Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery. It treats excess skin of the upper eyelids, which makes the eyes look heavy, and bags under the lower eyelids, caused by small fat hernias. It is intended for people who are bothered by a tired or aged look. It can concern the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids or all four eyelids.
How the procedure unfolds
In practice
- In consultation, I analyse your request and I examine your eyelids, your eyes and the quality of your skin.
- I also collect information concerning your state of health, in particular your eyes (dryness, contact lenses, medical history).
- We take photographs for your medical record.
- I give you all the information about the surgery and I give you an estimate.
A second consultation is mandatory before any procedure. You must stop smoking at least one month before the operation.
Surgery
Blepharoplasty is performed at the Clinique Pasteur, in Toulouse. It is most often performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or under general anesthesia depending on the case. It is usually done on an outpatient basis.
- For the upper eyelids, the scar is hidden in the eyelid fold.
- For the lower eyelids, it is placed just under the eyelashes.
- When there is no excess skin, it can be placed inside the eyelid (conjunctival approach), with no visible scar.
I remove the excess skin and I treat the fat bags.
The operation usually lasts between one and two hours depending on the number of eyelids treated. There is no dressing, only very fine stitches. You go home the same day, accompanied.
Postoperative effects
The postoperative period is usually not very painful. A feeling of tension or discomfort is possible.
- Bruises and edema (swelling) are usual. They most often fade in one to three weeks.
- Watery eyes or a feeling of dry eyes can occur in the first days.
- The stitches are removed after a few days.
- Time away from social life is usually one to two weeks.
The scars stay pink for a few months and then fade. The result can be assessed after about three months. The final result is obtained after six months to one year.
I see you again in follow-up consultation and I follow you personally during this whole period.
Blepharoplasty and the eyes
Blepharoplasty does not change the shape of the eyes. It removes what is in excess and refreshes the look. It does not treat a drooping eyebrow or crow’s feet wrinkles. In some cases, an associated procedure can be proposed, such as an eyebrow lift or an aesthetic medicine treatment. We discuss this in consultation.
What to do to optimize the result?
- Rest during the first days, with your head raised.
- Apply cold on the eyelids during the first two days.
- Do not smoke before and after the operation.
- Protect the scars from the sun for several months, with sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Hydrate your skin.
- Obey the care instructions (eye drops, gentle cleaning of the eyelids).
Social security coverage
For an aesthetic reason, blepharoplasty is not covered by social security. In some cases, when the excess skin of the upper eyelids reduces the visual field, coverage may be considered. We discuss this in consultation.
Pricing
Blepharoplasty of all four eyelids: from 3300 euros, on estimate given at the end of the consultation.
The SOFCPRE information sheet for your procedure is given to you during the consultation.