What is eyelid surgery?
Blepharoplasty (also known as eyelid surgery) is an eye surgery procedure that focuses on the upper or lower eyelids, or both. It aims to reshape the eyelid and remove fatty deposits around the eye, or redistribute fat in this area to create a more natural appearance, enhancing the eyes' beauty and improving vision. This procedure can be performed using traditional surgery or laser technology.
Types of eyelid surgery
The types of eyelid surgery vary depending on the eyelids being treated, their location, their condition, and the reasons for the procedure. In this context, here is a comprehensive explanation of these types:
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Drooping of the upper eyelids and the presence of excess fat,
often referred to as "hooded eyes" or "Asian eyes," can sometimes affect the aesthetic
and functional appearance of the eye, making upper eyelid surgery
essential. This condition may be
caused by many factors, including noticeable puffiness
in the center of the upper eyelid and above the inner corner
of the tear duct, and drooping of the upper eyelid,
giving an appearance of fatigue and old age.
Therefore, this surgery involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the upper eyelid exclusively. It should be noted that forehead lifts or eyebrow lifts do not affect the shape of the eyelids at all, nor do they alter their tissues, contrary to what advertisements claim.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
This is more common than the previous procedure, as under-eye bags and puffiness of the lower eyelids are a frequent problem. Conversely, there is a problem where the lower eyelids lose their natural fat deposits, resulting in hollows under the eyes accompanied by noticeable dark circles. Each problem with the lower eyelids requires a different treatment method.
In the first case, when under-eye bags and puffiness appear, the procedure involves removing excess fat deposits and excess skin to give the eyes a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
However, in the case of hollows under the eyes, the doctor injects autologous fat or fillers to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids, giving them a more vibrant and youthful look.
Advantages of Eyelid Surgery
The popular eyelid surgery procedure offers many advantages and benefits that positively impact an individual's daily life and vision. These benefits include:
The ability to return home the same day without needing to stay at the medical center or hospital for several days.
Rapid recovery after the procedure, with results beginning to appear in just two weeks.
Enhancing the aesthetic appearance and highlighting the beauty of the eyes for both the elderly and the young.
No scars or traces of surgery are left behind, thanks to the use of dissolvable cosmetic sutures.
Removal of puffiness and bags in the upper and lower eyelids.
The possibility of local anesthesia in some cases to avoid the side effects of general anesthesia.
Improved vision quality after drooping eyelids had been affecting the field of vision.
Removal of puffiness and bags in the upper and lower eyelids.
The possibility of local anesthesia in some cases to avoid the side effects of general anesthesia.
Improved vision quality after drooping eyelids had been affecting the field of vision.
How Eyelid Surgery is Performed
After understanding the concept of eyelid surgery and its types, it is worth discussing how it is performed. Does it require external surgery, is injections sufficient, or is there an option to perform it using advanced laser technology? This is what we will learn about in the following lines:
Eyelid Surgery Through Excess Skin Removal
In this procedure, the upper or lower eyelids are tightened, sagging is removed, fat and cysts located beneath them are excised, and wrinkles around the eyes are concealed. Therefore, it requires the removal of excess skin through the steps described below:
Eyelid Surgery Through Excess Skin Removal
In this procedure, the upper or lower eyelids are tightened, sagging is removed, fat and cysts located beneath them are excised, and wrinkles around the eyes are concealed. Therefore, it requires the removal of excess skin through the steps described below:
1. Dr. Firas Al-Rifai anesthetizes the patient and determines the area of the eyelid where the incision will be made.
2. Using a surgical scalpel or laser, a surgical incision is made in the membrane that separates the eyelid from the layer of fat that distributes it in a crescent shape.
3. Using a specific technique, the surgeon applies pressure to the fatty deposits, removing them through the incision, and cauterizes the excess skin with an advanced device called "Elman."
4. The previous step is repeated for all areas of fat distribution in the inner, middle, and outer regions of the upper or lower eyelid.
5. The tear glands are repositioned, and the muscles that support the eyelids are adjusted to eliminate any sagging.
6. Finally, the incision is closed with sutures and cosmetic threads, and the eye is covered with a sterile dressing.
Inner Eyelid Surgery
Inner eyelid surgery can only be performed on the lower eyelids. It aims to remove excess fat in the lower eyelid area without removing any excess skin. The procedure is as follows:
1. The patient is anesthetized and prepared for surgery.
2. Dr. Firas Al-Rifai makes an incision inside the lower eyelids through the soft tissues covering the inner surface of the eyelid.
3. Excess fat and any small fatty cysts are then removed.
4. The incision inside the lower eyelids is then closed with dissolvable cosmetic sutures within a few days of the procedure.