What is blepharoplasty in cosmetic surgery?

Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the eyelids, which may involve either the upper or lower eyelids, or both.

Depending on the initial indication validated during the preoperative consultation, blepharoplasty can be based on different procedures:

• Upper blepharoplasty : removal of excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, which can weigh down the eyes and impair vision. The incision is made in the palpebral crease, so that the scar is virtually invisible.
• Lower blepharoplasty : consists in removing the pockets of fat under the lower eyelids that age the eyes and give them a puffy appearance. The incision is generally made transconjunctivally (inside the eyelid) to leave no visible trace. It is often recommended to combine lower blepharoplasty with micro and nano lipofilling, which simultaneously treat hollow and colored dark circles.
• Perform hollow ring lipofilling by injecting autologous fat into the hollow rings to make up for lost volume. At the same time, this procedure reduces the color of dark circles and encourages cell regeneration.
• Perform a pinch blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids, which does not include detachment of subcutaneous tissue and preserves the orbicular nerves and muscles while removing excess skin.

Who can benefit from blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty may be indicated for anyone wishing to rejuvenate their eyes and rediscover a more dynamic, harmonious expression in keeping with their personality.

Blepharoplasty can be performed as soon as the first signs of skin ageing of the eyelids appear, around the age of 35 or 40. But there is no real age limit for blepharoplasty, as long as patients are in good health, have realistic expectations and the surgeon validates the indication.

The first consultation is therefore very important, so that your surgeon can analyze the initial indication and the degree of sagging skin or aging of the eyelids. He or she will then be able to personalize the treatment plan to propose the technique best suited to your situation.

When can you resume sport after eyelid surgery?

You should not return to sport without the prior agreement of your surgeon. As a general rule, you should allow at least 2 or 3 weeks before resuming physical activities and sports. However, this period may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the progress of the healing process, the procedures performed during the operation, the type of sport practised, your level of sporting activity, and so on.

Ideally, you should resume exercise gradually, listening to your body and avoiding overly violent or prolonged exertion. You should also avoid sports that could cause trauma to the eyes (such as combat sports), rubbing or infections (swimming, skiing…).

Your surgeon will be able to give you advice on how to return to sport with peace of mind, depending on how the post-operative period progresses.

It’s also advisable to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from external elements (wind, sun, dust) when practicing outdoors.