Blepharoplasty
INTERVIEW IN ‘THE ART OF LIFE & HEALTH’ MAGAZINE ON THE TOPIC: BLEPHAROPLASTY (MARCH 2010)
Anastasios Tsekouras, Plastic Surgeon, Head of Plastic Surgery at LETO Maternity Hospital, Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Member of the British College of Plastic Surgery
Blepharoplasty is the most popular anti-aging procedure that rejuvenates the gaze and turns back time.
How is the surgery performed?
The operation is performed in an organized clinic under local or general anesthesia and lasts for 1-2 hours. The incision on the upper eyelids is made at the ripple they form, while the incision on the lower eyelid is made just below the lashes. The incisions are extended a little sideways at a slight upward angle when it comes to the upper eyelids and downwards when it comes to the lower eyelids.
Are there other techniques?
Yes, of course, depending on the problems we have to face. In younger individuals, where there is no loosening of the eyelid skin, but specifically excess fat we can intervene without an external incision on the lower eyelids, but from the inside of the eyelids. This technique can also be combined with laser application on the surface of the eyelid.
Can blepharoplasty be of ‘benefit’ to other areas of the face also?
Yes, of course, with the proper technique, it is possible to achieve rectification of the middle third of the person’s face as well as softening of the wrinkles around the nasal-cheek area, alongside with the rectification of the eyebrows if so desired.
What is the postoperative stage like?
Cold compresses are being applied on the area for a few hours and the patient can return home on the same day. On the same and the days to follow bruising and swelling may appear which disappear quickly by themselves. The stitches are removed on the 4th -6th day and the patient can return to work. Cleansing and make-up is allowed after seven days. During sleep eye ointments are prescribed and artificial tears during wakefulness and pain killers in case of discomfort.
How long after the operation can someone resume everyday activities?
It may take one or two weeks to resume normal daily activities, however, complete healing takes much longer and this depends on the type of the technique used. Small scars from the surgery usually disappear quickly.
What are the possible complications?
The eyelids being unable to close tightly, eye irritation with tear production or dryness, especially in smokers, and possibly a delayed healing of incisions. These have all occurred and have been successfully treated and eventually have disappeared. Sunglasses and massage on the scars is necessary during the first months.
Are there any contraindications for this operation?
When there are eye problems or specific eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, severe myopia, or exophthalmus, it should be avoided.
Which age groups is it appropriate for?
It is usually performed in people aged 35-40 and at younger ages, especially when there are malformations of the eyelids due to hereditary reasons.
What time of year is good to have it done?
There is no restriction on the time the operation can be performed. The important thing is for the person concerned to be able to take a couple of weeks off for recovery.
How long does the effect last?
The effect lasts from ten to fifteen years depending on the type of the problem, the individual’s skin quality, the degree of his/her facial expressiveness and lifestyle. Smoking, alcohol and a few hours of sleep are all aggravating factors
If someone wants to avoid the operating table what would you recommend?
In cases where the person concerned is in the early stages of loosening and wrinkling, they can have specific peelings on the eyelids or special treatments with the use of laser, such as V-Beam, which works on mild vascular lesions beneath the skin. These vessels shrink - collagen production is stimulated and the skin is being repaired by smoothing the marks of the wrinkles.
Why are the ‘bags’ under the eyes formed?
The bags under the eyes are mainly due to the great loosening and lack of the elasticity of the skin of the lower eyelids, the increased amount of fat and the atrophy of the periocular structures gradually deteriorating with age. In younger individuals it is due to hereditary reasons and caused by the excessive accumulation of fat in the region. But there are specific conditions that may be responsible and should be investigated, such as allergies, heart disease, kidney disease, hormonal disorders, thyroid disorders, etc.
