Blepharoplasty in Valencia and Alicante (Alcoy)

What is Blepharoplasty or droopy eyelid surgery?

Dr. Antolin explains what is the procedure of cosmetic facial surgery that is followed for blepharoplasty in their clinics in Valencia and Alcoy.

As we age, the skin of the eyelids loses its tone, excess skin appears, the orbicularis oculi muscle weakens, the fat of the orbits atrophies, etc…

As a result, the eyelids droop and bags under the eyelids become visible .

In addition, as the fat descends from the cheekbones and cheeks , the orbital rim is marked, and this very attractive region of the face loses its youthful appearance and appears aged.

Blepharoplasty aims to correct the signs of aging located in the orbital region (eyelids and eye bags), by treating the upper and/or lower eyelids, to reduce or even eliminate the tired appearance of the eyes, without altering the expression of the gaze.

In many cases it is advisable to associate this surgery with other interventions such as canthopexy (lifting and tightening of the external canthus of the eye); brow lift or forehead lift; or to associate aesthetic medicine treatments such as botulinum toxin, chemical peels or laser resurfacing.

Depending on the case, it is achieved by removing excess skin and/or eyelid bags, reanchoring and tightening the canthus of the eye (canthopexy) and filling the orbit with fat.

There is a lot of information that the patient must transmit and the surgeon must know how to interpret in order to establish the most optimal surgical plan for your droopy eyelid surgery and make the most appropriate decisions. The patient should be evaluated by means of an exhaustive exploration to know precisely the problem, as well as to know the patient’s desires and motivations for change, in addition to being listened to with interest and attention. This is the only way to reach an accurate diagnosis and an adequate therapeutic plan, according to the real objectives and expectations of the operation agreed with the patient. It is essential that the patient is well informed, cared for, operated on, and of course, and no less important, that the patient is very, very excited.

Candidates

The ideal candidate to undergo blepharoplasty or cosmetic surgery for drooping eyelids and eye bags should meet the following requirements:

• They feel heavy or drooping eyelids, as well as eye bags, which cause discomfort.
• Blepharoplasty is recommended for anyone in good health, at least 35 years of age and with realistic expectations.
• Even in this case, the procedure can be performed earlier in people whose families have drooping or puffy eyelids.
• They know what is involved in eyelid surgery and prepare for it accordingly.
• Are not smokers, or even if they are going to quit smoking for several weeks before and after blepharoplasty..

The 1st Consultation

Prior to surgery for drooping eyelids or blepharoplasty, both lower and upper, all of our patients will have several scheduled consultations with Dr. Antolin.

In this 1st FREE visit, patients should get all the answers to their questions, agree on their desired goals with Dr. Antolin and make sure that both are in agreement on what the desired results are.

• These appointments are an opportunity to define the type of anesthesia desired, perform an eye examination to rule out any anomaly or pathology such as dry eye that may require precautions during the procedure or contraindicate it.
• During this consultation, Dr. Antolin will perform an eye examination to better understand the patient’s wishes, and will present the indications for surgery to solve the patient’s problem and possible contraindications for the operation.
• If necessary, he can prescribe an ophthalmological examination to rule out any pathology. You will be given a full estimate on the costs of the intervention.

This preoperative check will ensure that there are no contraindications: coagulation disorders, history of phlebitis…..

A second, and even a third or successive consultation can be scheduled if the patient has doubts about the surgery and wants Dr. Antolin to be able to answer all his questions.

In the case of an aesthetic operation, a period of 15 days must be observed between the first consultation and the operation (this is a mandatory reflection period for all acts for aesthetic purposes).

Types of eyelid surgery: upper and/or lower eyelid surgery

Upper blepharoplasty: operation for drooping eyelids

The incision is made in the natural crease of the eyelid; as a result, the scar is very discreet.

With this incision, Dr. Antolin removes excess skin and fat pads .

This procedure is often performed under local anesthesia and lasts an average of 30 minutes to one hour.

This is an outpatient surgery, that is, without hospital admission.

Lower blepharoplasty: eye bags operation

For lower blepharoplasty, two techniques can be proposed:

• Dermal: the doctor makes an incision under the eyelashes. It ends in a crow’s feet crease to treat sagging skin and muscles and remove fat pads.

The operation lasts an average of one hour under local or general anesthesia.

The duration of hospitalization is one day or one day and one night.

The stitches are removed 5 days later.

• Another technique: if it is necessary to treat only the problem of bags under the eyes without significant skin relaxation, Dr. Antolin can use the transconjunctival technique, i.e. from the inside of the eyelid.

The objective? To hide the incision in the inner mucosa of the eyelid, and therefore there will be no visible scars.

Characteristics of eyelid surgery

• Some recommendations should be observed before cosmetic eyelid surgery:
  • It is recommended to stop smoking at least one month before and after surgery so as not to impair the healing process;
  • Do not take aspirin for 10 days prior to surgery;
  • It is recommended not to eat or drink anything 6 hours before the operation (in case of general anesthesia).
• The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and sedation.
• It lasts approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether an upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty or both are performed in the same procedure .
• It should be noted, however, that this operation is performed in most cases on an outpatient basis, with same-day check-in and check-out (unless combined with other surgical procedures).

Postoperative and Recovery

This procedure is very painless.

• The effects of cosmetic surgery of drooping eyelids are minimal and really temporary: small hematoma, eye discomfort, etc. …..
• For 2 to 3 days, you may feel uncomfortable closing your eyes (dry eyes) or be more sensitive to light, for example. Moisturizing eye drops may relieve these symptoms.
• Edema (swelling), bruising (bruising) and tearing may appear over a relatively short period of time (4 to 7 days).
• To relieve swelling, cold compresses can be used:
• In most cases, you can resume a normal activity such as putting on make-up, reading, playing sports, driving in about a week…
• An eye infection (conjunctivitis) may occur less frequently and will be treated with antibiotic eye drops.
• Sun protection(sunglasses) is essential during the first three months.

You can also see the postoperative blepharoplasty indications to accelerate recovery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Risks of blepharoplasty are related to the surgery or anesthesia; however, they are very rare.

These complications include infectious risks, significant hematomas, scar anomalies…

Fortunately, more serious vision complications are very rare.

The use of a qualified surgeon who is an expert in this type of operation, practicing in a truly surgical context(hospital operating room), makes it possible to limit complications and, if necessary, to ensure an effective and personalized follow-up.

Blepharoplasty before and after real cases

Results of the operation

The result can be appreciated after 4 to 6 weeks, the time necessary for the tissues to recover their original flexibility and for the scars to disappear.

Avoiding the sun and quitting smoking extend the duration of the results, so that the results can be prolonged for 7 to 10 years.

The eyes look younger, so the patient looks younger.
Schedule an initial consultation to meet with Dr. Antolin and learn more about blepharoplasty in Valencia or Alcoy.

Patient feedback

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an upper blepharoplasty?

Upper blepharoplasty consists of correcting the excess skin of the upper eyelids, responsible for a sad and tired look, and treating the excess of palmer bags, usually the internal one.

The correction of heavy and drooping eyelids can be combined with other techniques to correct drooping eyebrows, crow’s feet wrinkles, wrinkles between the eyebrows…

What is a lower blepharoplasty?

Lower blepharoplasty consists of correcting the “bags under the eyes” (fatty hernias) and the excess skin generally associated with them.

Correction can be combined with other techniques such as lipofilling to restore facial volumes, cheek lifting techniques , injections, or even a neck lift.

When should we operate?

The alteration of aging in women and men can be corrected as soon as at 40 years of age.

When the deformity is constitutional (hereditary), correction of lower pockets or excess upper skin can be performed early.

Is there any health insurance coverage?

Upper blepharoplasty may be covered by health insurance when excess skin is responsible for the visual discomfort.

Are the scars visible?

Blepharoplasty scars are hidden in the upper eyelid crease and under the lower eyelid lashes. Therefore, they are very inconspicuous and virtually unnoticeable in the vast majority of cases.

Does it change my appearance?

Blepharoplasty does not modify the appearance, the objective is to restore the shape of the eyelids and not to modify it. However, when there is a misalignment of the eyelids, a correction can be made.

Is the result definitive?

The result of blepharoplasty is long lasting and it is rare to consider a new procedure.