Who is the ideal candidate for eyelid surgery?
The ideal candidate is a man in good physical health who wants to improve his facial expression and aesthetics and combat the visible effects of aging by correcting the appearance of his droopy eyelids and puffiness under the eyes. They may be unsuitable, candidates suffering from disorders such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thyroid disease or insufficient production of tears.
It is recommended that the candidate undergo an eye examination by an ophthalmologist before and after the intervention because there are eye diseases of the eyelids such as dry eye, blepharitis, eyelid laxity … that can be aggravated by performing this surgery or determining that the result is not expected.
Another type of candidate for blepharoplasty is someone concerned with correcting their vision impairment caused by drooping folds in the upper eyelids.
There is no stipulated age for this type of intervention since the appearance of bags under the eyes can occur at an early age, due to a family tendency to have bags, as well as advanced ones. Although usually, patients with blepharoplasty are over 35 years old.
Eyelid surgery, what is it?
Eyelid surgery is a fast, outpatient surgery performed under local anesthesia and sedation, although general anesthesia may be chosen depending on the case. It usually lasts between 40 minutes and 2 hours depending on whether it is the top, bottom or both. And it is not necessary more than to remain in the clinic a few hours after the intervention.
In upper blepharoplasty, a small incision is made, following the natural groove of the eyelid, to remove excess skin and restore normal muscle tension. If required, fat pockets that cause drooping of the upper eyelids are also removed.
As for the lower blepharoplasty corresponding to the lower eyelids, if there is an excess of skin, an external incision is also made following the natural lines, just below the eyelashes.
For the removal of fat pockets on the lower eyelids, it can be done externally, through a small cut under the eyelashes and closed with a very fine suture that serves to tighten the skin. It can also be carried out internally known as transconjunctival, through an internal incision through the conjunctiva without a surgical scar through which fat is removed. No suturing is necessary as this tissue heals on its own. This is the most common procedure for young people 45 and older who do not need to have their skin removed. The eyes are protected with protective contact lenses, after applying a few anesthetic drops.
In the event that the candidate requires surgery on all four eyelids, the intervention begins at the top. Normally incisions are made in the natural lines of the upper eyelids and just below the eyelashes in the lower ones, thus ensuring that scars are minimal and imperceptible. In both cases, the skin of the area around the eyes is protected with sterile dressings throughout the process.