As a person ages, his or her anatomical structure changes. As one gets older, the tissues in the eyelids weaken. In addition, the skin in the area around the eyes will lose its elasticity. This condition causes the skin and fat to sag then gather under the eyelids and form eye bags. If the sagging part is in the upper eyelid, it can block vision.

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct this condition with the aim of making the appearance better and looking younger. Blepharoplasty is performed by reducing excess fat and reducing excess sagging skin. It can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. However, most blepharoplasties are performed under local anesthesia. The blepharoplasty procedure under local anesthesia means that the patient is conscious and the anesthetic drug is injected into the eye area. While blepharoplasty under total anesthesia means that the patient is unconscious (sleeping) and anesthetic drugs are given through injections in the blood vessels (IV). Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids, depending on the patient's condition and complaints.

A common complaint expressed by patients is upper eyelid drooping. The condition makes the face look tired and droopy. In addition, patients also often complain of a reduced field of vision or a part that covers the view. This is a symptom that arises from the lowering of the upper eyelid. There are also lower eyes that appear swollen and form eye bags.

Blepharoplasty procedures are mostly cosmetic in nature as they aim to improve appearance and make the face look younger. Therefore, it is generally not covered by insurance. However, there are also blepharoplasties that are medically necessary. Especially if the sagging of the skin covers part or all of the vision. Through blepharoplasty, the patient will have a wider field of vision, thereby improving their quality of life. In such cases, insurance can generally be used.

What about the risks of blepharoplasty

Is blepharoplasty safe?

What are the risks that blepharoplasty patients should be aware of?

Basically, all surgeries have risks, including blepharoplasty. Overreaction to anesthetic drugs, infection, bleeding, dry eyes, difficulty closing the eyes due to the pull of the surgical wound, scars that may be visible, differences in skin color, unbalanced results between the right eye and left eye, postoperative pain are side effects that may be experienced by blepharoplasty patients.

Before performing blepharoplasty, patients are expected to discuss with the doctor who will carry out the action. The patient's condition, problems or complaints faced, other diseases suffered, drugs that are being consumed regularly, the expected final results, as well as complications of actions that may occur must be understood in order to have a good working relationship between the doctor and the patient.

After blepharoplasty, patients may experience temporary blurred vision due to the use of eye drops or ointment in the eye area. In addition, patients may experience watery eyes, puffy eyes, panda eyes or bruising of the eye area, pain or discomfort due to the procedure. To alleviate these symptoms, patients can be given ice packs or cold compresses, use medications prescribed by the doctor, sleep with a slightly elevated head position, and use sunglasses to protect the eyes and lids from sun and wind exposure.

After blepharoplasty surgery, activities that patients should avoid include swimming, jogging or aerobics, lifting heavy objects, smoking, and rubbing the eye area for approximately one to two weeks. However, these conditions must be discussed with the doctor considering that each patient's condition can be different.

In conclusion, blepharoplasty can indeed be performed to make your face attractive, look younger, and expand the field of vision that was previously obscuring your vision. However, it is not risk-free. It is important that you discuss your complaints, risks, and expectations through blepharoplasty with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.