What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that can target either the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. It is designed to remove sagging skin, fat, and, in some cases, muscle that can accumulate with age around the eyes. While eyelid surgery is often associated with cosmetic improvement, it also provides functional benefits, particularly for those experiencing drooping of the upper eyelids, which can impair vision.
This procedure is customized to each patient’s unique needs, and surgeons can address different issues such as:
- Upper eyelid surgery to remove excess skin that hangs over the eyelids and may cause visual obstruction.
- Lower eyelid surgery or eye bag surgery to reduce puffiness, smooth under-eye bags, and improve the contour under the eyes.
Differences Between Upper Eyelid Surgery and Lower Eyelid Surgery
There are key differences between the two types of blepharoplasty, and understanding these can help potential patients make informed decisions about their surgery.
- Upper Eyelid Surgery: This procedure focuses on removing excess skin, and sometimes fat, from the upper eyelids. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals with sagging skin that can create a heavy or tired appearance. In cases where drooping eyelids obstruct a person’s vision, this surgery can also offer a functional improvement. The incisions are typically hidden in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, making scars minimal and discreet.
- Lower Eyelid Surgery: Eye bag surgery, or lower blepharoplasty, targets the puffiness and bags that form under the eyes. These bags are often caused by fat deposits that shift over time, creating a tired or aged look. Eye bags can be visible even in young patients. In this procedure, the surgeon may either remove or reposition the fat to smooth out the under-eye area. This technique is done without any visible scars. This surgery can be combined with a lover eyelid lifting which also helps eliminate excess skin that can form wrinkles or folds under the eyes.
Why Do Patients Choose Eyelid Surgery?
Patients seek eyelid surgery for a variety of reasons, ranging from aesthetic improvement to functional benefits. Here are the main reasons people opt for this procedure:
- Aesthetic Purposes: As we age, the skin around the eyes loses its elasticity, causing the eyelids to sag and create a tired or aged appearance. Many patients choose blepharoplasty to rejuvenate their look by reducing under-eye bags, smoothing wrinkles, and lifting drooping eyelids. The result is a more youthful, refreshed, and alert appearance.
- Improved Vision: In cases where excess skin from the upper eyelids droops enough to obstruct vision, upper eyelid surgery can have a significant functional benefit. By removing the extra skin, patients often experience a wider field of vision and improved daily activities, such as driving and reading.
- Boost in Confidence: Eyelid surgery can have a profound impact on a patient’s self-esteem, as it improves their overall facial harmony and revitalizes the area around their eyes, making them look more awake and approachable.
Procedure Overview, Benefits, and Typical Outcomes
The blepharoplasty procedure is typically performed as an outpatient surgery under local anesthesia with sedation, though some patients may opt for general anesthesia. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:
- Upper Eyelid Surgery: After numbing the area, the surgeon makes a small incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the incision is closed with fine sutures. The surgery usually takes about 1 hour.
- Lower Eyelid Surgery: Depending on the patient’s needs, the surgeon will either reposition the fat under the eyes through an incision made just below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid (a technique called transconjunctival blepharoplasty). Dr Lyor HANAN, is an expert in eye bag surgery without any visible scar, transconjunctival blepharoplasty Instead of removing the eye bags that will create a hollow under the eyes, Dr Lyor HANAN reposition the fat in order to spread it like a cushion over the tear through and the cheek to volumize this area and to treat the puffiness caused by the eyebags at the same time. Any excess skin is also removed if needed. This procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty:
- Natural results: Patients achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance without looking overdone or “pulled.”
- Long-lasting effects: The results of eyelid surgery are durable, often lasting at least 10 years years before any additional procedures may be considered. The eye bag surgery will last forever.
- Minimal scarring: Incisions are made in natural creases (upper eyelid) or hidden inside the eyelid (lower eyelid), resulting in barely noticeable scars.
Typical Outcomes: Most patients experience a significant improvement in their appearance, feeling more alert and less tired. Bruising and swelling are common immediately after surgery, but these effects subside within a few weeks. Final results are visible within 1 to 3 months, revealing smoother eyelids, reduced puffiness, and an overall refreshed look.
Conclusion
Whether for aesthetic rejuvenation or functional improvement, eyelid surgery offers patients a transformative way to restore a youthful, well-rested appearance. With procedures targeting both the upper and lower eyelids, blepharoplasty addresses common signs of aging, such as drooping eyelids and under-eye bags, delivering natural, long-lasting results.
If you’re considering upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination of both, it’s important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can assess your unique needs and guide you through the process. Dr Lyor HANAN, is specialized in eyelid surgery, and probably the best plastic surgeon in Dubai for this type of procedure.
