Blepharoplasty: what it is, who it is for and what recovery is like

The eyes are the first thing we notice in a face. Over the years, the skin of the eyelids loses firmness, excess skin starts to weigh on the eyes and the fat pockets under the eyes give a tired look, even after a good night’s sleep. Blepharoplasty is the surgery that corrects these changes.

In this article we explain what blepharoplastyis, who it is for, how it is performed at Clínica do Nariz e Face and what to expect from recovery.

Blepharoplasty is the plastic surgery of the eyelids. It consists of removing excess skin and, when necessary, removing or repositioning the fat pockets, giving the eyes a more rested, natural appearance without changing the expression of the face.

It can be performed on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids or both at the same time:

• Upper blepharoplasty: corrects the excess skin that droops over the eyelid and, in more advanced cases, even reduces the field of vision.
• Lower blepharoplasty: treats the fat pockets and excess skin under the eyes, responsible for the tired look.

Blepharoplasty is indicated for anyone with:

• heavy or drooping upper eyelids, which give a sad or tired look;
• bags under the eyes that do not disappear with rest or creams;
• excess skin that makes applying make-up difficult or, in the most marked cases, affects lateral vision.

There is no right age. Most patients are over 40, but there are younger people with hereditary bags who benefit from the surgery. The essential thing is the assessment at the consultation, which distinguishes what is excess skin, what is fat and what is a drooping eyebrow. When the problem lies in the eyebrow, the solution may be a brow lift, on its own or together with blepharoplasty.

Blepharoplasty takes about an hour on average and is performed under general anaesthesia or sedation, depending on the case and the patient’s preference. In most situations it is a day-case surgery: you go home the same day. When combined with other facial procedures, an overnight stay may be needed.

The incisions are placed in the natural creases of the eyelids. On the lower eyelid, when only fat needs treating, they can be made inside the eyelid, with no visible scar at all. Through these incisions, the surgeon removes excess skin and repositions or removes the fat pockets.

• Pain: it is a surgery with little pain. As a rule paracetamol is enough.
• Swelling and bruising: are normal and disappear in 1 to 2 weeks. Ice and keeping the head raised in the first few days help a great deal.
• Stitches: are removed at the first consultation, a few days after surgery.
• Work: most people return after 8 to 15 days, when the swelling is no longer noticeable.
• Scars: are hidden in the creases of the eyelids and become practically imperceptible over the months. The area should be protected from the sun during the first year.

The result is visible as soon as the swelling goes down and is long-lasting: the skin and fat removed do not come back, although natural ageing continues.

It is a frequent question at the consultation. Blepharoplasty treats the eyelids. A brow lift raises the eyebrows and opens up the eyes when the weight comes from above. A facelift treats laxity of the lower third of the face and the neck. Often the best solution combines two of these procedures in a single surgery, and that is what is defined at the consultation.

Does blepharoplasty leave visible scars?

The incisions lie in the natural creases of the eyelids, or inside the lower eyelid, so the scars are hidden and practically imperceptible.

How long does the result last?

Many years. The skin and fat removed do not reappear, although the face continues to age naturally.

Can I have upper and lower blepharoplasty at the same time?

Yes, it is very common, and it is done in the same surgery.

When can I wear contact lenses and make-up?

Usually after about two weeks, once the stitches are removed and the skin has healed. The surgeon confirms the right time at the consultation.

At Clínica do Nariz e Face, blepharoplasty is performed by Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira, a specialist in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, dedicated to facial plastic surgery. The consultation can take place at the Porto or Braga practice. See more on the blepharoplasty page and in our clinical cases.

Book your consultation or call +351 915 808 584.

This article is for information purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation.