Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is an operation to correct excess skin on the upper and lower eyelids. It helps reduce the effects of stress accumulation and repeated fatigue that most often manifest themselves as ” pockets ” under the eyes while restoring an overall more toned appearance. Aging or genetics, drooping eyelids are a complex for many people, especially after age 40. Blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that provides a lasting remedy for sagging eyelid skin. Our Lausanne-based center specializes in blepharoplasty.
How does the procedure work?
Before proceeding with blepharoplasty, an initial consultation takes place in our Lausanne-based aesthetic center between the patient and the surgeon, who will decide whether or not it is necessary to complete the procedure with an ophthalmological check-up in order to prevent certain post-operative complications. The procedure can be part of a facial rejuvenation program and can be completed by a facelift, hyaluronic acid injections or a botulinum toxin treatment.
Blepharoplasty can be performed under pure local anesthesia, under local anesthesia with sedation or, more rarely, under general anesthesia.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is made in the tarsal fold, between the mobile and fixed parts of the eyelid. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision is located 2 mm from the ciliary margin. The surgeon removes fatty hernias and excess skin from these incisions. The incisions are then sutured with non-absorbable threads. The procedure can last 1 hour for an upper eyelid surgery or 2 hours if it is the upper and lower eyelids.
When will the results be visible?
The optimal result can be observed 3 months after the operation. This is the time it takes for the skin tissues to regain their suppleness and for the edema to be completely resolved. Once the healing process is complete, there is no visible trace of the incision made. Blepharoplasty is one of the most durable procedures. The removal of the bags is permanent. However, the effects of time after ten years can cause a new sagging of the skin.
What are the after-effects?
Following the operation, a slight irritation of the eyes or dryness may be felt without any real pain. Sometimes, excessive tearing may occur from the 4th to the 7th day after surgery. During the first few days after the operation, it is advisable to avoid exposing the eyes to light, as they remain quite sensitive at this stage.
To learn more about the procedure
What are the possible complications?
Although blepharoplasty is a procedure commonly performed by plastic surgeons, as with any surgical procedure, complications may occur. To learn more about the procedure
With a blepharoplasty the eyes look younger. The eyes appear more open and less tired, as if you are more awake with a sparkling look. If you undergo a lower blepharoplasty, the bags under the eyes will be much less prominent, if not completely smoothed out.
Your droopy eyelids are primarily the result of the natural effects of age-related gravity. Genetics, smoking habits, weight fluctuations and sun exposure also play a role in how quickly your eyelids age.
Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin to reduce sagging upper eyelids. Lower eyelid surgery removes or repositions fat to reduce lower eyelid bags.
Eyelid surgery is a short and simple cosmetic surgery procedure. An upper or lower eyelid surgery can last between 45 and 90 minutes. Upper and lower eyelid surgery takes 2 hours.
Two weeks off work should be enough to give you time to heal and recover from eyelid surgery.
Most of the time, eyelid surgery cannot help improve dark circles under the eyes. However, non-surgical treatment with fillers can improve the hollow between the lower eyelids and the area above the cheeks (also called the “valley of tears”).
Depending on the problems you wish to correct, there may be alternatives to blepharoplasty. Mild to moderate bags or hollows under the eyes are sometimes corrected with fillers like hyaluronic acid. Sometimes the upper eyelids can be subtly rejuvenated by injecting Botox along the curve just above the eyebrows. This method is only effective if the heaviness of the upper eyelids is caused or aggravated by the downward pull of the eyebrows. Injectables can be convenient, but they are a temporary solution to aging eyelids. Blepharoplasty has become a preferred technique because of its long lasting results.
Intervention
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Duration
1h for the 2 eyelids
2h for the 4 eyelids -
Hospitalization
Ambulatory
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Recovery
Work: 1 to 2 weeks
Sport: 2 weeks -
Price
From 2500.-