With advancing age, certain systemic conditions or external factors may lead to drooping, wrinkles, and puffiness around the eyelids, which create cosmetic concerns. Surgical procedures to correct these issues are generally referred to as “Blepharoplasty.”
In addition to causing cosmetic imperfections, these changes may also result in functional problems such as narrowing of the upper visual field, a feeling of fatigue, headaches or forehead pain, excessive tearing, or conversely, dry eyes.
If degenerative changes cause cosmetic defects that disturb the patient, they should be corrected. Sometimes patients may not be fully aware of these issues or may not know how they can be corrected. In other cases, they may not realize that certain functional complaints (difficulty opening the eyelids, eye fatigue, tearing, etc.) are related to these degenerative changes.
For this reason, it is important to inform patients and explain in front of a mirror how and to what extent these issues can be corrected.
As with all oculoplastic procedures, eyelid aesthetic surgery should be performed by an experienced oculoplastic surgeon who is well-versed in the anatomy and physiology of the periocular tissues and who operates with respect for the delicate structures. Exaggeration should be avoided, expectations should be realistic, and all details must be clearly explained to the patient.
Most eyelid aesthetic procedures can be performed under local anesthesia. In general, lax tissues are tightened and repositioned, while sagging or bulging tissues are removed in a very measured and controlled manner.
Since the tissues around the eyes are rich in blood vessels, healing is usually relatively faster compared to other areas of the body. Although not always, bruising (ecchymosis) under the skin is an expected condition. For this reason, it is important to stop blood-thinning medications for a period before and after the surgery.
In some cases, cold compresses may be applied to the area for 24–48 hours following the procedure. If sutures are placed, they are usually removed after about one week.
The desired final cosmetic result after eyelid surgery is typically achieved within 1–3 months. Therefore, patients should not panic during the initial weeks following the operation.
When cosmetic eyelid surgery is performed properly and by an experienced oculoplastic surgeon, visible or disturbing scarring is generally not an issue.
Degenerative changes of the eyelids that cause cosmetic concerns usually occur after a certain age. However, due to individual factors, sagging, wrinkles, and puffiness can also develop at a much earlier age. Performing blepharoplasty on younger patients requires extra care and experience, since the tissues are still youthful and more delicate.
Mild wrinkles and sagging can sometimes be treated with devices that deliver controlled thermal energy, tightening the tissues at a certain depth. However, the effect of such treatments is limited and may diminish over time.
In addition, dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle contractions in the area (such as crow’s feet) may not always be corrected surgically. In these cases, botulinum toxin injections (commonly known as Botox) can be used to relax the underlying muscles and smooth out wrinkles. The effect is temporary and usually requires repeat treatments every 3–6 months.
Copyright 2025 Private Atagöz Medical Center. All rights reserved.
Private Atagöz Medical Center
Corporate
Contact