various studies, then I prepared for surgery. The doctor was attentive, explained everything in detail, and calmed me down. I was given general anesthesia. This is better, because I was very worried.
Everything went well, but the third day turned out to be the most painful. Swelling appeared from the first day, but then everything started to itch. I endured everything, and after a while my condition improved.
I understood that after any surgical intervention there may be discomfort. Much time has already passed, the unpleasant sensations are forgotten, and I am ten years younger.
The seams are not visible, as they are cleverly hidden on the bend of the eyelid. I haven’t encountered any complications, I calmly close my eyes, nothing bothers me.”
JULIA, 32 YEARS OLD:
“We have a hereditary problem in our family – drooping eyelids.
This small flaw steals youth, since even in my 20s I looked much older. And I decided to correct the situation. I tried a lot of lifting creams, did special exercises, but all my efforts were in vain. I decided to lean towards plastic surgery. I live in Ufa, there are many clinics here, I started reading reviews.
I stopped at the Yuhelp medical facility. The operation lasted about 1.5 hours. After it there were unpleasant sensations. They were polite to me and carefully monitored my condition.
I liked the staff. She went outside wearing glasses, thus hiding swelling and bruises. At age 5, my stitches were removed. This is a magical procedure, now everyone compliments me, I’m happy.”
Reviews (neutral)
OKSANA, 37 YEARS OLD:
“I was tormented by the bags under my eyes, so I decided to have surgery.
I had blepharoplasty on my lower eyelids 4 years ago. Everything seemed to go well, there was a small scar in the eyelash area, and over time it became completely invisible. At first there was severe swelling, but it disappeared after 4-5 days.
I was pleased with the result, but after 3 years the hernias under my eyes reappeared.”
VERONIKA, 43 YEARS OLD:
“I decided to have blepharoplasty, but I was not very happy, as I was faced with conjunctivitis.
In addition, the seams did not turn out the same, they pulled strongly after the intervention. At first everything was fine, I went through rehabilitation, the scars became completely invisible, but I felt some kind of dryness in my eyes. Later, discharge appeared, I went to the doctor, he diagnosed conjunctivitis.
Thank God, I got rid of the problem and started treatment. Six months have passed since the operation and I can finally enjoy the result.”
Reviews (negative)
NATALIA, 47 YEARS OLD:
“I read somewhere that 5% of patients experience unsuccessful results after blepharoplasty.
Unfortunately, I fell into this percentage. The skin is very stretched, I don’t look natural. That's horrible. My friends advise me to go to another surgeon and correct the situation, but now I am afraid that the doctor will make it even worse. I don’t recommend plastic surgery to anyone!”
MARINA, 53 YEARS OLD:
“I would like to advise all women who are going to undergo plastic surgery to carefully choose a surgeon.
I took this issue lightly and ended up with a terrible result. Probably the surgeon was not experienced, since the sutures remained noticeable and also crooked. Apart from this, the bags under the eyes have not decreased much.”
VALERIYA, 55 YEARS OLD:
“After plastic surgery, I am unrecognizable, and, unfortunately, the changes were not for the better.
I had a problem with drooping eyelids. That is why I decided to have blepharoplasty. The result was terrible - crooked, untidy seams, one eye was different from the other. I realized that there is no need to save on the operation, since in the end you will have to pay even more.
A year has passed since the intervention, I am planning re-plasty. I will choose my doctor carefully.”
Expert advice
“There is a requirement from Rospotrebnadzor that on the websites of clinics that provide plastic surgery services, each surgeon has these documents freely available in the “Education” column,” stated FAN’s interlocutor.
The specialist answered a question about the eyelid lifting procedure using laser treatment, which is gaining popularity among cosmetologists. According to her, the laser literally “evaporates” the skin, provoking the production of its own collagen and elastane. It is these substances that help thicken the skin in problem areas. However, the expert explained that cosmetology is still unable to correct age-related changes in the eyelids.
Important
“If the patient already has a sufficient amount of excess skin in the eyelid area, then it is impossible to correct it cosmetically so that the result lasts for at least six months. There is no such technique. Cosmetology will not remove excess skin, but it can definitely prolong youth and correct mild age-related changes,” the specialist explained.
Delnik emphasized that procedures from a cosmetologist will not be able to tighten the eyelid muscle or rid the patient of excess skin that interferes with the viewing angle. Therefore, if there are irreversible age-related changes, you should contact not cosmetologists, but qualified plastic surgeons.
Reviews about non-surgical blepharoplasty
ALEXANDRA, 40 YEARS OLD:
“My eyelids began to sag early, which noticeably aged me.
Among my girlfriends, I looked the oldest. The desire to be young took over, and I began to look for a way out of the situation. I was advised to pay attention to laser blepharoplasty. I hesitated for a long time. I started reading reviews about laser techniques for the upper and lower eyelids and looking at before and after photos. This literally pushed me to go to the clinic.
During the laser procedure no pain was felt, but some discomfort was present. But the doctor worked quickly: up to 5 minutes on one eye. At first swelling appeared, but it disappeared after a couple of days, I used Panthenol, it was recommended to me at the clinic.
The annoying bags have disappeared, the upper eyelids have tightened. All friends and acquaintances admire the result, especially my husband.”
LARISA, 46 YEARS OLD:
“Even at a young age, I developed unsightly bags under my eyes.
I looked for help in cosmetic products, but they provided a slight lifting effect. Later some bruises appeared. I knew that my problem could be solved surgically, but I didn’t want to go under the knife at all.
Once again I went to the salon for anti-aging procedures, where the cosmetologist told me about non-surgical blepharoplasty.
She interested me greatly. I decided on the injection method. The procedure was almost painless, and I recovered within a couple of days. My eyes look more open now."
MARINA, 36 YEARS OLD:
“I had a problem with drooping upper eyelids.
Of course, I used various means, even turned to traditional medicine, but I did not observe any positive changes. We started talking about this problem at work, and an employee recommended injection blepharoplasty. I'm glad I decided to do it. I did not feel any pain during the procedure.
The condition of the skin around the eyes has noticeably improved: it has tightened, sagging has disappeared, the look has become fresher, more tender. The main thing is that there are no scars on the face. I advise everyone to try it."
After the procedure
For three days after Plasma Pen, it is not recommended to wet the treated skin areas, overheat them (for example, sunbathing, visiting a sauna) or apply decorative cosmetics to them. The skin should be carefully cleaned with an alcohol-free antiseptic and smeared with Bepanten.
By the end of the three-day period, crusts will form at the site of plasma micro-burns, which will then fall off, giving way to tightened, healthy skin. They cannot be removed; they must fall off on their own. Until this time, it is recommended to continue to carefully wipe your face instead of the usual washing and smear it with a healing cream.
For a month or two after the procedure, you must use sunscreen with at least SPF30 and avoid tanning. If you have had non-surgical blepharoplasty with Plasma Pen, it would be a good idea to wear sunglasses. As the skin heals, its density will decrease and its firm, healthy appearance will be restored. It may take up to three weeks after the procedure to achieve maximum effect.
Expert opinion
- Surgeon
- Cosmetologist
Margarita Eiten
plastic surgeon
To avoid complications, we always examine the patient first; he must pass all the necessary tests. Only after this can you begin to prepare for the operation. For 3 weeks, I advise you to abstain from nicotine, alcoholic beverages, and various drugs such as Aspirin. In addition, the patient needs rest before the intervention. Already on the second day you are allowed to shower, just be careful. Usually the stitches are removed on the 4-5th day, but cosmetics can be applied no earlier than a week later.
Irina Dorofeeva
practicing cosmetologist
Many people worry about future scars.
But if the operation was performed by an experienced doctor, then the scar will not be visible, since it will be hidden in the eyelash fold or fold on the upper eyelid. If you have had transconjunctival blepharoplasty, then you will not see the scar at all. In addition, it does not necessarily go under a scalpel. The fact is that there are also non-surgical methods. This could be, for example, laser blepharoplasty. With its help you can also achieve a positive effect. Today, on the path to beauty, many women decide on various procedures and operations. Blepharoplasty is very popular. The main thing is that there is more than one method of this operation, so every woman will be able to choose her own option.
Most reviews are positive, so don't be afraid. If the operation is performed by a professional, then the result will be satisfactory.
How to correct skin using Plasma Pen
Procedures using Plasma Pen are quite standard for a visit to a cosmetologist. First of all, it is necessary to cleanse the skin of traces of makeup and impurities that have arisen during the day, and treat the desired area with an antiseptic. Then the cosmetologist will apply a local anesthetic, for example, Emla cream, to the intended treatment site. It will take effect within 15-20 minutes. Only after this will the actual procedure begin. An eyelid lift or wrinkle correction is done as gently as possible for the patient. The cosmetologist brings the device to the skin for a split second, with light point movements, so that many do not feel pain even without local anesthesia - only light warmth. If a mole or wart is being removed, the touch may be longer, but even in this case, anesthesia will not allow you to experience discomfort.
At the sites of exposure, tiny dots appear on the skin, which the cosmetologist treats with a healing agent, for example, Bepanten. This is the last stage of the procedure.
