Eyelid Surgery Process: Frequently Asked Questions
Eyelid surgery is usually understood to mean cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty); however, surgery for a drooping eyelid (ptosis) is a different procedure. This article answers frequently asked questions about the period before surgery, the day of surgery and recovery. Personal information is given by the doctor after an examination.
What Is the Difference Between Eyelid Surgery and Drooping Eyelid Surgery?
In cosmetic eyelid surgery, excess skin and, when necessary, fat tissue are removed or repositioned. In drooping eyelid surgery, the muscle that lifts the lid or its connective tissue is shortened or reattached; if the muscle is very weak, the lid is connected to the forehead muscle with a thin sling material. If both problems are present, the two procedures can be planned in the same operation. For detailed information about a drooping eyelid you can read our article Drooping Eyelid (Ptosis): What Is It and How Is It Treated?.
Who Is Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery For?
It can be performed in people who have a tired appearance or a narrowed field of vision due to sagging upper lid skin, or fat bags or skin laxity of the lower lid, and whose general health is suitable for surgery. Dry eye, thyroid eye disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure or use of blood-thinning medicines are assessed separately before surgery. For what can be expected from the operation you can read our article Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): What Should You Expect?.
How Is the Operation Performed?
Before the operation, the incision lines and the amount of skin to be removed are marked. In the upper lid, the incision is placed in the natural lid crease. In the lower lid, if only the fat bags are to be removed, the surgery can be performed through the inner surface of the lid (transconjunctival approach); if there is also excess skin, the incision is made just below the lashes. Local anaesthesia (with sedation if needed) or general anaesthesia may be used; the doctor decides the type of anaesthesia and the duration of the operation according to the procedures to be performed. Most people can go home on the same day.
What Should Be Watched For After Surgery?
- Cold compresses should be applied around the eyes as the doctor recommends.
- In the first days, sleep on the back with the head raised; avoid lying face down or on the side.
- The recommended eye drops and ointments should be used regularly; the eyes should not be rubbed and the stitches should not be touched.
- Heavy lifting, bending forward and strenuous exercise should be avoided for the period the doctor specifies.
- Blood-thinning medicines and painkillers not recommended by the doctor should not be used, and smoking should be avoided.
- Ask the doctor when contact lenses and eye make-up can be used again.
The doctor decides when the stitches are removed and when to return to work.
When Do Swelling, Bruising and Scars Go Away?
Swelling and bruising are noticeable in the first days and decrease over the following weeks; this period varies from person to person. In the early period, a difference between the two eyes may be seen because of swelling; this difference usually decreases as the swelling goes down. The scars may be pink and slightly raised at first and fade over the months. Because they are placed in natural creases, they are often not noticeable; however, scarring varies from person to person.
When Should a Doctor Be Seen Immediately?
If there is increasing pain, hard swelling around the eye that increases rapidly, reduced or lost vision, fever, discharge with redness, or bleeding that does not stop, a doctor should be seen without delay. Bleeding behind the eye is rare; however, it is a condition that requires urgent treatment.
What Are the Risks of Eyelid Surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery has risks. Asymmetry between the two eyes, too much or too little tissue being removed, being unable to close the eye fully and dry eye, the lower lid being pulled down or turning outwards, a noticeable scar, infection, bleeding and temporary blurred vision may occur. In some cases a corrective operation may be needed; for this, completion of healing is usually awaited. For detailed information you can visit our eyelid surgery page.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın