Eyelid Surgery in Medellín

Blepharoplasty is the medical name for eyelid surgery, and it can be done on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids or both. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), on the upper lid the incision goes in the eyelid's natural crease. On the lower lid it can go just below the lashes or on the inside of the eyelid (the transconjunctival approach); with the inside approach no skin is removed, and the fat is repositioned or removed.

Which eyelids to treat and which approach to use aren't set ahead of time. Your surgeon decides that during your exam.

Eyelid surgery works on the skin and fat of the eyelids. The ASPS points out in its Spanish-language patient guide that it doesn't remove crow's feet, barely changes dark circles and doesn't lift sagging brows. Depending on what bothers you, there may be another option:

• Crow's feet: Botox.
• Under-eye hollows: sometimes treated with hyaluronic acid filler, without surgery.
• A low brow that weighs down on the eyelid: a brow lift, which the ASPS says can be done along with eyelid surgery.
• Sagging in the cheeks and neck: a facelift.

At your consultation we look at what's causing the change you notice and what makes sense for you.

According to the ASPS, a good candidate is healthy, has no medical conditions that make healing harder, doesn't smoke, has realistic expectations and has no serious eye conditions. In its Spanish-language patient guide, the ASPS also lists conditions that can make the surgery riskier:

• Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease.
• Dry eye or low tear production.
• High blood pressure, circulation problems, heart disease or diabetes.
• A detached retina or glaucoma, which you should have checked by your ophthalmologist first.

If you have any of these, tell us at your consultation. Your surgeon decides whether surgery makes sense and what precautions to take.

Like any surgery, eyelid surgery carries risks. The ASPS lists, among others:

• Anesthesia risks, bleeding from the incisions, infection, swelling and bruising.
• Dry eyes, difficulty closing your eyes and sensitivity to sunlight or bright light.
• Ectropion, when the lower eyelid turns outward, and lower eyelid lag, a pulling down of the lower lid that is often temporary.
• Changes in skin sensation or numbness of the eyelashes, pain that may persist and unfavorable scarring.
• Temporary or even permanent changes in vision and, in very rare cases, blindness.
• The possibility of needing revision surgery.

Your surgeon goes over each one with you before you sign the informed consent form.

Before surgery you get your pre-op tests done and review the medications you take with your specialist. The ASPS recommends quitting smoking and avoiding aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications and herbal supplements, because they can increase bleeding and bruising. Your specialist tells you which ones to stop and when.

The ASPS Spanish-language patient guide suggests bringing your glasses or contact lenses and the results of your latest eye exam to the consultation, since your vision and tear production are checked. You'll find the full step-by-step under how your trip works. Arrange for an adult to take you to surgery, pick you up and stay with you the first night.

According to the ASPS, a lubricating ointment and cold compresses may be applied when surgery ends, and sometimes the eyes are loosely covered with gauze. In the first few days, swelling, bruising, irritation, dry eyes and some discomfort are common, and they're managed with cold compresses and by keeping your head elevated. Wear dark sunglasses and protect yourself from the sun until healing is complete.

We explain how to care for your eyes, which signs to watch for and when each follow-up visit is. If you have severe pain, contact your surgeon right away. If you live outside Colombia, read eyelid surgery in Colombia on a short trip.