Blepharopasty, that is, surgery that corrects excess skin on the eyelids or herniation of fat surrounding the eye, is a very common procedure in cosmetic surgery. It is possibly the third most common procedure after breast augmentation and liposuction. In the general population, knowledge of what the postoperative period of cosmetic breast surgery is like is much more widespread than in eyelid surgery. We are going to try to provide some notes on what to expect after undergoing surgery and the guidelines for action.
- Where do the scars go in a blepharoplasty? If we talk about the upper eyelid, the incision to operate it is made in the skin, taking advantage of the natural crease that we all have when we open our eyes, so it is perfectly hidden. When it comes to the lower eyelid, the scar can be made under the eyelashes, or, as occurs in most cases, in the conjunctiva (the inner layer that covers the eyelid from the inside). Therefore the scar on the lower eyelid is completely hidden.
- Is bruising common? The eyelids have many fine blood vessels, which can potentially bleed a little. As the skin of the eyelid is the thinnest in the body, it is not uncommon for a hematoma to appear, which normally disappears 7-10 days after the operation. Normally it is not necessary to prescribe any treatment to eliminate it.
- When are the points removed? Those on the upper eyelid are usually removed between 5 and 10 days after the operation, while on the lower eyelid, if the scar is made inside (conjunctivally) there are no stitches to remove, the scar closes on its own.
- Eyelid swelling after blepharoplasty surgery, when does it disappear? Edema or swelling after the operation depends on several factors: the body’s own inflammatory response, how aggressive the intervention had to be and the postoperative care. It is usually recommended to apply local cold to the eyelids, especially in the first 48 hours, try to sleep with your head a little more upright or avoid sleeping face down. It is also not recommended to do physical exertion or water-related activities such as swimming or spas.
- Can you have problems with your eyes? A correct surgical technique will avoid ocular exposure problems (not closing the eyes properly). To do this, excess skin is always removed with what is known as “safety margins”, that is, we always leave a sufficient amount of tissue to prevent the skin from becoming so tense that the eyelids cannot be closed. . Even so, since surgery can inflame the orbicularis muscle, which is the one that closes the eyelids, it may function worse for a time and the eyes may feel dry or appear a little blurrier. To avoid this, abundant lubrication with artificial tears of two types is prescribed: in gel form in the mornings and evenings and more liquid during the day (about 3 or 4 times a day). With correct tear management, most patients feel very well.
- Are there any medications that should be avoided? Before the operation, it is usually recommended not to take aspirin or ibuprofen if there is any pain, as they cause the blood to clot worse. The same thing happens with all medications that make the blood more liquid such as Adiro, clopidogrel, Sintrom, Plavix… These medications can be substituted for a period of time beforehand to prevent bleeding during and after the operation from being less intense. . Likewise, certain foods, such as dark leafy vegetables, make the blood more liquid and cause more bleeding, so they should be avoided in the days before the intervention.
- When can one join work? The answer is “it depends.” People who work in unclean environments (for example, those who work with a lot of dust or with plants) should wait at least 1 week. If the work is in an office, the patient can return after a few days, always depending on the eyelid swelling and the discomfort they may have, which is usually little.