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Frequently Asked Questions
BLEPHAROPLASTY (Eyelid lifting)
- IS THERE AN IDEAL AGE FOR EYELID LIFTING?
There is no ideal age, but ideal opportunity. This opportunity is determined by the presence of certain imperfection that needs to be corrected and it typically occurs after the 30's.
- ARE SCARS VISIBLE? WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED?
Since eyelid skin is very thin, scars tend to be hidden under the natural contours. Accordingly, scar maturation period (3 months) should be respected. Due to its location, scars may be concealed by light makeup, since the beginning.
- WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA WILL I TAKE?
Due to the extension of the surgery, and the good quality of anesthetics, in the majority of the cases surgery is made with local anesthetic (in some cases, with previous sedation). Depending on the patient’s wish, general anesthesia may be used. This case applies only to situations in which local anesthesia is not recommended or when blepharoplasty will be combined with another surgery.
- IS THERE POST-SURGERY PAIN?
Generally not. Even in cases of high sensitivity or some pain, they can be easily lessened by common painkillers. Your doctor will prescribe you the most adequate medicine. Don't use medicine without your doctor's prescription.
- IS THERE ANY EYELID SWELLING? FOR HOW LONG?
Eye swelling may vary according to the patient. Some patients in the 4th or 5th day present natural aspect. Others only reach such result after the 8th day. Even though, the first three days after surgery are those with significant eyelid swelling. Wearing sunglasses may be useful in this phase, as well as using cold compresses to decrease swelling intensity. Only after the third month we may say that residual swelling will be discrete.
- HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE?
Normally, around 90 minutes. Depending on the case, there are some details that may extend its duration. However, surgery duration should not be confused with the time in which a patient stays in the Surgery Room, since that includes the period for anesthetic preparation and post-surgery recovery. Your doctor will inform you on the total duration of the surgery.
- WHAT IS THE "REDISH OR PURPLE BRUISING" NOTED IN SOME CASES?
They are nothing but blood infiltration in adjacent skin and even in eye conjunctiva and they are due to the surgical trauma itself. This, however, is neither considered as a future problem nor as a complication, but a transient and reversible situation.
- WHEN WILL I REACH THE DEFINITE RESULT?
After the third month. However, immediately after the 8th day, nearly 25% of the desirable result will be noted, and in two or three weeks time, this result tend to improve significantly.
- IS IT NECESSARY TO OCCLUDE THE EYES AFTER SURGERY?
Not necessarily. Doctor may recommend the use of cold compresses for some minutes, many times a day, as controlled by the patient himself/herself, in order to prevent swelling. Some surgeons, however, prefer to occlude the eyes after surgery.
- IS THE RESULT REALLY WORTHY?
If you are aware of what you really want and the surgeon is capable of providing you with what you ask, the result is really worthwhile. However, you should bear in mind the fact that eyelid surgery offers no facial rejuvenation when made separately. Many patients do expect this result (rejuvenation) only with blepharoplasty. Plastic surgeon will only change the area damaged by pre-existing aesthetic imperfections. Rejuvenation of the face implies other surgeries combined with blepharoplasty. Eye wrinkles, even if duly operated, will never disappear due to the action of orbicular muscle and loss of elasticity by the remainder skin.
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