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Everything You Need to Know About Eyelid Surgery for Filipinas
With the increasing number of aesthetic clinics established around the country, cosmetic procedures such as eyelid lifts and lip fillers are becoming more popular. If you’ve been considering eyelid surgery but can’t find any resources for Filipinas, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this procedure here.
Is eyelid surgery a major surgery?
Eyelid surgery is a type of cosmetic surgery that repairs your eyelids, commonly used to replace sagging skin on the eyelids with a more rejuvenated and youthful look. And yes — it’s major surgery!
The skin surrounding our eyes is very delicate. In order to perform surgery around the eyes, incisions are made by the surgeon either on your crease or your lower lash line. This will depend if it’s an upper or lower eyelid surgery.
What is the difference between blepharoplasty and upper eyelid surgery?
Blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid surgery, so they are the same thing. Some beauticians call this an eyelift or an eyelid lift as well.
Why do people get eyelid surgery?
There are multiple reasons people get cosmetic eyelid surgery — after all, an eyelid lift can do a subtle yet effective change in one’s appearance. However, most patients claim to have had eyelid surgery for these benefits:
1. They get an eyelid lift to maintain a youthful, less tired look
Sagging skin and fine wrinkles in the area surrounding our eyes are prominent signs of aging, which could be repaired by an eyelift.
2. An eyelid lift can be paired with other cosmetic surgeries
In some cases, a brow lift is incorporated to give a more natural contour to the eye area.
3. To help with impaired vision caused by sagging upper eyelids.
Oftentimes, loose skin creates folds that can obstruct our line of vision. If you suffer from this situation, getting eyelid surgery will tighten the upper lids, clearing your line of sight.
4. To remove excess skin or muscle
If you have extra weight on your upper eyelids it may cause you to look lazy or angry. This can be removed through upper eyelid surgery.
5. To remove “bags” under the eyes
Extra skin on the lower eyelid creates “bags” under our eyes, often making you look sleepless and tired. Lower eyelid surgery can remove this excess skin. Some people have it either on the upper or lower eyelid, depending on their reasons. But patients may also opt for both upper and lower eyelids.
6. Recovery is quicker
Recovery isn’t that bad compared to other procedures such as eyelid filler injections. It only takes a few weeks at most! The stitches will last about a week and it is common to experience swelling and/or bruising on the area surrounding the eye the first few weeks after surgery.
Is it worth getting eyelid surgery on your upper eyelids?
A lot of patients claimed their Blepharoplasty was worth the cost and results. Of course, every patient and surgeon is different, and results vary. Remember to do proper research on cosmetic eyelid surgery before coming to a conclusion. Ideally, you must have a realistic list of the pros and cons of eyelid surgery.
It’s also best to get a procedure done by someone who is a member of the Philippine Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (PAPRAS) or the Philippine Society for Cosmetic Science (PSCS). These governing bodies are similar to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in the US.
The best way to know if it is worth it is if you consult your surgeon about whether you are an ideal candidate for a blepharoplasty.
What are the cons of eyelid surgery?
The side effects
Like every other cosmetic surgery, swelling and bruising are expected side effects. Dry eyes or irritation might also occur, however, all of these last a couple of weeks and are usually mild.
Plastic surgeons aren’t perfect
Sometimes a surgical procedure can be overdone. Make sure your surgeon is qualified and can achieve desired results — you can do further research on trusted surgeons such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Aging doesn’t stop there
Simple maintenance is still required post-surgery, even if you have achieved your youthful look. Wear sunscreen and avoid nicotine.
What To Expect During the Cosmetic Surgery Procedure
Eyelid surgery typically takes about 2 hours — although it depends if you’re getting one on your upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. Your surgeon will most likely use local anesthesia with oral sedation, or if you are having it done at a hospital or surgical center, you will most likely be given a general anesthesia alternative such as an IV sedation.
If you’re getting it done on all four eyelids, the surgeon usually starts with the upper lids first.
Upper Eyelid Procedure
To start, they will cut along the natural lines of your upper lid and will separate the skin from the tissue underneath. They will then remove the excess fat through this cut (in some cases, muscle might be removed).
Next, the surgeon will close those cuts with tiny little stitches, which will stay for about 6 days during recovery.
Lower Eyelid Procedure
For the lower lids, several techniques can be used by the surgeon.
One method involves the surgeon making a cut inside your lower lid to remove the excess fat. This cut won’t be visible and doesn’t require stitches post-surgery. The lines can be softened using a C02 or erbium laser.
In another method, a cut is made along your eyelash margin. Through this cut, the surgeon can remove extra skin, loose muscle, and fat. The lines fade after a while post-surgery.
Next, after either of the procedures, you may opt for laser skin resurfacing.
Blepharoplasty Aftercare
After the procedure, you will be put in the recovery room in which an ointment will be applied to your eyes, and covered with a cold compress. You might notice the following normal side effects:
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Dry eyes
- Watery eyes
The first night after surgery, put cold compresses on your eyes and sleep with your head raised. It is important to not raise your blood pressure as much as possible while recovering.
Keep in mind the following DOs and DON’Ts:
- DON’T do activities and movements that raise blood pressure such as bending, lifting, and sports.
- DO keep activity and movement to a minimum for the first 3-5 days.
- DON’T do anything strenuous for 2-3 weeks.
- DON’T read or watch television for the first 2-3 days.
- DO keep your eyes comfortable; keep moist with eye drops, and wear dark sunglasses.
- DON’T wear contact lenses for 2-3 weeks.
Your doctor should give you more detailed instructions for proper recovery.
Final Note
Eyelid surgeries are widely popularized among Asian countries, and we’re no exception to the hype.
If you are an ideal candidate for it, then you can go ahead and discuss it with a surgeon. However, if you are doubting the pros and cons, it’s best you take your time to identify what you truly need. Maybe you’ll realize your eyelid skin isn’t the problem and just needs to be shown some appreciation!
Either way, as long as the pros outweigh the cons, then you should go ahead and do it if you want, considering you are capable of recovery and aftercare that comes with it.
