BLEPHAROPLASTY

A facial surgical procedure indicated for patients with excess skin and/or adipose tissue (fatty bags) in the upper and lower eyelids. My goal is to restore a more youthful eye appearance, which is lost as a consequence of aging, gravity, and the loss of tone of all supporting tissues — both external and internal — in the periorbital region.

During the initial interview and evaluation, it is important to precisely determine whether the patient presents the problems already described, or whether there is an associated eyebrow pathology (brow ptosis). It is common to find patients with an alteration in the anatomical position of the eyebrows — drooping — which manifests as skin folds on the upper eyelids, mainly in the outer part. In these cases, an endoscopic frontoplasty should be performed as a complement to improve the results of blepharoplasty.

We must be aware of any significant medical history, smoking history, and use of any medications or substances that could affect coagulation tests. These include corticosteroids, aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, and natural products.

Surgical time is 1 to 2 hours.

Consultation Process

During your consultation I will carefully evaluate your upper and lower eyelids — assessing skin excess, fat pockets, and the position of your eyebrows. It is important to identify whether drooping brows are contributing to upper eyelid skin folds, since in those cases a brow lift may be needed alongside or instead of blepharoplasty. I will also review your medical history, medications, and any history of dry eye, which requires special consideration.

Surgical Technique

Through perfectly camouflaged incision lines, I remove excess skin and fatty bags from the eyelids.

For the upper eyelids, the incision is designed within the natural fold at approximately 8 to 10 mm from the eyelid margin — it heals nearly invisibly in the crease.

For the lower eyelids, the procedure can be performed through a skin incision just below the lash line, or entirely through the inner surface of the eyelid (Transconjunctival Technique), leaving no external scar at all. The transconjunctival approach is particularly useful when fat removal is the primary goal, as it eliminates the risks of scleral exposure and ectropion.

The choice of technique depends on skin quality, degree of laxity, and fat distribution — all assessed during your consultation.

This is an outpatient procedure with same-day discharge.

Step-by-Step Procedure Description

Under local anesthesia with sedation (or general anesthesia when combined with other facial procedures), I mark the incision lines precisely on the skin. The excess skin and, when needed, the small fatty pockets that create the "bags" are removed through these incisions.

The closure is performed with very fine sutures that leave minimal scarring. The entire procedure takes 1 to 2 hours and you return home the same day.

Pre-Surgical Examinations

Basic laboratory tests are required: complete blood count, blood coagulation tests, kidney function tests, and urinalysis.

Certain specialized tests are ordered based on each patient's characteristics and medical history.

Recovery Timeline

Days 1–3: Bruising (ecchymosis) and swelling around the eyes are most prominent during this period. Keep your head elevated, apply prescribed eye drops, and use cold compresses as directed. Vision may appear slightly blurry — this is temporary.

Week 1: Bruising fades progressively and swelling decreases. Sutures are removed around day 5–7. Many patients feel comfortable returning to work (particularly remote work) by the end of the first week.

Weeks 2–3: Most bruising and swelling have resolved. The eyes look significantly more open and refreshed. Makeup can be applied carefully around the eyes.

Month 1: The result is clearly visible. Scars in the eyelid creases are nearly imperceptible. Eyes look rested and youthful.

Months 2–3 and beyond: Final result is stable. Scars continue to refine and fade completely into the skin fold.

Post-Operative Care

Local ice for 24 hours, then local heat for 3 to 4 days.

Analgesics as needed.

Topical ocular medications to protect the eyes during the inflammatory period.

Recovery

Periorbital swelling and bruising are the main factors determining recovery duration. On average, 5 to 10 days of social incapacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will blepharoplasty improve my vision?

Yes — in patients with significant upper eyelid skin excess that blocks the upper visual field, blepharoplasty can meaningfully improve peripheral vision. This functional indication is sometimes recognized by health insurers.

How long do results last?

Blepharoplasty produces long-lasting results because the skin and fat removed do not return. The natural aging process continues, but most patients enjoy results that remain relevant for 10–15 years or more.

Can I wear contacts during recovery?

Contact lenses should be avoided for approximately 2 weeks post-surgery while the tissues heal and swelling resolves. Glasses are fine from the start.

When can I wear eye makeup again?

Generally after 7–10 days once the incisions are well healed. Apply makeup gently around the eyes for the first few weeks.

Is the procedure painful?

Discomfort is typically mild. The eyelid area has sensitive nerves but the procedure is well tolerated with appropriate anesthesia and post-operative analgesics.

Why Choose Me?

With decades of experience in eyelid surgery, I have performed blepharoplasty with consistently excellent results. My approach is conservative — I remove only what is necessary to achieve a natural, refreshed result without the over-operated look. I understand the delicate anatomy of the periorbital region and my technique minimizes complications such as scleral exposure or ectropion.

Complications

Eyelid surgery is a procedure that has been performed for many decades on men and women worldwide without major complications. Like any procedure, some risks exist:

1. Poor scarring.
2. Ocular and skin infections.
3. Asymmetries.
4. Ectropion or scleral exposure.

During our consultation I will be able to provide more details, with the goal of informing and guiding you — not alarming you.

Let us avoid the use of medications or substances that may increase the risk of complications. Smoking should be stopped in a timely manner.