Plastic surgeon Alexander Vdovin comments on the 10 most common stereotypes associated with this procedure
Today, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is one of the most popular interventions among both the fairer sex and the male half of the population. Blepharoplasty is used both for age reasons and for aesthetic reasons. This operation is one of the relatively light surgical interventions: the recovery period after it passes quickly enough and (subject to all the recommendations of the attending physician) without complications.
The apparent simplicity of the operation has generated many myths and rumors around blepharoplasty, I will dwell on ten of them.
Myth 1
Eyelid correction can only be done once. The skin around the eyelids is really thin and is characterized by the absence of subcutaneous fat. But this is not a contraindication to reoperation if necessary. The result of the intervention can last up to 10 years, in some cases longer or, conversely, less - it all depends on the individual characteristics of the organism, lifestyle, metabolism and other factors.
Myth 2
Lack of a list of contraindications. Blepharoplasty, like any other surgical intervention, is carried out not only according to indications, but also taking into account contraindications. There is a general list, which includes hypertension, uncompensated diabetes mellitus, blood diseases, exacerbations of chronic and respiratory diseases, renal and liver failure. In addition, the presence of increased intraocular pressure, corneal lesions, cataracts, eye infections, and recent eye surgeries can be a contraindication.
Myth 3
Blepharoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Most often, when correcting the eyelids, such methods of pain relief are used as infiltration anesthesia in combination with intravenous sedation. The choice of the method of pain relief is the prerogative of the plastic surgeon, while the patient can always express his personal opinion.
Myth 4
Any plastic surgeon can do blepharoplasty. In fact, each surgeon has his own specialization, and this is the fundamental factor in choosing a specialist. The same person cannot do mammoplasty and rhinoplasty equally well - any intervention has its own subtleties and nuances. Therefore, when choosing a surgeon, you need to understand what he specializes in, what he does best and what kind of intervention he has “on stream”.
Myth 5
The successful outcome of the operation depends on the surgeon. This is a myth, but only partially. The result of the operation also depends on the patient and his willingness to take responsibility for the postoperative period, strictly following all the doctor's recommendations and observing the necessary restrictions.
Myth 6
The operation is not suitable for those with vision problems. You will be surprised. but blepharoplasty can help solve some of the vision problems. To begin with, one of the indications for upper blepharoplasty is ptosis of the upper eyelid. Even because of the overhanging of the eyelid, patients begin to see worse - this is a medical fact. Neither myopia nor hyperopia are contraindications to blepharoplasty.
Myth 7
Hernias under the eyes may appear again. In this case, only a hereditary factor can contribute to the appearance of hernias. There are no other objective reasons for the appearance of bags under the eyes in patients after blepharoplasty.
Myth 8
Circular blepharoplasty is the best option for correcting the eyelids. The best option for eyelid surgery is correction according to indications. If the patient has a drooping eyelid, but there is no indication for lower blepharoplasty (bags under the eyes, wrinkles, etc.), then he does not need “circular” blepharoplasty. Sometimes, even in the presence of indications, it is worthwhile to dilute the interventions in time, having done first the upper blepharoplasty, and after some time - the lower one. This will create a beautiful cut in the eyes.
Myth 9
Do not use cosmetics after blepharoplasty. It is ideally necessary to refrain from using decorative cosmetics until the seams are removed. This happens 3-5 days after the upper blepharoplasty. Also, patients with myopia are advised to stop wearing lenses for a week. Restrictions after eyelid correction include visiting the gym, sauna, swimming pool and solarium.
Myth 10
Immediate rejuvenation result. Since blepharoplasty is one of the simple options for interventions: after 1.5-2 hours after the operation, the patient can return home, and after a day or two to his normal lifestyle, it is nevertheless not worth taking lightly this operation. Do not forget that the effect of the intervention can be obtained only after complete tissue restoration - it takes from 1-1.5 months. To speed up the healing process of tissues, you can resort to cosmetic procedures such as microcurrent therapy, lymphatic drainage massage, mesotherapy.
