How useful are follow-up consultations after blepharoplasty?

What are the benefits of blepharoplasty?

With age, the layer of subcutaneous fat gradually disappears and the production of collagen and elastin declines. The extremely fine skin around the eyes becomes thinner and more fragile. Signs of ageing appear, making the eyes look sad or tired.

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and pockets of fat in order to improve the appearance of the eyes and bring radiance back to the gaze.
Here are some of the benefits most commonly associated with this procedure:

• Rejuvenating the appearance of the eyes: blepharoplasty removes signs of ageing such as drooping eyelids, bags under the eyes and wrinkles. The gaze looks younger and more dynamic.
• Improved vision: blepharoplasty corrects drooping eyelids, which can affect sight by obstructing the field of vision.
• Removal of bags under the eyes: bags under the eyes make the face look tired. Blepharoplasty restores a more rested and energetic appearance.
• Correction of asymmetries: blepharoplasty gives the eyes a more harmonious appearance.
• Improved self-esteem: improving the appearance of the eyelids can boost self-confidence.
• Reduced skin irritation: blinking can be uncomfortable and associated with skin irritation caused by sagging skin on the upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty removes the excess skin.

How do I know whether blepharoplasty is right for me?

Blepharoplasty is indicated for:

• removing excess skin from the upper or lower eyelid
• removing fat pockets from the lower eyelid
• removing the upper inner fat pocket of the upper eyelid

It is now possible to perform entirely personalised surgery, whether the motivation is aesthetic, medical or functional. There are different types of blepharoplasty for different indications:

• upper blepharoplasty
• lower blepharoplasty
• addition blepharoplasty (resection of excess skin combined with microlipostructure fat injection).

The decision to undergo a blepharoplasty depends on your own needs and goals. Here are some of the factors to consider in deciding whether blepharoplasty is right for you:

• you show signs of ageing of the eyelids
• you are in good general health
• your expectations are realistic

The best way to find out whether blepharoplasty is right for you is to consult a qualified oculoplastic surgeon.

What are follow-up consultations after eyelid surgery?

The final result of eyelid surgery is not immediately apparent. Patients who undergo a blepharoplasty are monitored for several months by the oculoplastic surgeon, and post-operative follow-up lasts about a year. A follow-up consultation is an opportunity to monitor and assess the progress of healing and the results of the surgery, and to address any concerns or questions you may have. It also allows the oculoplastic surgeon to explain how to care for the incisions and stitches, and to fine-tune post-operative care if necessary.

Why are they important?

Follow-up consultations are essential to the success of the operation and to the patient’s satisfaction. First and foremost, they allow the patient to accept their new appearance and to see that their objectives have been achieved. The follow-up consultation is a chance to take stock of the project and to measure the progress made. After a blepharoplasty, some apprehensions may remain, and the surgeon can address them. The follow-up consultation is of course essential in analysing the results obtained and ensuring your complete satisfaction.

It is always important to monitor the healing of the eyelids regularly, so that any potential problem can be identified and treated quickly. It is also a good way of preventing complications. Adjusting post-operative care is likewise essential, in order to keep pace with healing and optimise the result.