Blepharoplasty

Procedure steps

• Dr. Petit will begin with questioning your eye history, which may contraindicate this surgery.
• He will listen to you in order to understand your discomfort as well as your expectations relating to your eyelids.
• He will examine your eyelids, and more generally the peri-orbital region, in order to suggest the most appropriate strategy of treatment corresponding to your anatomy and to your request.
• Dr. Petit will provide information on the scar positioning, treatment process and procedure limits, post-operative recoveries as well as main risks, so as to make an informed decision.

Good candidates for an eyeled surgery are those

• With a cutaneous excess and/or fat excess on the upper lids weighing down the look, which may create a discomfort in make-up.
• With lower palpebral bags (bags under the eyes).
• Wishing a natural and rested look.

Pre-operative instructions

General pre-operative instructions relating to aesthetic surgery

• Smoking cessation 1 month before and after the procedure.
• Discontinuation of medicines which increase bleeding 10 days before and after the procedure: aspirin, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant medicines, vitamin E.

Specific pre-operative instructions relating to eyelid surgery

• Plan eyeglasses if you wear contact lenses
• Plan sunglasses given that your eyes may be more sensitive to light after the procedure during a few days.

Procedure stages

An ambulatory hospitalization (hospital discharge that very evening) is the most common option.

Upper Blepharoplasty :

Pre-operative markings are performed by Dr. Petit before the procedure.

The surgery is performed under local anesthesia

It consists in removing the cutaneous excess and the internal fat bag (if it exists) of the upper lids.

The scars are concealed within the natural furrow situated above each upper eyelid and laterally end within a crow’s feet wrinkle. These ones are invisible full-term.

The skin closure is performed with non-resorbable sutures.

Lower Blepharoplasty :

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia together with an intravenous sedation (administering of a tranquilizer) or under general anesthesia according to your choice or the associated gestures planned.

The bags under the eyes are removed through the trans-conjunctival area (through the conjunctival mucosa). The scars are invisible given that they are situated within the lower eyelids.

The closing of the conjunctival mucosa is not necessary.

What to expect after surgery

The eyelid surgery is a little painful procedure, even not painful. A transitory discomfort with tearing is possible owing to greater sensitivity to light. This is the reason why it is advised to wear sunglasses the first post-operative days.

Ecchymosis (bruises) and the swelling (œdema) of the eyelids vary from one patient to another, and gradually diminish within a fortnight.

The application of ice-cold compresses on the eyes is recommended during a few days in order to facilitate the absorption of the palpebral oedema.

The sutures on the upper eyelid are removed on the fifth post-operative day.
There are not sutures to be removed on the lower eyelids.

Make-up is authorized from the 7th day.

The progressive resumption of daily activities is possible the day following the procedure.

The resumption of professional activities can be done within 7 days.

The resumption of sports activities is authorized within 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure.

Procedure risks

The complications of an eyelid surgery are rare and will be mentionned by Dr Petit during the consultation.

Long-term outcome

The final result relating to an eyelid surgery is reached between 3 to 6 months after the procedure.

In general, this result is definitive on the lower lids. The reappearance of a cutaneous excess on the upper eyelids is possible owing to the aging process.