With age comes a lot of changes especially with our physical appearance. We start getting wrinkles and have impaired vision. Accidents and birth defects can alter the appearance of facial structures too.
Surgeries like blepharoplasty can help reduce and correct these symptoms. The procedure tightens the area around the eyelids to give a younger appearance and even addresses some vision impairment issues.
What is Blepharoplasty
The eyelids protect the eyes from injuries and maintain moisture in the eyes. But as we grow old, the skin around it becomes droopy and saggy as it loses elasticity. This may cause one to look tired all the time, look older, and even worse, cause impaired vision.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the eye areas, specifically the eyelid, to tighten the skin around the eyes. The surgeon removes excess skin, muscles, and fat from the eyelids during the procedure.
This procedure is done for both functional and cosmetic purposes related to the eyelids. The surgeon uses different techniques depending on what the goal is. If the concern is vision, excess skin from the upper eyelids can be removed to enhance the field of vision.
Types of Blepharoplasty
Different types of blepharoplasty procedures are done in the blepharoplasty clinic for different purposes;
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty; this is a type of blepharoplasty surgery that is done on the upper eyelids, where excessive skin, muscle, and fat, are only removed from the upper eyelids.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty; as the name suggests, this type of blepharoplasty procedure is done on the lower eyelids. It involves the removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat from the lower eyelid, and is aimed to reduce bags and wrinkles under the eyes.
Double eyelid surgery: This procedure involves creating a crease in the upper eyelid to make the eyes look larger and appear more open.
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty: This procedure is almost similar to lower eyelid blepharoplasty, which involves removing excess skin from under the eye, only here the incision is made inside the lower eyelid so as not to leave a visible scar.
Canthoplasty: This is a cosmetic surgery for people who want more almond-shaped eyes, by tightening the outer corner of the eyes.
Brow lift: Just as the name suggests, brow lift surgery involves lifting the eyebrows to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin around the eyes.
Many factors must be considered before doing any type of blepharoplasty surgery. A patient should consult with the doctor and get assessed thoroughly to determine whether it is safe for them to undergo the specific blepharoplasty procedure they want. Their anatomy and aesthetic goals are also important matters to be discussed with a certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Debraj Shome
Blepharoplasty Procedure in India
A blepharoplasty procedure is a common procedure performed in India, and Mumbai, and is available at cosmetic clinics like such as The Esthetic Clinics.
Different people do it for different purposes. Some people do it to improve the appearance of the eyes, while others do it to correct functional problems, such as impaired vision caused by drooping eyelids that can interfere with vision.
Usually, the surgery takes at least an hour to complete. The surgeon administers anesthesia with sedation to ensure the process is painless and comfortable for the patient.
The type and techniques used in the procedure depend on the extent of the surgery. The incisions are made along the natural creases of either the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid, to minimize visible scarring.
The surgeon then removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the eyelids, and tightens the remaining skin and muscles. Once the surgery is complete, the surgeon carefully closes the incisions with sutures.
After the procedure, patients may experience side effects such as swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the eyes. This can be easily managed by pain medication and cold compress. Patients are advised to avoid activities that strain the eyes and keep their heads elevated for a couple of days, to enhance healing.
After the Procedure
Swelling, bruising, and a little discomfort around the eyes are some of the symptoms that a patient may experience but they subside with time. Doctors may also give instructions like keeping the head up for a couple of days for faster healing.
Depending on the goal of the procedure and the anatomy of the patient, the results can be dramatic. It is always important to discuss the nitty gritty of the surgery before, during, and after it is done, as well as what to expect, to avoid disappointments.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty
Here are some of the benefits of Blepharoplasty surgery;
- Improves appearance
This is probably why many people decide to undergo a blepharoplasty procedure. Birth defects, aging, and accidents are the main notorious culprits that alter our facial structures. Undergoing a blepharoplasty surgery can address this issue and improve appearance.
It can address sagging and drooping eyelids and tighten the skin around the eyes, helping the patient to look more youthful, and more alert, as well as improve symmetry and balance between the eyes.
- Enhances vision
When a person gets older, the skin around the eyes starts to sag and wrinkles start to appear. Sagging skin may cause problems for the eyes and even lead to impaired vision, hence affecting daily activities such as driving and reading.
Blepharoplasty can be done to remove the excessive skin blocking the field of vision and allow the patients to see more clearly and comfortably. The procedure can also address other visual issues such as difficulty in peripheral vision.
- Boost Confidence
No one wants to always look tired and sleepy. We all want to look more awake and alert. But that cannot happen with all the excess and sagging skin on the face, especially around our eyes, it derails our confidence.
Thanks to skilled plastic surgeons like Dr. Debraj Shome, who can solve this issue with a blepharoplasty procedure that removes and tightens the excess skin. Many patients who have undergone the procedure have reported feeling more confident and self-assured.
Feeling more confident in appearance not only boosts self-esteem and confidence but also positively impacts a person’s personal and professional life. It encourages patients to engage in social activities while feeling comfortable and confident in their own skin.
- Long-lasting results
Nobody wants to keep going back for more procedures and treatments just to keep a youthful look. If there could be a one-time surgery that can address this issue that would be blepharoplasty.
One of the benefits of this procedure is that the results are long-lasting, even while patients continue to age. How they take care of themselves after the surgery also plays a big role in how long the results will last.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, taking care of their skin, using the correct skin care products, and protecting their skin from sun damage are some ways to prolong the effects of a blepharoplasty procedure.
- Safe procedure
All surgical procedures come with potential risks and complications, which in most cases are usually minor and infrequent. However, blepharoplasty has proven to be safe as long as the plastic surgeon is qualified and experienced. As a patient, it is therefore important to work with reputable blepharoplasty clinics like The Esthetic Clinics and skilled doctors or plastic surgeons like Dr. Debraj Shome who have a history of success in their respective fields.
Before the surgery, consultation is important to discuss about potential risks and benefits of blepharoplasty, and what to expect from it. It is important to note that blepharoplasty may not be suitable for everyone.
.jpg)
Risks and Complications
Just as there are many benefits of undergoing a blepharoplasty procedure, there are some risks and complications that may be associated with it. Here are some of these side effects;
- Infection
One of the most common side effects of surgeries is infections, and blepharoplasty is not an exception. The surgeon usually sterilizes and cleans the area where they will operate to reduce the risk of infection. However, it is not uncommon for infection-causing bacteria to still find their way into the incision site.
If a patient experience redness, swelling, pain, fever, and pus from the incision site, it may be a symptom of infection, and immediate medical attention is required. Treatment may include prescribed antibiotics or additional surgery in cases of severe infections.
To prevent this from happening, patients should follow their surgeon’s instructions to the core. Some of these instructions may include keeping the area operated on clean and dry, avoiding touching it, and taking all medication as directed.
- Bleeding
Another common risk associated with blepharoplasty surgeries is bleeding. This usually happens during the surgery and the surgeon takes care of it. However, it can also happen after the surgery due to various reasons.
If a patient with a bleeding disorder takes aspirin and other blood-thinning medication, they are more likely to experience bleeding. To minimize the risk, patients are always urged to inform their surgeons of any health concerns that may cause bleeding.
If bleeding does occur after the surgery, patients should immediately contact their surgeon for necessary measures to control it. This may be applying pressure to the affected area or taking medication.
- Swelling and bruising
Swelling and bruising are common with any surgeries including blepharoplasty. In most cases, they subside with time, as the area starts to heal. They can also vary depending on the extent of the surgery and an individual’s healing process.
To control and minimize swelling and bruising after the procedure, the surgeon may recommend a cold compress or prescribe medication. The patient may also be asked to avoid certain activities that can increase bleeding and bruising.
- Dry eyes
Dry eyes can occur if tear ducts are affected by the surgery. It can cause discomfort, blurred vision, and other eye-related problems.
To minimize the risk of dry eyes during the surgery, the surgeon should take precautions such as avoiding damage to the glands that produce the tears. If it occurs after the surgery, the surgeon may recommend avoiding certain medications, smoking, exposure to dry air, and anything else that exacerbates the eyes. He can also advise using eye drops and/ or artificial tears to keep the eyes lubricated.
- Vision changes
Vision changes are not a great risk but they can still be a potential complication of blepharoplasty. During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions around the eyes, which in some cases can cause some changes to the position or shape of the eyelids.
Careful planning and thorough monitoring of vision changes during the procedure are some precautions an experienced surgeon should take. When a patient starts experiencing double vision, blurred vision, or even temporary vision loss after the surgery, they should immediately contact their surgeon for the best advice on what to do or what to take.
- Scarring
Anyone that has undergone a surgical procedure probably has a scar, and this includes blepharoplasty. Fortunately, scars from this surgery are typically less visible as they are usually hidden in the natural creases of the eyelids.
To minimize the risk of scarring, a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Debraj Shome would use special techniques to make incisions in inconspicuous locations so as to minimize tissue trauma. Still, how much scarring a patient experiences vary depending on factors such as their skin type.
After the surgery, patients are instructed to avoid activities that may cause scarring such as rubbing the eyes and using gels and silicone sheets. This helps to minimize the appearance of scars.
- Numbness in the eyelid areas or altered sensation
Patients may experience numbness or an altered sensation in the eyelid where surgery was done. This is because the nerves around this area may have been tampered with and temporarily affected.
Depending on the patient’s healing process, the extent of numbness can vary from one individual to another. However, this is nothing to worry about as the sensation goes away on its own over time.
Following the doctor’s instructions before, during, and after the surgery may help minimize the numbness. Patients may be asked to avoid rubbing or scratching the eyes or taking any medication not prescribed by the surgeon.
- Asymmetry
During the blepharoplasty procedure, it may be difficult to achieve the perfect symmetry between the eyes. Sometimes one eyelid may be a bit higher than the other and vice versa, which makes it a potential complication.
Patients are advised to immediately contact their surgeon as soon as they notice asymmetry after the surgery. In most cases, this calls for additional surgery to correct the symmetry. Note that additional surgery may cause additional risks and complications. It is therefore important to first carefully consult with the surgeon before making a decision.
The risk of asymmetry after blepharoplasty can be reduced by choosing an experienced and qualified surgeon in India, Mumbai. They should have a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the eyelids, and carefully assess the patient’s individual needs and goals to develop customized treatment plans for them.
Patients can also increase the risk of asymmetry if they keep straining the eyelid, scratching, or rubbing it. Failure to follow the surgeon’s instructions and neglecting appointments could cause problems after the surgery too.
It is the responsibility of both the surgeon and the patient to understand the risks at hand, the benefits, and what to expect from the outcome of the surgery.
The Difference between Eyelid Surgery and Blepharoplasty
One of the most commonly asked questions about blepharoplasty is the difference between a blepharoplasty procedure and eye surgery. Well, there is no remarkable difference between the two.
The surgical procedure involves removing excess skin, muscle, and fat from the eyelids and aims to improve the appearance of the eyes and the overall facial structure. It makes the eyes look more youthful, vibrant, and alert.
The upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedure is performed on the upper eyelid while lower eyelid blepharoplasty is performed on the lower eyelids. It depends on why the patient wants the surgery and what their goal is. Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, while lower eyelid surgery removes the bags and wrinkles under the eyes.
Cost of Blepharoplasty in India
There is no one cost for all types of blepharoplasty procedures in India, Mumbai. A lot of factors go into how much a patient will pay before, during, and after the surgery, inclusive of consultation fees, if any.
The location of the clinic and its facilities, as well as the agreement between an individual and/ or the surgeon, plays a part too. It’s not common for regular, traditional insurance to cover cosmetic surgeries but it is possible.
A patient can use insurance depending on the type of insurance covered and the terms and conditions. Other factors that affect the blepharoplasty cost include the expertise of the surgeon, the hospital or clinic fees, and the extent of the surgery required.
Whatever the case, it is important to not pick a surgeon solely on the cost factor. There are many surgeons each offering different prices for different services and it is easy for patients to find a cheap deal. However, what’s important is to check the credentials, experience of the surgeon, and reviews from past and existing clients.
