Blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgeries. It has a significant visual impact and requires minimal recovery time.
This procedure can be combined with a facelift and is ideal for individuals who feel their face or eyes look tired when they see themselves in the mirror.
Most patients report a sensation of heaviness around their eyes, loss of eyelid contour, and a fatigued appearance. Women, in particular, often struggle to apply makeup due to loose skin that obscures the eyes.
In addition to aesthetic concerns, sagging skin around the eyelids can reduce peripheral vision and impair visual fields in one or both eyes. A frequent complaint among patients is the feeling of heaviness in the eyes.
In some cases, droopy eyelids may prevent the eyes from fully opening. Removing the excess tissue can improve vision and expand the visual field.
Who Is a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is typically recommended for patients over 40, as signs of aging such as loss of skin elasticity become more noticeable.
This procedure is suitable for:
- Excess skin on the upper eyelids
- Excess skin on the lower eyelids
- Prominent fat deposits on the upper or lower eyelids
- Sagging or misaligned eyelids due to flaccidity or redundant skin
How Is Blepharoplasty Performed?
The goal of this surgery is to restore a more youthful and natural appearance to the eyelids by addressing excess skin, bulging fat pockets, and irregular muscle positioning.
Anesthesia Application
All patients receive a pre-anesthetic medication to induce sleep, followed by light sedation to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Patients are discharged the same day, eliminating the need for overnight hospitalization.
Surgical Techniques
Various techniques address different concerns:
- Treating only the skin
- Removing excess fat
- A combination of skin and fat removal
- Muscle adjustments for symmetry
For the lower eyelid, incisions can be made externally, just below the lashes, or internally via the conjunctiva (transconjunctival blepharoplasty). In some cases, a canthopexy is performed to correct lower eyelid flaccidity or prevent eversion, ensuring natural results.
Location of Scars
For upper eyelids, the incision is hidden within the natural crease of the eye. For lower eyelids, transconjunctival blepharoplasty leaves no visible scar, while transcutaneous blepharoplasty results in a nearly invisible scar just below the lash line.
Post-Surgical Care and Recovery
After surgery, basic care ensures a smooth recovery. Patients should avoid disturbing the small dressings on the eyelids, sleep with their head elevated, and use cold compresses during the first 24 hours.
Recovery typically takes 7 to 10 days, during which stitches are removed. Swelling may persist longer due to the delicate nature of eyelid skin. Most patients can resume daily activities within a week, though physical exercise should be avoided for 30 days.
Blepharoplasty Results
Results become noticeable about two weeks after surgery, with residual swelling resolving over three months. Patients often report:
- Enhanced eye openness, creating a refreshed appearance
- Smoother upper eyelids, contributing to a more youthful look
- Reduced puffiness in the lower eyelids due to fat removal
- Firmer, tighter lower eyelid skin, particularly when canthopexy is performed
During the consultation, Dr. Alexandre will evaluate your needs and explain how blepharoplasty can rejuvenate your appearance. He will also show before-and-after photos and discuss pricing.
Many patients combine a facelift with blepharoplasty for more comprehensive results, though this is not necessary for everyone.
Contact Information
Dr. Alexandre Charão offers consultations in Rio de Janeiro and Petrópolis. To learn more or schedule an appointment, reach out to his team today.
