Blepharoplasty — eyelid correction surgery
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid correction surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes excess sagging skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids, bags under the eyes and fatty herniations. The aim of the operation is to improve the shape and symmetry of the eyelids and the overall appearance of the eye area, creating a fresher and more open look.
Blepharoplasty — eyelid correction
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid correction, is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic surgery procedures for rejuvenating the eye area. It corrects excess sagging eyelid skin, fatty herniations and bags under the eyes, which can give the face a tired, heavy or aged appearance.
The aim of eyelid surgery is to improve the shape and symmetry of the eyelids and make the eyes appear more open and harmonious. In some cases, excess upper-eyelid skin may also obstruct the field of vision, so the doctor assesses both aesthetic and functional factors during the consultation.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure in which excess skin is removed, fatty tissue is corrected and, when necessary, the eyelid contour is improved.
The operation may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both the upper and lower eyelids at the same time.
The procedure is planned individually, taking into account the patient’s facial anatomy, eyelid condition, skin elasticity, eye shape, symmetry and wishes.
The result of blepharoplasty should look natural. The aim is not to change the patient’s face but to restore a fresher and more expressive appearance to the eye area.
What can eyelid surgery correct?
Blepharoplasty may help with:
excess upper-eyelid skin;
drooping eyelids, or ptosis;
a heavy or tired-looking expression;
bags under the eyes;
fatty herniations in the eye area;
excess lower-eyelid skin;
changes in eyelid shape or symmetry;
signs of ageing around the eyes.
Types of blepharoplasty
The type of blepharoplasty is selected individually following a consultation with the doctor. The choice depends on whether correction is required for the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both areas at the same time.
The main types are upper-eyelid surgery, lower-eyelid surgery and combined upper- and lower-eyelid surgery. Each type has its own indications, surgical technique and recovery considerations.
Upper-eyelid surgery
Upper-eyelid surgery is performed when there is excess skin, sagging or a heavy eyelid fold in the upper eyelids.
During the operation, excess skin is removed and fatty tissue is corrected when necessary.
The procedure helps make the eyes appear more open, lighter and fresher. When excess skin significantly obstructs the field of vision, upper-eyelid surgery may also improve everyday comfort.
Lower-eyelid surgery
Lower-eyelid surgery is suitable when there are visible bags under the eyes, fatty herniations, excess skin or unevenness in the lower-eyelid area.
During the operation, the tissues are corrected to create a smoother and more harmonious appearance beneath the eyes.
Lower-eyelid correction helps reduce the appearance of tiredness and improve the overall aesthetics of the eye area. The procedure is planned individually because the lower-eyelid area is anatomically very delicate.
Combined upper- and lower-eyelid surgery
Combined upper- and lower-eyelid surgery is performed when the entire eye area requires correction.
This approach makes it possible to address both excess sagging skin on the upper eyelids and bags or fatty herniations beneath the eyes during the same operation.
Combined blepharoplasty may provide a more noticeable rejuvenating effect. However, the extent of the operation, type of anaesthesia and recovery period are determined individually.
How is blepharoplasty performed?
A consultation with a surgeon is required before the operation.
During the consultation, the doctor assesses the condition of the eyelids, the anatomy of the eye area, skin quality, the patient’s general health and the desired results.
The doctor explains how the operation is performed, the type of anaesthesia, potential risks, the recovery period and postoperative recommendations.
The operation is performed under local or general anaesthesia. The type of anaesthesia is selected according to the extent of the operation, the patient’s health and the doctor’s recommendations.
The average duration of the operation is approximately one to one and a half hours.
Recovery after eyelid correction
Swelling, bruising, sensitivity, dry eyes or a feeling of tightness may occur after blepharoplasty.
These reactions are usually temporary, although recovery varies from patient to patient.
It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions, protect the eye area and avoid physical overexertion, rubbing the eyes and using cosmetics without the doctor’s permission.
Follow-up appointments should be attended at the times specified by the doctor.
If severe pain, changes in vision, pronounced swelling or other concerning symptoms occur, the specialist should be contacted immediately.
Recovery depends on the extent of the operation, the patient’s skin characteristics, the healing process and compliance with the doctor’s instructions.
The first few days after surgery
Swelling, bruising and sensitivity around the eyelids are most common during the first few days after blepharoplasty.
The eyes may feel dry, and mild tearing, tightness or temporary blurred vision may occur, particularly immediately after the operation.
During this period, it is important to protect the eye area, follow the prescribed routine, use the recommended products and avoid rubbing the eyes.
The doctor may recommend sleeping with the head elevated to help reduce swelling.
The first week after blepharoplasty
Swelling and bruising are usually most pronounced during the first week but gradually begin to subside.
The eyelids may feel heavy or sensitive.
During this period, patients should avoid physical exertion, heavy lifting, straining, steam rooms, saunas and intensive eye strain.
If non-absorbable sutures have been used, they are usually removed at the time specified by the doctor. The exact timing depends on the surgical technique and the healing process.
The second week after blepharoplasty
During the second week, bruising and swelling usually become less noticeable.
Many patients can gradually return to lighter daily activities during this period if permitted by the doctor.
However, the eye area may still be sensitive, and the final result will not yet be visible.
Intensive physical activity, rubbing the eyes, active sun exposure and the use of cosmetics should still be avoided unless the doctor has given permission.
The skin around the eyes should be treated gently and protected from the sun.
Weeks three and four after surgery
During the third and fourth weeks, the eyelid area continues to heal, swelling decreases further and the eye contours begin to look more natural.
The patient generally feels more comfortable, although mild sensitivity, tightness or a feeling of asymmetry may remain.
Physical activity should be resumed gradually and only according to the doctor’s instructions.
Sun protection and gentle care of the scar areas remain important.
One to three months after blepharoplasty
The final result develops gradually.
For some patients, the eye area looks significantly calmer after several weeks, but complete tissue settling and scar maturation may continue for several months.
Scars become less noticeable over time, particularly when the incisions are placed in the natural eyelid folds or other anatomically discreet locations.
The quality of the result is influenced by the patient’s skin characteristics, healing process, sun protection and compliance with postoperative instructions.
Who is blepharoplasty suitable for?
Blepharoplasty is suitable for patients with excess upper-eyelid skin, bags under the eyes, fatty herniations, eyelid asymmetry or a tired-looking expression.
The procedure may be performed for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
The doctor determines whether the operation is suitable during a consultation.
Particular attention is paid to eye health, skin quality, general health, current medications and the patient’s expectations.
When is a doctor’s consultation required?
A consultation is required when excess eyelid skin interferes with vision, creates a feeling of heaviness or visibly covers the eyes.
It is also recommended when there are pronounced bags or fatty herniations under the eyes or when the patient wishes to improve the shape and symmetry of the eye area.
During the consultation, the doctor determines whether blepharoplasty or another treatment would be more appropriate, such as eyebrow-position correction, procedures to improve skin quality or a combined approach.
Risks and contraindications
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure, so a medical consultation, health assessment and informed consent are required beforehand.
Although the operation is generally well tolerated, it may involve risks and side effects.
Possible postoperative risks and temporary reactions include:
swelling and bruising;
dry eyes or increased tearing;
eyelid sensitivity;
a feeling of tightness around the eyes;
temporary blurred vision;
discomfort or pain;
scar sensitivity;
asymmetry during the healing period.
Less common complications include:
infection;
bleeding;
pronounced or prolonged swelling;
visible or thickened scars;
changes in eyelid shape;
difficulty closing the eyes completely;
lower-eyelid retraction;
prolonged dry-eye syndrome;
the need for additional corrective surgery;
in very rare cases, visual impairment.
Blepharoplasty may be unsuitable or may need to be postponed in cases of:
an active eye infection or inflammation;
uncontrolled dry-eye syndrome;
severe or uncontrolled eye disease;
uncontrolled high blood pressure;
blood-clotting disorders;
the use of certain blood-thinning medications when they cannot be safely adjusted;
uncontrolled diabetes;
smoking when it significantly increases healing risks;
a tendency to develop pronounced scars;
serious general health conditions that increase the risks associated with surgery or anaesthesia;
unrealistic expectations regarding the result.
Particular caution is required for patients with thyroid eye disease, glaucoma, pronounced dry-eye syndrome, previous eye surgery or other eye health conditions.
In such cases, an additional assessment by an ophthalmologist may be required.
Suitability for blepharoplasty is always determined individually by the doctor after assessing the condition of the eyelids, eye health, general health, current medications and the patient’s expectations.
Common myths about blepharoplasty
Myth: Blepharoplasty completely changes the appearance of the face.
Properly planned blepharoplasty does not change a person’s identity. Its aim is to improve eyelid shape, symmetry and the freshness of the eye area while maintaining a natural appearance.
Myth: Eyelid correction is performed only for aesthetic reasons.
Blepharoplasty is often performed for aesthetic reasons, but in some cases excess upper-eyelid skin may obstruct the field of vision or create a feeling of heaviness. Both aesthetic and functional factors are therefore assessed during the consultation.
Myth: The result is visible immediately after surgery.
Initial changes are visible soon after the operation, but swelling and bruising may be present at first. The final result develops gradually as the tissues heal and the swelling fully subsides.
