Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is the procedure to reduce ‘puffy bags’ below the eye or drooping eyelids above they eye. The result is a younger, more alert and well-rested look. Sometimes it is done because drooping eyelids interfere with vision.
Eyelid surgery will not remove wrinkles, dark circles below the eyes or sagging eyebrows. In Thailand and the rest of Asia, the Asian blepharoplasty is very common. Here the procedure will create a crease in the upper eyelid.
Variations
Upper eyelid surgery
Upper eyelid surgery can be performed to reduce drooping skin above the eye. Drooping upper eyelids are a natural part of aging, but can also be a birth defect or the result of medical conditions such as Myasthenia Gravis.
Lower eyelid surgery
Lower eyelid surgery is the reduction of ‘puffy’ bags below the eye. This is usually done for cosmetic reasons.
Procedure
The procedure does usually not require overnight stay and takes around 1 to 3 hours. A local anesthetic is normally sufficient, often the doctor will supply some medicine against anxiety.
The surgeon will make small cuts either below the lashes of the lower eyelid or the crease of the upper eyelid. Some fatty tissue and sometimes a bit of skin will be removed. After the tightening of the eyelid muscles, the surgeon will add stitches to close the incision.
Recovery after the procedure
You can usually leave the hospital or clinic on the same day as the procedure. Your eyes and eyelids will be covered with ointment and a bandage. When the local anesthetic wears off, your eyelids might feel sore. Standard pain killers can help to make this time more pleasant. Use ice packs to reduce swelling.
After 2 - 3 days vision should return to normal, but do not wear contact lenses the first 2 weeks. Avoid strenuous activities for 4 to 5 days. Usually the surgeon will remove stitches two to seven days after the procedure.
The first month after the procedure it is normal to experience increased tears, sensitivity to light, blurred or double vision.
Risks
Like all surgeries there is a risk that there are complications. While rare, the risks of an eyelid surgery can include:
- (Temporary) difficulty closing the eyelids.
- Uneven healing and scarring
- Hematoma
- Change in the position of the lower eyelid
- Blurred vision
Who are candidates for eyelid surgery?
Candidates for eyelid surgery should be over 18 years old for the treatment, unless there is a medical reason, such as vision impairment.
Typical patients are over 35 years old and unhappy with the excess skin above the eyes or have bags below the eyes and feel they are looking tired. Please note that eyelid surgery will not remove wrinkles or dark rings below the eyes. This is often done in combination with laser treatment or a face-lift to create an overall younger look.
People with the following symptoms should consult their doctor at home before planning to get eyelid surgery in Thailand:
- Glaucoma
- Diabetes
- Dry eyes or lack of tears
- Thyroid problems
- Cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure
- A detached retina
