A Guide to Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Key Takeaways

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to make your eyelids look better. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can refresh your appearance by addressing droopy eyelids and under-eye bags. This makes you look more awake and youthful. We cover the procedure's definition, costs, key considerations before surgery, what to expect during recovery and medical tourism destinations for eyelid surgery.

What is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to make your eyelids look better. It can be done on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully takes away extra skin, fat, and sometimes muscle.

This helps with:

• Droopy or baggy upper eyelids: Sometimes this can even affect how well you see to the sides.

• Extra skin on the lower eyelids: This often leads to wrinkles and fine lines.

• Bags under the eyes: These are caused by fat deposits that push forward.

The main goal of eyelid surgery is to give you a more awake, younger, and refreshed appearance while keeping a natural look. In some cases, eyelid surgery could also be for medical purposes as droopy upper eyelids can significantly impact vision.

Cost of Eyelid Surgery

Based on data from American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery is $3,359 for an upper blepharoplasty and $3,876 for a lower blepharoplasty. If you have both upper and lower eyelid surgery, the pricing could change. It’s important to talk with your clinic to get a full cost breakdown that includes all fees.

Things to Think About Before Eyelid Surgery

It’s key to think about a few key things before making your decision on eyelid surgery:

• Your health and medical history: Be open with your surgeon about any medical conditions you have (such as diabetes, thyroid problems, or dry eyes) and all medications or supplements you're taking. This is important for blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, or herbal supplements, as they can increase bleeding.

  
  

• Stopping smoking: If you smoke, you will be asked to stop at least 4-6 weeks before surgery. Smoking makes healing much harder.

  
  

• Being realistic: While eyelid surgery can truly make a difference, it's important to have realistic expectations about the results. Talk through what you hope to achieve with your surgeon. You might bring old photos to help them understand your natural features.

  
  

• Selecting a good surgeon: Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon or ophthalmologist who has a lot of experience with eyelid surgery. Check their qualifications, read what other patients’ testimonials, and ask about their complication rates.

  
  

• Where the surgery will happen: Make sure the surgery will be done in a facility that is properly accredited and suitable.

  
  

• Planning for recovery: Plan to take enough time off work and arrange for help at home for the first few days after surgery. This includes someone to drive you to and from the clinic and someone to help you out.

  
  

• Making yourself comfortable: Get your recovery area ready with pillows to keep your head up, cool compresses, any eye drops or ointments you might need, and dark sunglasses.

What the Procedure is Like

Eyelid surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. Here's a general idea of what happens:

Anesthesia: Before the surgery begins, you will receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable. This might be local anesthesia with sedation (meaning you're awake but relaxed and won't feel pain) or general anesthesia (where you're completely asleep). Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you.

The Incisions

For upper eyelid surgery: The surgeon usually makes a small incision along the natural crease of your upper eyelid. This placement helps hide the scar within your eye's natural folds. With this incision, excess skin, fat, and sometimes a small amount of muscle are removed. The incision is then closed with very fine stitches.

For lower eyelid surgery: There are two main approaches. An incision can be made just below the lash line (transcutaneous approach) to remove excess skin and fat, or inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach), which leaves no visible external scar and is often used when only fat needs to be removed.

Reshaping and Closing: Once the adjustments are made to remove or reposition fat and tighten the remaining skin, the incisions are carefully closed. Stitches used are often very fine and may be dissolvable, or they will need to be removed by your surgeon within about a week.

Duration: Eyelid surgery takes one to three hours, depending on whether you're having upper, lower, or both eyelid procedures.

After the surgery, you will be monitored briefly before being discharged to go home with a friend or family member.

Recovery After Eyelid Surgery

Recovering from eyelid surgery is usually quite manageable, but you need to be patient. What you can generally expect:

• Initial discomfort: You might feel a little pain or discomfort. This can usually be handled with over-the-counter pain relievers or medicine prescribed by your doctor.

• Swelling and bruising: This is normal and will be most obvious in the first few days, looking a bit like "black eyes." Putting cold compresses on your eyes often for the first 24-48 hours really helps reduce swelling.

• Blurry vision and sensitivity: Your vision might be a bit blurry for a while because of lubricating ointment. Your eyes might also be sensitive to light, watery, or feel dry.

• Stitches: If you have stitches that need to be taken out, they are usually removed within 5 to 10 days.

• Activity limitations: Avoid tough activities, lifting heavy things, bending over, swimming, and wearing contact lenses for at least 1-2 weeks. Your surgeon will give you specific rules.

• Head elevation: Sleeping with your head propped up on pillows for several days will help keep swelling down.

• Getting back to normal: Most people feel comfortable being out in public and going back to work within 10 to 14 days, though you might still have some bruising. Full healing and seeing the final look can take 1 to 3 months.

• Sun protection: Wear dark sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun and wind during recovery and for several months afterward.

Medical Tourism Destinations

Many countries are known for their high-quality medical facilities and experienced surgeons, often at better prices. For eyelid surgery, some popular medical tourism destinations are:

• Turkey: This country is a top spot for plastic surgery globally. Turkey has very modern facilities, many board-certified plastic surgeons, and often offers affordable packages that include the surgery, where you stay, and care after your operation. Its location and cultural appeal also make it a popular option.

  
  

• South Korea: Famous for its advanced techniques and specialized clinics, especially for cosmetic procedures. South Korea draws patients looking for the latest treatments.

  
  

• Mexico: A convenient option for people from the United States and Canada, Mexico has affordable prices and many clinics with skilled surgeons.

  
  

• Thailand: With its modern facilities, experienced surgeons, and nice places to visit, Thailand is another favorite choice for medical tourists seeking cosmetic procedures.

When you're looking into medical tourism, detailed research is key. Check the surgeon's qualifications, read what other patients have said, and make sure the clinic you pick follows international safety and quality rules.

Eyelid surgery can give you a refreshed and younger appearance. You can confidently start your journey to more vibrant eyes by learning about the process, thinking about all the details, and picking the right medical experts.