What is surgical blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery technique that rejuvenates the eyes by intervening on the upper and lower eyelids.

Surgical blepharoplasty combines two surgical techniques: lipofilling and resection of excess skin. Lipofilling is the transfer of autologous fat (from the patient himself). The fat is extracted from the abdomen, thighs or back of the knees, before being cleaned, defibrosed and reinjected into the eyelids. This technique can be used to fill hollow circles.

Resection involves removing excess skin. Using a CO2 laser scalpel, the surgeon makes an incision in the palpebral crease (for upper eyelids) or flush with the eyelashes (for lower eyelids). The skin is tightened and the eyes look younger.

Alternatively, pinch blepharoplasty can be performed on the lower eyelids. Unlike addition blepharoplasty, the subcutaneous tissues and orbicularis muscle are spared. The scar is virtually invisible.

Lastly, transconjunctival bag removal eliminates fatty hernias located under the eyes. The scars are then hidden inside the eyelids.

When is surgical blepharoplasty recommended?

Surgical blepharoplasty is a very common procedure. It is particularly indicated to treat dark circles and aging of the eyelids.

With age, the face is subject to cutaneous aging. Collagen and elastin levels decline, causing wrinkles to appear as fat melts away. This phenomenon particularly affects the skin of the eyelids, which is very thin. The result is ptosis of the upper eyelid, which falls over and covers the eye. Hollow circles, a cavity under the lower eyelids, also appear. Loss of volume also leads to the appearance of dark circles, where the blood vessels of the orbicularis muscle become visible through the skin.

Blepharoplasty can be performed from the age of 35-40. There are no medical indications for this procedure. It is merely an aesthetic procedure. The choice of blepharoplasty is left entirely to the patient’s discretion, depending on the discomfort they feel about their eyes.

Blepharoplasty is minimally invasive, with only rare contraindications linked to the anesthesia administered prior to the procedure. As a precaution, pregnant or breast-feeding women should not undergo this procedure.

What will my eyes look like after blepharoplasty?

The after-effects of blepharoplasty are minor. Post-operative swelling and bruising may occur, but these fade within a few days. You may also experience visual discomfort or dry eyes. As with any procedure, recovery time varies according to the individual and the type of blepharoplasty performed. Nevertheless, recovery is generally rapid, and it is possible to return to work within a few weeks.

The position of the scars varies according to the procedure. In the case of upper blepharoplasty, they extend from the upper eyelid furrow to the wrinkles at the corner of the eye. They become imperceptible after a few months.

Lower blepharoplasty can be performed internally (without a scar on the skin) or externally. In the latter case, the lower eyelid scars extend under the eyelashes. They are barely visible, as they are camouflaged in the natural crease of the eyelids.

When should I massage my blepharoplasty scar?

A gentle massage on the eyelid after blepharoplasty will help reduce the appearance of eyelids. Scars appear pinkish for the first few weeks, before gradually fading. It’s a good idea to massage them daily a few days (around 10 days) after the operation, to enhance the healing process. A healing cream is then recommended. Using only your fingertips, massage both the scar and the surrounding tissue. Start from the nose and work towards the ear, pushing back the swelling every evening for 15 days with the healing and moisturizing cream: massaging helps soften scar tissue, which is often harder during the remodeling phase.

Continue massaging until the scars have softened.

How do I care for my blepharoplasty scars?

It takes about 2 weeks before you can apply make-up to the scars. To reduce the appearance of scars more quickly, it’s advisable to avoid wearing make-up altogether for the first seven days after surgery. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes: as scars are fragile, they may reopen during the first 10 days.

Blepharoplasty scars must also be protected from UV rays (by wearing sunglasses or sunscreen), to avoid pigmentation. It takes several months before complete healing is observed. The final appearance of the scars is visible approximately one year after the operation.