EYELİD SURGERY (blepharoplasty)

Upper eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess muscle, fat, and skin from the upper eyelid to give the eye area a younger, fresher, and more dynamic appearance. Eyelids are not only an important element of facial aesthetics but also a critical part of maintaining healthy eyes. However, over time, the aging process, genetic factors, gravity, and external influences (such as sunlight, smoking, sleep apnea, etc.) can cause drooping eyelids, skin laxity, or fat accumulation. In addition to creating a tired, sad, and aged look, these changes can also narrow the field of vision and negatively affect normal functioning. This is precisely where upper eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, comes into play. This operation not only addresses cosmetic concerns but also corrects the functional anatomy of the eyelids, providing a healthier, brighter, and more confident appearance.

Purpose of Upper Eyelid Surgery

The primary aim of upper eyelid surgery is to achieve both functional and aesthetic improvement. During the procedure, excess skin and, if necessary, muscle are removed, resulting in a more youthful and vibrant appearance of the eye area. Additionally, drooping skin covering the eyes is eliminated, providing a clearer and more comfortable field of vision in daily life. Puffiness around the eyes and the constantly tired look are also reduced, giving the face a brighter, livelier, and more attractive appearance.

When is it Performed?

Upper blepharoplasty is generally chosen in the following cases:

• Sagging skin that narrows the field of vision,

• Excess eyelid skin causing aesthetic concerns,

• Bulging appearance due to fat pockets,

• Asymmetry in eyelid appearance,

• Difficulty applying eye makeup as desired.

Both women and men can benefit from this procedure.

Surgical Process

Upper blepharoplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia. The surgery takes approximately 30–60 minutes. The process follows these steps:

• Excess skin and muscle tissue are identified.

• A small incision is made along the natural crease of the eyelid.

• Excess skin and, if necessary, fat tissue are removed.

• The incision is closed with aesthetic sutures.

Patients are discharged on the same day and can return to their normal lives very quickly.

After the surgery, swelling and bruising around the eyes are common in the first few days and usually resolve on their own within 1–2 weeks. To speed up recovery and make the process more comfortable, it is important to:

• Sleep with your head elevated,

• Apply cold compresses every hour,

• Take medications regularly as prescribed by your doctor,

• Avoid rubbing your eyes.

Most patients can safely return to their social life and work within 7–10 days.

In summary, upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a safe and effective procedure with both cosmetic and functional benefits. Removing excess skin, muscle, and fat not only helps patients achieve a younger, more dynamic, and refreshed appearance but also eliminates vision-related problems. Thanks to its quick procedure and short recovery period, patients can rapidly return to their daily activities and enjoy long-lasting results. When performed by an experienced surgeon with proper evaluation, upper eyelid surgery offers a powerful option that makes a significant difference in both appearance and quality of life.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery, also known in the medical field as lower blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to remove or reposition excess fat, muscle, and skin in the lower eyelids. This operation eliminates under-eye bags, dark circles, wrinkles, and hollows, giving the face a younger, more refreshed, and radiant appearance. It also removes the tired look in the eyes, resulting in a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing facial expression. Depending on the patient’s needs, the procedure can be performed with different techniques; sometimes excess fat is removed, and sometimes the fat is redistributed to fill the hollow under the eyes. This procedure can be applied to both women and men, and it not only provides cosmetic benefits but also prevents sagging and puffiness around the eyes, contributing to a healthier eyelid anatomy.

The Purpose of Lower Eyelid Surgery

The main goal of lower eyelid surgery is to achieve a younger, fresher, and more vibrant appearance. By removing under-eye bags, correcting excess skin, and tightening the skin, the eye area gains a smoother look. In addition, correcting drooping lower eyelids contributes to better eye health.

What Is It Used For?

Lower eyelid surgery is generally used to correct the following conditions:

• Under-eye bags: Fat accumulation caused by aging or hereditary factors.

• Sagging and excess skin: Loss of skin elasticity resulting in drooping.

• Brown or dark circles: Discoloration due to vascularization, thinning of the skin, or hereditary factors.

• Fine wrinkles: Age-related facial expressions and lines around the eyes.

These symptoms not only create aesthetic concerns but also make a person appear older than they actually are.

Who Is It Suitable For?

Lower eyelid surgery is generally suitable for patients aged 30 and above who have under-eye bags or deep wrinkles. However, in some cases, hereditary reasons may require the procedure at a younger age. To be considered a candidate, the patient must have good overall health, sufficient skin elasticity, and no serious eye disease. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, severe dry eyes, or significant systemic illnesses usually make the treatment inadvisable.

How Is Lower Eyelid Aesthetic Surgery Performed?

Lower blepharoplasty, or lower eyelid aesthetic surgery, can be performed using various methods depending on the patient’s needs. In the traditional surgical technique, one of the most preferred methods, excess skin and fat are removed while loosened muscles are tightened. The incisions are usually made along the lash line, making the scars minimal over time. For younger patients, the transconjunctival approach is often the best option; since the incision is made inside the eyelid, there is no visible scar. In recent years, laser-assisted surgeries have become popular, effectively removing excess skin and softening fine wrinkles.

For milder issues, non-surgical alternatives such as fillers, PRP, mesotherapy, or laser treatments can be used to achieve smoother and brighter skin without surgery. The practitioner determines the most appropriate option based on the patient’s age, skin type, concerns, and expectations.

After the procedure, mild swelling and bruising typically appear within the first 1–2 days and usually subside within 1–2 weeks. During recovery, it is very important to keep the head elevated while sleeping, apply cold compresses, avoid rubbing the eyes, and use prescribed eye drops/medications regularly. Most patients return to work and social activities within 10 days. Final results and full healing, however, may take several months.

In general, lower blepharoplasty is a valuable procedure that not only enhances appearance but also corrects functional issues around the eyes. By reducing signs of aging such as puffiness, wrinkles, dark circles, and sagging, it provides patients with a healthier, younger, and more dynamic look. When performed by expert surgeons on suitable candidates, it yields safe and long-lasting results. For these reasons, lower blepharoplasty stands out as a modern plastic surgery alternative for those who are troubled by a tired and aged appearance of the eyes.