Over time, our face undergoes many changes. The eye area and mainly the eyelids are among the first areas where these changes are felt, as the skin of the eyelids is particularly sensitive, as a result of which it quickly loses its elasticity. What does this practically mean? That the eye area starts to look tired, dull and loses its youth and freshness. In particular, the upper eyelid area is the first to lose the battle with time, resulting in droopiness and intense accumulation of skin and fat. The excess skin accumulation and drooping of the upper eyelids requires a more invasive approach. This approach is none other than upper blepharoplasty. But did you know that it is possible to perform upper eyelid blepharoplasty, only with local anesthesia?
What is upper eyelid blepharoplasty and when is it indicated
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is the ideal procedure to restore youth and enhance the look. The procedure aims to remove excess skin, fat or muscle from the upper eyelids that contributes to a tired or less youthful appearance. In fact, bloodless upper blepharoplasty can be performed easily and safely in the doctor’s office, only with local anesthesia. This less invasive procedure contributes in an impressive way to improving the appearance of the upper eyelids. It is an ideal choice for people who want to address the signs of aging on the upper eyelids, such as accumulation of fat and skin combined with drooping, but want the procedure to be done quickly and without undergoing surgery.
Surgical process
Before the upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed, a detailed pre-operative examination is essential. The Plastic Surgeon in Athens and more specifically in Kolonaki Dr. Maria Skolarikou carefully evaluates each patient’s eyelids, discusses the desired goals, and reviews the medical history to ensure that the particular procedure is the right choice. Detailed preoperative instructions are then provided, which usually include avoiding medications that may increase the risk of bleeding and not smoking.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is generally very simple, takes about an hour, and is performed safely in the office under local anesthesia. With proper surgical technique, careful planning and all the precautions taken in the office, patients do not have to worry at all about any issues or complications. In the comfort of Dr. Skolarikou’s practice, local anesthesia is applied in order to numb the area of the upper eyelid. Longitudinal incisions are then made along the normal folds of the upper eyelids, which are practicaly invisible. Excess skin and fat are then carefully removed to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. The incisions are closed with special, very thin sutures, minimizing scarring. Special plasters, small gauzes that do not restrict vision, are placed over the sutures, so that the incision site is not contaminated. The technique applied is non-traumatic with minimal recovery, thanks to the excellent technique and knowledge of the doctor’s anatomy.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty: Recovery process
In the first few days after surgery, patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling or bruising, which will gradually subside. The application of cold patches, which the patient is encouraged to apply at home for a few hours afterwards, is particularly beneficial in reducing the swelling. Pain, if it occurs, is treated with simple painkillers, although usually even after the local anesthetic wears off, patients rarely feel pain. An antibiotic is also prescribed, which is recommended for 3 days to prevent any infection in the area. It is also important that patients wear sunglasses when they go out in the morning. The return of the patient to daily activities and work is immediate (2-4 days). Exercise and weight lifting is recommended after 10-15 days.
After bloodless upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the eyelids will gradually begin to swell and bruising will appear in the surrounding area. Over the next few days the bruising may increase slightly and the swelling may extend to the lower eyelids, which is normal. Sutures are usually removed after 5-7 days safely in the office. Already from that day the incision is barely visible, and gradually becomes practically invisible. Please note that in the first week after the procedure, the application of make-up on the upper eyelids is prohibited, but it can be applied carefully on the lower eyelids when 48 hours pass after the surgery. In the next two weeks after the upper eyelid blepharoplasty, patients are asked to clean their eyes thoroughly first with water and then, if makeup has been applied, with Micelaire water, and to apply a regenerative cream over the incision every morning and evening. By choosing the right plastic surgeon and consistently following the post-operative instructions, every patient can enjoy a renewed, fresh and youthful look with upper eyelid blepharoplasty quickly, safely and with impressive results in the office!
