BLEPHAROPLASTY IN SPAIN. EYELID SURGERY

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is one of the least invasive facial cosmetic surgeries and with better results because it rejuvenates the look in a very natural way and with scars that are not visible. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) doesn’t require hospitalization and the postoperative period is almost painless.

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is one of the most common cosmetic operations carried out in Spain. The surgery is designed for each individual, according to the needs and particulars of the patient. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is routinely performed on patients over 35 years old.

To correct the upper eyelids, the surplus part of the skin is removed and the excess fat in the eye bags is extracted. The scar is just inside the eyelid flap and therefore it is not visible. Normally (blepharoplasty) upper eyelid surgery is done under local anaesthetic.

After blepharoplasty of the upper eyelid, patients don’t usually have much pain, although there is discomfort during the first week. The inflammation could stop the eyelid from closing completely and there could be bruising.

Postoperative recommendations to reduce the discomfort after blepharoplasty of the upper eyelid:

• The first day it is a good idea to rest, with the head raised and to use cold compresses.
• Sleep with the head slightly raised on pillows.
• As the eyelid doesn’t close adequately it is crucial to protect the cornea so that it doesn’t dry out, especially at night. For this reason we prescribe anti-inflammatory drops, artificial tears and a protective eye ointment for night time. This ointment should be used for the first 2-3 weeks until we are sure that the eyelid shuts completely.

The stitches are removed 7 days after the blepharoplasty of the upper eyelid. From that moment on the bruising can be covered with make-up.

For the first few weeks it is normal to have swelling. As well as that there could be an accumulation of liquid in the bags under the eyes. It is normal for the patient not to see immediate results. Fortunately, the eyelid heals very quickly and the inflammation disappears completely in about 4 months and the scar is practically invisible in a year. Generally after blepharoplasty of the upper eyelid, rest is recommended for two or three weeks. Intense sport and the swimming pool are discouraged during the first month.

The Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) that we practice currently is the most conservative.

Now, we don’t now remove too much from the eye bags because with aging we lose fat and what we could end up with is a sunken eye and more dark circles.

For blepharoplasty of the lower eyelid there are various techniques available (classic, transconjunctival, Loeb, canthopexy) which are evaluated on the first visit, according to the characteristics of the eyelids of the patient, their face and also their expectations.

Blepharoplasty of the lower eyelid can be done under local anaesthetic, local anaesthetic and sedation, or general anaesthetic. The bruising that results from the intervention is reduced a lot if, after the surgery, you put ice on the eyes for a couple of hours. Four or five days after the eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) the stitches are removed and drainage massages to reduce the swelling and to give elasticity to the skin.

With regard to the inflammation, it should be kept in mind that the eyelids swell easily. The most effective thing is to apply cold to the zone. We recommend making some camomile tea, keeping it in the fridge and afterwards soaking gauzes in it and putting them onto the eyes. You could also use cold gel masks that are sold in Chemists/Pharmacies or also use bags of frozen peas.

For the inflammation to go down faster, it is very important not to lie down completely flat, rather to lie down keeping the head up.

Any bruise has an evolution time from 10 to 15 days and it depends on the characteristics of each patient. You could use a venous congestion reliever. Arnica tablets and creams can also be a good preventive treatment.

After eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) the eyes are more sensitive and if we read or watch television they can get more swollen. The recommendation is to forego reading and television during the first 4 days of rest.

After the first week, when the stitches are removed, if there are still any bruises, make-up can be used to hide them. We advise make-up that has yellow tones which are better for concealing bruises.

The best time to have eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is the 8 months from September to April. It is necessary to protect the scars and bruises from the damage that can be caused by the sun. All facial surgeries (facelift, rhinoplasty (nose job) or Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)) leave bruises during the first 15-20 days. If the intervention is done in summer we need to be very strict with regard to using protection from the sun (total sunblock, sunglasses and hats or wide-brimmed sun hats)

During the summer you shouldn’t go to the beach or to the mountain where there is the risk that the scars and bruises could become pigmented. This pigmentation is visible and very difficult to treat afterwards.

This is a recurring question that patients tend to ask. It’s logical that when a person decides to go in for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) there is a feeling of uncertainty. And here is where computer simulations come into play as they let you see a before & after result. Recent progress in photography software allows the patient to get an idea of what will be the final result that they are trying to get after the surgery.

When the surgeons use the computer simulation, it is usually so that the patient and surgeon reach an agreement on the result that they want to achieve with the surgery. But the computer simulation should in no way be considered as what the final result will be.

Undoubtedly the surgeons and the patients are the most interested in getting the desired result. But we should not forget that the plastic surgery involves working with living tissue. To change the appearance of something specific on the computer is a matter of seconds, but the computer doesn’t take into account the quality of the tissue, the thickness of the skin, how aged the skin is, and the wound healing of the tissues during the procedure nor the possible complications.

In this regard, the majority of the scientific societies don’t recommend the publication of before/after images on web pages, as there is always the question as to whether they have been manipulated. It is precisely for the adherence to these ethical principles and to avoid speculation that we don’t show photos on our website.