Eyelid Aesthetics

EYELID AESTHETICS (Blepharoplasty)

The eyelids are the area where age-related changes in facial anatomy are reflected the most. These can include aesthetic and sometimes functional problems such as eyelid sagging that at times obstructs the field of vision, the formation of under-eye bags, and lateral wrinkles at the corners of the eyes known as crow’s feet. Deformities develop in the lower and upper eyelids due to the loss of the skin’s elastic fibers and herniation of fat tissue. Sagging of the eyelid skin is called dermatochalasis , while herniation of orbital fat leads to under-eye bags. Drooping of the eyelid due to weakness of the muscle that lifts it (blepharoptosis) is a different condition.

Blepharoplasty aims to give the lower and upper eyelids a younger and healthier appearance without altering their natural look and shape. Aging leads to changes in the skin, muscle, fat, bone and ligament attachment sites.

The eyes are the focal point of the face, and they need to be examined in detail before any rejuvenation procedure. No single surgical technique is suitable for every patient. A specific approach should be used in patients with signs of aging around the eyes, such as a tear trough deformity or cheek bags (malar bags).

In past years, eyelid surgery was considered to involve only the eyelid, and corrective procedures were performed accordingly. However, once it was understood that changes in the eyelids are affected by other changes in facial anatomy, aesthetic eyelid surgery began to be performed together with the aesthetic correction of other problems in facial anatomy.

For example, hollows that form as the fat making up the under-eye bags spreads downward can be corrected by lifting the fat upward, creating a continuous, smooth surface from the cheekbones to the lower eyelids.

If there is significant sagging of the cheeks, it should definitely be corrected aesthetically together with eyelid surgery.

In upper eyelid surgery, if there is sagging of the forehead, that is, if your forehead and eyebrows are spreading over your eyes, these are first corrected with a “temporal lift” (temple lift), and then the eyelid aesthetic procedures are performed.

In eyelid surgery performed without correcting problems in the rest of the facial anatomy, the aesthetic improvement is shorter-lived and the aesthetic problem recurs.

Although blepharoplasty targets the eyelids, the entire periorbital region needs to be evaluated and treated.

• In upper blepharoplasty, the aim is to preserve, stabilize and elevate the eyebrow and to maintain fullness of the upper eyelid. Drooping of the eyelid (ptosis) and brow ptosis are ideally corrected during blepharoplasty.
• In lower blepharoplasty, the main aim is to create a smoother transition zone between the lower eyelid and the cheek. Treatment may be needed for cheek bags and a descended cheek fat pad.

Before blepharoplasty;

• Visual acuity should be measured in all patients.
• Eye movements should be evaluated.
• Standard photographs should be taken.

Other points to consider before eyelid aesthetic surgery : it is recommended not to use aspirin and similar medications with a blood-thinning effect, herbal teas such as green tea, or vitamin E for one week before the operation.

In addition, patients should report any high eye pressure, dry eye, hypertension or thyroid disease.

What Should You Pay Attention to After Eyelid Aesthetic Surgery?

• After the procedure, there will be tapes covering the eyelids that will not obstruct your vision. In the first hours, there may be some oozing and bleeding on these tapes.
• Swelling and bruising may occur around the eyes. Cold compresses are applied to this area after the procedure to control swelling.
• Keeping the head elevated after the procedure is recommended to control swelling.
• For 6 weeks after the procedure, activities that increase swelling (strenuous sports, solarium, sauna, sunbathing, steam bath) should be avoided.
• In the early period after the procedure, there may be complaints of tightness, stinging and burning around the eyes. Painkillers recommended by the doctor can be taken during this period.
• Sunglasses can help prevent discomfort in the eyes during the first weeks after the procedure.

Under-Eye Bags

Another common problem that affects the aesthetics of the eyes is under-eye bags. The most important cause of their formation is genetics. Thyroid disease is considered the second cause. Under-eye bags create an older and more tired appearance. Treatment involves removing excess fat tissue or repositioning it.

The operations can be performed under local anesthesia. Procedures on the lower eyelid can often be performed from the inside of the eyelid, without the need to cut the skin. This prevents problems such as scarring or eyelid deformity after the operation.