Plastic surgery of the eyelids – indications, contraindications and course. How much does blepharoplasty cost?

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The interest in blepharoplasty is constantly growing. The statistics of the International Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) show that in 2019 as many as 14,5% more people underwent this procedure than in the previous year. In this way, blepharoplasty has become the third most popular surgery in the field of plastic surgery in the world.

What is blepharoplasty?

Plastic surgery of the eyelids, i.e. blepharoplasty, is performed to reduce excess skin. It is normal for it to become flaccid with aging, but because of genetics, it can also affect young people. Sagging skin around the eyelids makes the face look tired. In extreme cases of so-called ptosis, it can even narrow the field of view. Therefore, the operation helps not only to regain a youthful appearance, but also to restore the proper functioning of the eyelid.

The scope of the procedure depends on the specificity of the problem with which the patient comes to the surgeon’s office. If only the drooping eyelid requires reduction, then it is performed upper eyelid correction. So-called lower eyelid plastic surgery is performed to remove fatty hernias, commonly known as bags under the eyes. These treatments can be combined if necessary.

Indications for blepharoplasty

Any person in good general health can undergo blepharoplasty. Mental condition and awareness of the effects that can be achieved are also important. The patient’s unrealistic expectations are one of the contraindications to the procedure.

Eyelid surgery is performed for purely aesthetic and functional reasons. The main indications for the procedure are:

1. excess skin of the upper eyelid;
2. the presence of fatty hernias (bags under the eyes);
3. ptosis (ptosis) – both hereditary and age-related;
4. muscle defects (e.g. an overly developed part of the eye muscle).

Blepharoplasty is usually performed on people between the ages of 35 and 65. It is also possible to carry out the procedure in younger patients – in them the excess skin of the eyelids is usually hereditary.

Also read: Wrinkles under the eyes – how to prevent them?

Contraindications to plastic surgery of the eyelids

As with any surgical procedure, it is not possible for everyone to start plastic surgery of the eyelids. Contraindications for blepharoplasty it is primarily serious systemic diseases, pregnancy, eyelid eczema or mental disorders. Patients with a tendency to develop keloids, with prolonged blood clotting time, and those who have developed an infection of the skin of the operated area, must also give up the procedure.

Preparation for eyelid plastic surgery

Plastic surgery of the eyelids is a procedure that requires appropriate preparation from the patient. The surgeon will inform him about the details of the procedure during the consultation. He or she will also order an eye check if he deems it appropriate. General recommendations include:

1. two weeks before the surgery: stop taking medications that disrupt blood clotting (e.g. aspirin), smoking, eating foods with garlic and ginger, and ginseng and sunbathing the face;
2. 10-14 days before the procedure: performing basic blood tests, such as coagulation markers, blood counts and inflammatory markers. 

You should not drink alcohol for at least three days before blepharoplasty.

The course of plastic surgery of the eyelids

The course of the procedure depends on whether its scope covers only the upper or the lower eyelid. In the case of correction of the upper eyelid local anesthesia is selected – the exception is drooping eyelid due to the levator muscle dysfunction – then the doctor usually decides to use general anesthesia. During the procedure, excess skin is removed and the seams are made in the crease of the eyelid – so that any scars are invisible.

Lower eyelid surgery most often performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision just below the lower lashes, which also reduces the visibility of the scar. During the treatment, the skin is separated from adipose tissue and muscles, and its excess (along with excess fat tissue) is removed.

Recommendations after blepharoplasty

After surgery, the tissues around the eyes are swollen. This state of affairs usually lasts from a few days to two weeks. During this time, you should give up work and significantly reduce physical activity. In the first days after the treatment, the eye area is tender. Swelling and pain can be minimized by using cool compresses. It also prevents the formation of bruises. As a rule, the seams are removed after a week.

During the recovery period, the patient must remember about:

1. protect the skin from the sun by using an SPF cream;
2. wearing sunglasses;
3. avoiding stimulants such as cigarettes and alcohol;
4. limiting TV viewing and computer use.

You can return to sports after 3-4 weeks. Then the effect of the operation becomes fully visible.

Creams with a filter are available in the Medonet Market offer. We can choose from products such as SPF 50+ toning cream for oily and combination skin, SPF 50 anti-spot gel cream or soothing BB SPF 15 cream.

Plastic surgery of the eyelids – prices

The price of blepharoplasty depends on many factors, but the one that affects the cost of the procedure the most is its scope. Plastic surgery of the upper eyelids As a rule, it involves an expense of PLN 3500, while in some facilities you have to pay PLN 6000 or 7000 for such a procedure. Average price of lower eyelid surgery is PLN 4500, and for the correction of upper and lower eyelids – PLN 7500. The final cost of the procedure is also influenced by the reputation of the facility itself and the experience of the doctor performing the procedure.