Dr. Unal, gives special attention to periorbital rejuvenation. She always takes into consideration the eyebrow, and the midcheek area together with the eyes during her consultations to achieve a uniform, youthful look of the eyes after eyelid lift surgery. The eyes may be the facial features that best identify an individual, and maintaining the natural shape and "personality" of the eyes is of paramount importance. It is always with this goal in mind that any treatment around the eyes is undertaken. Subtle changes that rejuvenate and beautify are always preferred. A traditional blepharoplasty, eyelid lift, is removal of excess upper eyelid skin, removal of excess eyelid fat, and removal of excess lower eyelid skin if both upper and lower eyelids are subject to surgery. Today, many technical advances have been added or removed from the classical blepharoplasty approach.

It is generally accepted that the “hollow appreance that forms due to fat excisions of the classical blepharoplasty performed years ago, makes the individual look older in time. Therefore,“balancing the existing fat, removal of excess skin only, and incorporating noninvasive techniques such as botulinum toxin application gives the most natural results.

The blepharoplasty planning process begins with a comprehensive discussion and examination with Dr. Unal in her office in Nisantasi, Istanbul.

When aesthetic plastic surgery of the eyelids is required, the most minimal approach is selected to minimize downtime and to achieve your goals. When appropriate, plastic surgery of the eyelids is combined with other modalities, such as, fat grafting and fillers, to promote the most natural results.

Is there a minimally invasive, nonsurgical eyelid lift?

Injectable fillers, that contain hyaluronic acid, can "refill" the tear trough and areas of volume loss, botulinum toxin injections can "relax" and soften the fine lines and wrinkles of the crow's feet region. While blepharoplasty may be required for more prominent issues including excess skin and more pronounced fat bulge, for select individuals with more modest concerns, these nonsurgical maneuvers may be an outstanding solution.

An upper lid blepharoplasty may be performed under local anesthesia only, although light sedation may be elected.

“Skin-pinch blepharoplasty, or the removal of a small amount of skin from the lower lid, can also be performed under local anesthesia, however many select sedation for this procedure as well. Most lower lid blepharoplasties with muscle, septum, and fat maneuvers (repositioning or removal), require sedation. When necessary, anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. The procedure duration may range from approximately 45 minutes to two hours, but may be longer or shorter based on the specific techniques planned, anatomic requirements, and goals. The options will vary depending on your unique needs, but may include any individual or combination of the following:

Upper Lid Blepharoplasty

Removal of excess skin, with or without fat, from the upper eyelid

• Fat Grafting to tear trough, midface, or cheek
• Laser Resurfacing
• Ablative Laser (CO2 Laser)
• Nonablative Laser (Fraxel Laser)

Lower Lid Blepharoplasty

Removal of excess skin from the lower eyelid, with varying maneuvers to control fat herniation

• Transconjunctival Approach
• Skin Pinch
• Fat Transposition
• Canthopexy - support of a slightly lax lower eyelid
• Muscle and Septal Pinch (Tightening of support to reduce puffiness)

How do I prepare for a Eyelid Surgery?

Approximately ten days prior to blepharoplasty, you will have another visit with us in the office. A complete list of "dos and don'ts" is reviewed. Prescriptions for medications to be taken after surgery are given, and the pre and postop instructions are reviewed. If necessary, routine laboratory testing is ordered. Any individuals with pre-existing ocular issues or who are prone to dry-eye should see their ophthalmologist prior to the procedure.

How do I recover after a Blepharoplasty?

Following your blepharoplasty, you will recover in the recovery room and will be cared for by a registered nurse. You will go home with a friend or relative when you are fully awake and comfortable, generally one to two hours after the completion of surgery. Cold compresses are used to minimize bruising and swelling around the eyes. The primary swelling and bruising resolves in about one week, and most go back to work or resume social activities around this time. Recovery after more limited blepharoplasty maneuvers may be only several days.

What do I do after my Blepharoplasty?

Dr. Unal will see you in follow-up periodically following eyelid lift. Suture removal is generally at 5 to 7 days after blepharoplasty. Eye drops may be recommended for several weeks. Dr. Unal and her staff will always be available to assist you with any questions or recovery-related matters following the procedure.

Can I exercise after an Eyelid Surgery?

Dr. Unal suggests light cardio exercises for approximately two- three weeks after eyelid lift, after which unrestricted exercise and activity may be resumed.