Healing Process After Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is a procedure that covers aesthetic corrections on the eyelid. Eyelid aesthetics, which is one of the most common surgical areas of oculoplastic surgery, can be applied in case of excess skin in the upper eyelid, sagging of the lacrimal gland, weakness in the subcutaneous muscle and connective tissue, anterior herniation or collapse in the fat tissue, sagging due to loosening of the lower eyelid, excess skin, fat bagging, collapse between the lid and cheek and weakness in the lower eyelid ligaments.

What is Eyelid Aesthetic Surgery?

Various deformations may occur in the lower and upper eyelids over time, depending on reasons such as aging, genetic factors and the effect of gravity. Bags on the eyelids that occur with skin, muscle excess and herniation in the fat tissues can cause an old, tired and sleepy appearance in the person. Excess skin can reach a size that prevents the person from seeing from time to time. Eyelid aesthetics is a popular procedure for eliminating these problems and rejuvenating the eyelids.

In eyelid aesthetic surgery, sagging skin and excess muscle tissue are removed and the tissues around the eyes are stretched. Although the skin normally has an elastic structure, this elasticity gradually decreases with aging. As a result of the loss of elasticity on the face, excess skin is first collected on the eyelids and the first signs of aging appear on the eyelids. 

With droopy eyelid surgery, excess skin and muscle tissue in the area is removed. Since the incision is made from the eyelid fold line, there is no surgical scar. It may be possible to combine upper eyelid aesthetics with forehead lift and eyebrow lift procedures for better results.

The fat pads on the cheekbones can shift downwards with the effect of gravity and aging, causing signs of aging such as collapse under the lower eyelids and deepening of the laugh lines at the corner of the mouth. In the lower eyelid aesthetic surgery, first of all, the fat pads are suspended in place by endoscopic method. In some cases, this procedure is sufficient and no further intervention may be required. In cases where the signs of bagging and sagging do not disappear, an incision is made under the eyelashes and the skin is lifted. After the fat packs spread to the orbit, excess skin and muscle are cut and removed. If the under-eye depression is still not resolved, the under-eye fat injection method can be applied.

Before and After Eyelid Surgery

Before eyelid aesthetic surgery, the surgeon should evaluate the position of the patient’s muscles very well. If there is a drooping eyebrow in addition to the signs of eyelid aging, the necessity of performing a brow lift operation should also be considered. If eyelid aesthetic surgery is performed without correcting the droopy eyebrows, negative situations such as further drooping of the eyebrows and inability to achieve the desired aesthetic appearance may be encountered.

Due to the risk that it may cause an increase in bleeding tendency during eyelid aesthetic surgery, taking aspirin and similar drugs should be discontinued at least 15 days before the surgery. In addition, smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products should be terminated 2-3 weeks before the surgery, due to its wound healing retarding feature. Likewise, if herbal supplements are used due to the possibility of causing unexpected effects, taking them should be suspended.

After eyelid aesthetics, ice and antibiotic ointment are applied to the application area, and the patient is kept under observation for 2-3 hours. If no problems are observed, the patient can be discharged on the same day. Intermittent ice application is continued for 48-72 hours.

After the surgery, antibiotic ointment is applied to the wound morning and evening for 1 week. Swelling and bruising in the application area are considered a normal situation. Swelling and bruises occur spontaneously within 1-2 weeks at the latest, depending on the skin structure of the patient and the scope of the application. In order to experience a fast and healthy recovery process, the patient should rest for the first few days and limit their physical activities. In other words, they should avoid leaning forward, lifting weights and taking strenuous long walks.

It is not recommended to contact the wound with water for the first 4-5 days. After the stitches are removed on the 6th-7th day, no special treatment is required. The incision may become more red and tense between 4-6 weeks. Then, with the start of the remodeling phase, the scars begin to become invisible. 

The patient should take care to lie down with their head up in the first week after the surgery. It is a very important point to use sunglasses outdoor, as there will be a high sensitivity to wind and sunlight for a few weeks.

The sea, pool and heavy sports activities should be avoided for the first 2 weeks after eyelid surgery. Although heavier activities are usually started after the 10th day, the doctor’s approval must be obtained as there may be differences depending on the patient. Patients can start their desk jobs after the 3rd day under normal conditions after eyelid surgery. Although works that require activity can usually be started after 7 days, it is recommended to get a doctor’s approval for the person.