Why Is Blepharoplasty Popular and Is It Worth it?

Age-related skin changes are a natural process that every person faces. Signs of aging primarily affect the eyelids. They begin to sag and swell. The problem of wrinkles can still be solved using expensive creams and “beauty shots”. But with eyelids, the means of modern cosmetology, unfortunately, are powerless. Although, there is a way out. Blepharoplasty will help return youth and beauty to your look. What kind of procedure is this, who is it suitable for and what are its advantages? We will figure it out together with Ilker Manavbasi, one of Istanbul’s leading plastic surgeons with over 20 years of successful experience in plastic surgery.

Blepharoplasty in Simple Terms 

If you want to correct the shape and size of the eyelids, you should choose this procedure. The doctor will remove fatty hernias and excess skin. The result is a lifting, smoothing the relief, and clear eye contours. Ultimately, the entire face is visually rejuvenated and acquires a fresher appearance.

According to research conducted by PubMed in Germany, 44 out of 46 patients are satisfied with the results of their blepharoplasty. After a procedure, a person begins to feel younger and more attractive. The study also showed that after upper blepharoplasty, observers perceived patients as younger, more attractive, and more successful. The average age that a person usually looks after the surgery decreased from 51.75 years to 42.10 years.

How to Know When It's Time to Get Blepharoplasty

Usually, patients need blepharoplasty after 35-40 years. This is when age-related changes begin to be noticeable in the skin. However, younger people also come for surgery if there is an anatomical predisposition to the formation of sagging and hernias.

Are you unhappy with the skin of your eyelids? Depending on the skin condition and the patient's wishes, the doctor will select the type of blepharoplasty.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

The main indication for this type of surgery is an overhanging eyelid. With age, elasticity and tone decrease. This happens because elastin, along with collagen, begins to be produced more slowly over time. These structural proteins are responsible for the strength of the skin turgor, its density, and elasticity. Also, the skin in the eyelid area is very thin, it quickly feels like a protein deficiency.

In addition to this problem, pathological fat deposits can form in this area. This visually worsens the appearance of the face and accelerates the sagging of the skin under the weight of fatty tissue.

In some cases, upper eyelid correction is performed for medical reasons. For example, it can be used to correct an inversion of the eyelid, which causes irritation of the cornea. The surgery also makes it possible to improve the limiting function when the eyeball protrudes.

Lower Eyelid Lift

The surgery allows you to remove bags under the eyes, age-related skin folds, and correct the contour of the eyes. Most of the patients choose this procedure for aesthetic reasons with the following conditions:

• Swollen eyes.
• When fatty tissue in the eye socket forms protruding hernias.
• Deep wrinkles.
• "Sunken" eyes due to a deficiency of fatty tissue.
• Deep nasolacrimal grooves.
• Extra skin on the lower eyelid.
• Visual defects after burns or injuries.
• Dropped outer corners.

Circular Blepharoplasty

If you are not satisfied with your eyelids at all, a circular lift is a good option. To improve eyelid anatomy, the doctor excuses excess skin, muscles, and fatty tissue. The edges of the incision are connected with an intradermal suture.

How Is Eyelid Lift Performed?

Doctors usually use local anesthesia. Very rarely, they offer general anesthesia. To hide the stitches, the doctor makes thin incisions along the natural contours of the eyes. 

Through them, a plastic surgeon removes loose skin and fat and tightens muscles if needed. Then the doctor applies stitches. 

The surgery lasts a maximum of 1–2 hours. The patient doesn't have to stay at the clinic and can go home the same day.

Swelling and bruising usually disappear in 1–2 weeks. Therefore, the patient can return to normal life as quickly as possible. After full recovery, which takes 1-3 mounts, scars become almost invisible.

The Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Eyelid lift is one of the most popular plastic surgeries due to a few significant advantages:

• It helps get rid of heavy eyelids and under-eyes bags, which make the face look exhausted or older than its age.
• Improved appearance has a positive effect on self-esteem and mood.
• The effect is pronounced and lasts for 7-10 years, especially if the skin is properly cared for.
• The stitches are usually hidden in the natural folds of the eyelid and you can barely see them.
• Fast recovery takes no more than 1-2 weeks.

Eyelid lifting is a safe and proven modern method that will make you look young and feel confident. Thousands of people worldwide undergo it every day. The main thing is to choose an experienced doctor and remember that modern medicine does everything for your comfort and quick recovery.