Blepharoplasty - Cosmetic eyelid surgery

The eyelids have two anatomical peculiarities:

• they are subject to incessant movement, with more than 25,000 beats per day, and therefore multiple muscular contractions;
• they are covered with a much thinner skin than the rest of the face, 3 to 5 times thinner.

This is why tissue ageing is sometimes premature, especially as this area is highly exposed to external physical aggressors (UV, cold, wind...).

The skin of the eyelids loses volume and tone, making them more sensitive to the effect of gravity. This is how drooping eyelids appear on the upper eyelids and bags under the eyes on the lower.

Not only does the face lose its youthfulness and beauty, but this aging of the eyes gives a sad, tired, adynamic look that is detrimental in social life.

Dr Christelle Santini offers an eye lift that emphasizes a natural look, so as not to alter the very essence of a person's identity.

Upper blepharoplasty eliminates palpebral ptosis (hooded eyelids), while lower blepharoplasty removes bags under the eyes, restoring an open, youthful, sparkling face.

An initial consultation will enable Dr. Santini to make a precise diagnosis to determine the causes of aging eyes.

She will pay particular attention to loss of volume (dark circles, eyelids) and loss of structural tone.

Her approach is both medical and aesthetic, including everything that contributes to the aging of the eyes (forehead wrinkles, wrinkles at the corner of the eye on crow's feet, hollow circles...). She will suggest the best solution for you, according to your needs and wishes, and check that there are no contraindications.

In most cases, this pre-operative check-up will be supplemented by an ophthalmological examination to rule out any ocular pathology.

A consultation with the anaesthetist is mandatory if the procedure is to be performed under general anaesthesia or neuroleptanalgesia. It should take place no later than 48 hours before the operation, to enable the anaesthetist to carry out additional tests if necessary.

All medications containing aspirin should be avoided for 10 days prior to surgery.

This cosmetic procedure is not covered by social security.

Blepharoplasty or cosmetic eyelid surgery is most often performed on an outpatient basis (same-day discharge after agreement with the surgeon).

Several types of anaesthesia are possible for this procedure, the two most common being vigorous anaesthesia (neuroleptanalgesia) or general anaesthesia.

Depending on the goal, the procedure may involve only 2 or all 4 eyelids.

Dr. Christelle Santini designs the incisions before the anaesthetic, so that the scars are concealed.

How is an upper blepharoplasty performed?

For the upper eyelids, you can opt for either pure local anesthesia, which numbs only the area to be operated on, or deep local anesthesia (vigile), under which the patient is awake but relaxed and insensitive to pain thanks to the combination of an analgesic and a neuroleptic, or general anesthesia, under which you are completely asleep.

This eyelid lift treats palpebral ptosis, opening up the eyes and eliminating the sad, downcast look.
Dr. Christelle Santini removes the excess skin and leaves a residual scar in the natural crease of the eyelid.

To preserve the identity of the eyes with a natural look, the incision is very meticulous and follows the natural epicanthal fold.

In rare cases, the crow's feet can be extended to open up the inner corner of the eye a little (canthopexy): this is the foxy eye or cat's eye to restore an almond-shaped eye and a youthful, sensual look.

How is a lower blepharoplasty performed?

Blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids cannot be performed under local anaesthetic: it is performed under vigorous anaesthesia or, more often, general anaesthesia.

The latter is highly recommended for comfort.

Dr. Christelle Santini makes an incision flush with the eyelashes, then removes excess fat before removing excess skin to smooth and tighten the eyelid.

Scars are concealed in the natural folds of the eyelids, so they are virtually invisible after healing.

Following surgery, you may experience edema (swelling), ecchymosis (bruising) or lacrimation (tears), so it's imperative to remain at rest and refrain from violent exertion for a few days after the operation.

Edema can be minimized by applying ice to the affected area, and tearing limited by administering saline solution to the eye.

Artificial tears are sometimes prescribed to create a tear film that protects the cornea.

Scars that turn pink in the first few weeks can be camouflaged with make-up quickly after healing (on average from day 7).

The final result of aesthetic eyelid surgery will be achieved between the third and sixth month, with a rejuvenated, reopened, more sparkling and dynamic look. The precision of Dr. Christelle Santini's surgical technique ensures that the identity of the features and eyes is not lost.

The results of blepharoplasty are generally very satisfactory, bringing a rejuvenated, rested look to the eyes. After the operation, patients notice a significant reduction in under-eye bags and a smoothing of drooping upper eyelids. The overall appearance of the face becomes more alert, which can also improve vision in some cases where the upper eyelids were partially obstructing vision.

Although scars may persist, they are often discreet and placed in the natural folds of the skin. Final results usually appear after a few weeks, once swelling and bruising have subsided.

• Same-day discharge from clinic (Ambulatory).
• 3 to 7 days of professional downtime.
• End result 6 months.

What to do before an eyelid lift?

• 1 to 2 consultations with your plastic surgeon, including the taking of medical photographs.
• Delivery and signature of the estimate, with a 15-day forensic delay between the first consultation and the eyelid lift.
• Anesthesia consultation before blepharoplasty, blood test.

How is an eyelid lift blepharoplasty performed?

• For upper blepharoplasty, local anaesthesia, vigilant anaesthesia (neuroleptanalgesia) or general anaesthesia.
• Vigilant anesthesia (neuroleptanalgesia) or general anesthesia for lower blepharoplasty.
• 30 to 45 minutes for 2 upper or lower eyelids and 1h30 for 4 eyelids.
• Outpatient procedure with same-day return home after blepharoplasty in Paris.

What is the post-operative course of a palpebral lift?

• Apply Vitamin A ointment to scars and eyes at bedtime for 7 days.
• Follow-up visit and thread removal with your plastic surgeon five days after eyelid surgery.
• No sport after blepharoplasty for 14 days.
• Allow 3 to 7 days off work after palpebral surgery.
• Final result of blepharoplasty after 6 months.

Prices for blepharoplasty start at €2,500. The price of the eyelid lift will be determined during the initial consultation with Dr. Christelle Santini, and an estimate will be provided. Don't hesitate to make an appointment with Dr. Santini for more information on eye rejuvenation.

What's the difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty?

Upper blepharoplasty involves the correction of excess skin and fat on the upper eyelids, while lower blepharoplasty aims to reduce bags under the eyes and improve the lower eyelid contour.

How long does the procedure last?

A blepharoplasty generally lasts between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the complexity and whether it involves the upper, lower or both eyelids.

What are the risks associated with blepharoplasty?

Like all surgery, blepharoplasty carries risks such as infection, scarring, asymmetry and, in rare cases, temporarily blurred or double vision.

Are the results of blepharoplasty permanent?

Although results can last from 5 to 10 years, they are not permanent, as aging continues. However, the effects of surgery are long-lasting.

Are there any visible scars after surgery?

Scars are usually discreet and located in the natural folds of the eyelids, becoming almost invisible once fully healed.