Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is the surgery that aims to improve the aesthetic appearance of the eyelids.

The aesthetic problem that arises over the years has a dual cause. On the one hand is the relaxation and sagging of the skin that manifests itself in obvious excess and on the other hand the projection of the fat that is normally located in the eye socket around the eye outwards. Both the excess skin and the excess fat (bags) will be removed during the operation.

An important role in the aesthetics of the upper eyelid is played by the possible drooping of the eyebrows, which may coexist and worsen the eyelid breakage. Respectively in the lower eyelid the fall of the tissues of the cheekbone area may have a cumulative effect on the aesthetics of the area.

This is the reason why several times the upper eyelid surgery is combined with the frontal lift and the lower eyelid surgery with midface lift which is done by the same incision.

The eyelid area generally shows excellent healing and the scars almost disappear over time.

1. Healthy people without serious health problems
2. Non-smokers or people who intend to follow instructions for at least a temporary cessation of smoking
3. People who after talking with the doctor understand the possibilities and what this surgery can offer them
4. People with clinical drooping of the upper eyelid (ie the eyelid falls and to some extent covers the pupil), regardless of whether it coexists and excess loose skin belong to a different group and are treated with different surgery.

During the exam you should be ready to discuss:

• Why do you want to do this surgery, your expectations and the end result that you would consider desirable.
• Medical problems you may have, drug allergies and previous surgeries and medical treatments
• List of medications, vitamins, and supplements you use.
• Also tell your doctor about alcohol, tobacco, or drug use.

Medical examination

It includes an assessment of your general health and identification of any risk factors for surgery.

Evaluation / measurement of the fall and relaxation of the periocular area and the overall appearance of the face.

Evaluation of possible dry eye.

You will need to have a general blood test

If the operation is performed under general anesthesia or sedation and you are over 40 years old or have a health problem you may need a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram or some more specialized tests.

If you have a chronic illness you may need to see your doctor or adjust the doses of the medicines you are taking.

Quit smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications as they may increase bleeding during surgery (you will be given a list of medications, supplements and foods we recommend to avoid preoperatively)

Stop taking drugs because they may interact dangerously with the drugs that will be used in the operating room.

If there is dry eye or any other eye condition you may need to be examined by your ophthalmologist.

The operation can be performed under local anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation or under general anesthesia.

These options will be discussed during the review.

In most cases the surgery can be done safely with only local anesthesia.

After the injection of the local anesthetic, an incision will be made and the excess skin will be removed according to the preoperative plan. The excess fat will then be removed and the incision will be sutured.

In lower eyelid surgery the incision is made exactly at the border of the lower eyelid lip, the soft molecules of the area will be detached and the excess fat will be removed.

Some of this fat, instead of being removed, can be displaced and naturally fill the groove on the inside of the lower eyelid near the nose (tear trough).

Usually a special stabilizing suture needs to be placed on the outside of the lower eyelid border. Eventually the excess skin will be removed and the incision will be sutured again.

Also in the lower eyelid surgery in people with a small excess of skin there is the possibility of the incision to be made from the inside of the lower eyelid through the conjunctiva.

The decision for any plastic surgery is personal and should be made by weighing the benefits of achieving your main cosmetic goals and the risks and possible complications of surgery.

Eyelid surgery is usually a very safe operation, with very little chance of complications, however as in any surgery there are some unavoidable risks.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the process and the potential risks and possible complications.

The form we have prepared for you is very detailed, analyzes and explains in depth all the possible risks associated with the operation.

In addition to the analysis in the office, this form will be given to you so that you can study it with more time at your disposal at home and to be able to solve any additional questions that may arise during a second visit to our office.

The eyelids are very sensitive tissues so swelling and bruising are expected after the operation. Cold compresses are useful on the first day. Swelling and bruising tend to subside quickly within the first week usually.

You usually need to be hospitalized for a few hours after the operation in order to recover from the medications given during the operation.

Mobilization takes place immediately in the first postoperative hours and if your doctor examines you if you feel well you can go home the same day.

In any other case the discharge takes place the next morning.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or an unusual heartbeat or bleeding from the incision site, contact your doctor.

It is important that surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, friction or movement during healing.

You will need to take antibiotics for a week and mild painkillers for 2-3 days. Moisturizing eye drops or natural tears are helpful in the first few days.

You should treat the surgical wound with antiseptic spray until the sutures are removed (5th-6th day).

After a few days you will be able to return to work

Scheduled review is recommended on the 5th, 14th postoperative day and the 1st, 3rd and 6th month

• Am I a good candidate for this surgery?
• How should the operation be done to have the best possible results?
• What are the risks and complications associated with surgery? How often do these problems occur?
• How are complications treated?
• How much recovery period and what help will I need during it?
• What should I do to help get the best results?
• Will the picture change over time?
• What are my options if I am unhappy with the aesthetic result of the surgery in the future?