How can I avoid bruising after blepharoplasty?

What is surgical blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery technique that removes dark circles and tightens the skin of the upper and lower eyelids.

The eyelids are quickly affected by skin ageing. Because their skin is so thin, it wrinkles as the fat between the eyelid and the orbital bone melts away. This leads to hollow circles and hollows under the eyes, and excess skin becomes visible. It is often associated with ptosis of the upper eyelid, which descends over the eye because of weakness of the levator muscle.

Addition blepharoplasty combines lipofilling with resection of excess skin. Fat cells are harvested from the abdomen and the back of the knees. They are then cleaned and defibrosed before being injected into the lower eyelids to thicken the skin and fill the dark circles. An incision is then made in the upper palpebral crease to remove excess skin from the upper eyelids. The surgeon uses a laser scalpel to prevent bleeding.

Alternatively, a pinch blepharoplasty can be performed to rejuvenate the lower eyelids. The skin is pinched and the excess removed. Unlike conventional blepharoplasty, the subcutaneous tissues are not detached. The nerves and the orbicularis muscle are entirely spared, which prevents complications.

Lastly, the removal of bags involves taking out the fat hernias located under the eyelids. This procedure is performed transconjunctivally, so that the scar is hidden inside the eyelid.

Who needs eyelid surgery?

Blepharoplasty is one of the most widely performed cosmetic surgery procedures. It can be carried out as soon as sagging skin around the eyes or dark circles appear. There is no age limit; it can be performed from the age of 35 to 40. It should be noted, however, that there is no medical indication for blepharoplasty: it is a purely aesthetic procedure, and the decision to undergo it is left entirely to the patient.

There is no contraindication to blepharoplasty, apart from the rare complications associated with anaesthesia. As a precaution, the procedure is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is the recovery period after blepharoplasty?

The after-effects of the operation depend on the technique used. The procedure is not painful, as it is performed under anaesthesia. The skin may, however, be sensitive after fat removal.

Blepharoplasty involves making an incision. Although this leaves a discreet scar, it is advisable to avoid all physical activity for two to three weeks while the scar heals. Social downtime is also required for ten days after surgery.

How can I avoid bruising after blepharoplasty?

Bruises may appear after the operation. They disappear within a few days. Here are a few tips to speed up the process.

First and foremost, it is advisable not to take anticoagulant or anti-inflammatory drugs before or after surgery, in order to reduce skin inflammation and prevent bruising. It is also advisable to apply ice compresses to the treated area, as the cold reduces blood flow and so minimises bruising.