What is blepharoplasty?
Eyelids and the area around the eyes are among the first areas that change over time with aging. Several times, these signs are inversely proportional, underlying the effects of aging. For example, a sense of tired look, difficulty in applying make-up, or heavy, puffy upper lids. These symptoms, in most cases are a combination of excess skin and protruding periorbital fat pads (the well known “under eye bags”). Blepharoplasty, is a surgery which can provide a solution and rejuvenate the shape of eyes, giving a more youthful and less tired look.
Nikolaos I. Karmiris, a plastic surgeon based in Athens, specializes in upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, with an emphasis on natural results and safety.
What does blepharoplasty achieve?
100% Natural Result
Return home on the same day
Bags under the eyes are eliminated.
Please make sure to watch the video about blepharoplasty.
In which cases, does blepharoplasty can be performed?
In general, blepharoplasty can treat:
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty or upper eyelid blepharoplasty, is performed under local anaesthesia and through an incision along the upper eyelid, excess skin and/or fat is excised, in order to achieve the ideal result. The operating time is 45-60 minutes. The wound is closed with fine stitches, which are removed in 5-7 days. Sometimes excess skin on the upper eyelids can be caused by insufficient function of the frontalis muscle (drooping eyebrows). In this case, an additional brow lift is necessary, in order to achieve the best result.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty or lower eyelid blepharoplasty, is performed under local anaesthesia or sedation. Depending on the case, a subciliary (incision along the lower lashline) or a transconjunctival incision can be made. Of course, the second technique is chosen only in cases where excess skin does not need to be excised.
Who is a good candidate for a blepharoplasty?
Candidates for a blepharoplasty are the following:
people, whose concern is their eyelids appearance
people, who have functional problems such as a large amount of excess inelastic skin along the upper eyelid (dermatochalasis) that can affect even their field of vision
people without ophthalmological conditions such as glaucoma, precedent detachments, dry eyes etc.
people without medical conditions which delay recovery
people with realistic expectations
Dr. N. Karmiris performs blepharoplasty using modern techniques, personalized planning,
and a preoperative assessment of ocular function.
Results
What our Patients say about us
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Blepharoplasty techniques
Classic blepharoplasty aims to improve upper and lower eyelid contour. Restoration is performed by excising excess skin, fat and/or both of them, without affecting eyelid anatomy, the shape of the eyes, as well as the natural upper eyelid crease.
- It is performed under local or general anaesthesia and the operating time is 60 – 90 minutes. An external incision is performed on the lower eyelids, which takes place closely to the eyelids or through conjunctival internal incision (the thin translucent membrane that covers the “white part of the eye”).
Laser eyelid surgery is a minimally invasive technique and is essentially the same as classic blepharoplasty. The only difference is that in this case, the initial incision is performed with laser, instead of a scalpel. Surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, in one session and the operating time is 60 – 90 minutes, without requiring an overnight stay in the hospital. During the operation, excess eyelid skin and fat are excised, either through an external incision or through a transconjunctival incision. The stiches are almost indistinguishable and they are removed in 5 – 7 days. Cold compresses are recommended in the early post-op period.
If the problem is on an initial stage, and upper eyelid skin excess is very small, plasma can be used. Eyelid surgery involving plasma, can be performed using a special laser, where each “laser beam”, is reducing fat and tightens loose skin that gives the tired look. In order to achieve the best results, plasma eyelid surgery, should be performed in 2 – 4 sessions, with an interval of 6 – 10 days. It’s important to state that this particular method is indicated only for cases with early blepharochalasis and the results are not permanent.
What to expect at your first appointment?
At your first appointment, you will discuss:
- What exactly is your concern in the appearance of the eyelids, and if blephapolasty is the appropriate treatment for you
- Your past medical history, if you are on any medication, vitamins or other herbal supplements, if you have any allergies or any other operations in the past.
- If you smoke (if the answer is yes, how many cigarettes per day)
Afterwards, Dr Karmiris:
- will evaluate your general health condition and any other risk factors
- will examine you and will take all the detailed measurements from your eyelids, he will evaluate your excess skin as well as your skin quality.
- will take preoperative photographs
- will discuss with you all the possible surgical options,depending on your case
- will discuss with you all the possible results of the surgical procedure and any risks or potential complications,as described in the international literature and finally
- will discuss with you about the anaesthetic plan
Preoperative check includes mainly blood tests, chest X-ray and electrocardiogram (ECG) if general anaesthesia is necessary. Any other specialized tests may be required, depending on the case. Also, it will be necessary to stop smoking preoperatively, and immediately post-operatively as well as avoid taking aspirin and any anti-inflammatory medicine, since they increase the risk of bleeding.
Επίσης, θα χρειαστεί να σταματήσετε το κάπνισμα προεγχειρητικά και άμεσα μετεγχειρητικά όπως και να αποφύγετε τη λήψη ασπιρίνης και αντιφλεγμονωδών φαρμάκων, δεδομένου ότι αυξάνουν τον κίνδυνο αιμορραγίας.
Blepharoplasty can involve the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or a combination of both procedures.
Anesthesia, duration, and day of surgery
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation. After removing the excess fat that causes unsightly bags (puffy eyes), the doctor may, in some cases, redistribute the existing fat in the area to achieve an optimal result.
The procedure lasts 1 to 1.5 hours. Mr. Karmiris will explain the entire process in detail and discuss the appropriate technique for your specific case.
Blepharoplasty is a targeted, relatively quick procedure designed to correct sagging and under-eye bags while preserving your natural facial expression.
It is typically performed under local anesthesia combined with light sedation, ensuring you remain relaxed and pain-free throughout the process. Before the procedure begins, the plastic surgeon carefully marks the incision lines on the skin, following the natural creases of the eyelids to ensure the resulting scars are as inconspicuous as possible.
At the end of the procedure, small strips or bandages are applied to the area, and you are taken to the recovery room. The total duration—depending on whether the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both are being corrected—usually ranges from one to two hours, aiming for the most natural, refreshed, and symmetrical result possible around the eyes.
Initial days – swelling, bruising, care
Immediately after surgery, you will have fine sutures that will be removed in 5–7 days. The resulting incisions are placed within the natural folds of the eyelids so that they are no longer visible after six months. Bruising and swelling subside within 7–14 days; using cold compresses (special eye masks) will help with this process.
When do you return to work and your activities?
Patients return home on the same day. Mr. Karmiris will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for the incisions in the immediate postoperative period, which medications to take, and when you will be seen again.
*Risks and potential complications of blepharoplasty
In general, blepharoplasty is a safe procedure performed with great success. However, like any surgery, it carries potential risks and complications about which every patient should be fully informed and which they must fully understand before undergoing the operation.
The most significant potential complications are:
- Bleeding, hematoma, or bruising
- Wound infection
- Dry eyes
- Poor incision healing
- Temporary light sensitivity
- Lagophthalmos
- Ectropion
- Double vision
- Need for reoperation
Mr. Karmiris will explain the entire procedure to you in detail and answer any questions you may have regarding the surgery.
Blepharoplasty is a procedure with multiple benefits—aesthetic, functional, and psychological. Blepharoplasty surgery can help patients achieve a more youthful appearance and improve their vision.
Some of the key advantages of blepharoplasty are the following:
- Bags under the eyes are eliminated.
- The field of vision is widened, resulting in improved sight
- The overall shape of the eyes is improved, creating a refreshed look
- A youthful and rested appearance
- Dark circles under the eyes are improved or even eliminated
- Forehead discomfort caused by muscle strain is reduced
- Fewer fine lines at the outer corners and on the lower eyelids
The cost of blepharoplasty depends on the type and complexity of the procedure performed, as well as the surgeon’s fee.
It is important to note, however, that the price varies depending on whether the procedure involves the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or a combination of both.
The price also differs when the blepharoplasty is combined with the correction of true ptosis or in cases of revision surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose traditional blepharoplasty or bloodless blepharoplasty?
Η αναίμακτη βλεφαροπλαστική sounds like an ideal and “new” facial treatment. Since many patients are interested in non-surgical blepharoplasty and have questions, we must first clarify that the term “non-surgical” refers to a non-invasive technique involving a shorter recovery period but yielding results of a clearly more limited scope—and shorter duration.
In reality, all techniques—whether surgical or non-surgical—require a Plastic Surgeon who specializes in blepharoplasty, is proficient in traditional blepharoplasty, and possesses the necessary experience and expertise.
All these methods are preferred only for cases involving mild laxity, and the results are clearly of limited duration.
With which other procedures can blepharoplasty be combined?
Blepharoplasty can be combined with most facial aesthetic procedures. In fact, combining them is often recommended for the patient’s convenience, though it requires a plastic surgeon experienced in the various techniques.
The primary procedures combined with blepharoplasty are the following:
- Face lift
- Ρινοπλαστική
- Genioplasty (The procedure performed on the chin)
- Facial fat transfer
Regarding the possibility of a combined procedure, it is advisable to discuss the matter with your doctor so that they can provide appropriate advice tailored to your specific case.
Is blepharoplasty surgery painful?
Blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. Postoperatively, most patients report mild discomfort and a sensation of tightness, which can be managed with common painkillers.
How long does recovery take after blepharoplasty?
The recovery period is approximately 7–14 days, during which time swelling and bruising gradually subside. Sutures are usually removed after 5–7 days, and most patients return to light activities within the first week.
Will the scars on the eyelids be visible?
The incisions are placed within the natural folds of the eyelids or on their inner surface, so that they become inconspicuous over time. In most patients, after a few months, the scars are barely visible at a normal social distance.
At what age can blepharoplasty be performed?
There is no specific age limit. The procedure is recommended when there is visible sagging or bags under the eyelids that alter one’s appearance or affect vision. This can occur in younger patients with a hereditary predisposition as well as in older individuals due to aging.
Is vision affected by blepharoplasty?
The procedure aims, among other things, to improve the field of vision in cases where excess skin obstructs sight. Before the procedure, your ophthalmic history is taken into account to ensure the intervention is safe.
If you notice a tired appearance, bags under the eyes, or drooping eyelids that affect your daily life, blepharoplasty can offer a safe and permanent solution. Plastic Surgeon Nikolaos I. Karmiris evaluates each case individually and recommends the appropriate technique, aiming for a natural, refreshed result that respects the anatomy of your eyes.
Do you feel you need blepharoplasty?
Plastic Surgeon Nikolaos I. Karmiris evaluates each case individually and recommends the appropriate technique, aiming for a natural, refreshed result that respects the anatomy of your eyes. Contact the clinic at 124B Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Ampelokipoi, to schedule your personal consultation.
