DEFINITION
Classic lower eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, seeks to rejuvenate the eyes, but also to regain the correct eye shape. The classic techniques tend to remove excess skin and pockets of fat. But currently, we can combine these with other surgical techniques to further rejuvenate the face and obtain better results:
Lower subciliary blepharoplasty: An external cut is made just under the eyelashes which leaves practically no marks after a few days. This type of surgery is performed when a small amount of skin needs to be removed.
Lower transconjunctival blepharoplasty: In this case, the scar is inside the eyelid, so no visible scarring will remain. This type of procedure is performed when only the pockets of fat need to be removed without the removal of any skin.
Canthopexy: this consists of raising the external crease of the eye. With the passing of time, the eye takes on an almond or slanted shape instead of a rounder shape. This procedure restores the lift in the external part of the eye.
Facial implants of fat tissue: When facial volume is improved, it gives the face a brighter appearance which is more attractive, youthful and healthy.
INDICATIONS
For any patient presenting with signs of ageing in the periocular area and who wants a long-lasting and comprehensive rejuvenation. Aesthetic medicine techniques cannot address all problems and tend to be temporary solutions.
PROCEDURE
The surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic when simple and quick procedures are combined, or it can be performed under general anaesthetic when various procedures are combined, including other facial rejuvenation techniques.
PROFESSIONALS
This type of intervention should be performed by a plastic surgeon who is experienced in facial surgery. Dr Ospina has trained in this type of surgery under various lecturers and in internationally renowned centres.
FACILITIES
This type of intervention should be performed in a hospital that complies with all health requirements, as well as having an intensive care unit. Aesthetic surgery is very well regulated and has very few complications but, should these arise, it is essential to have the support of a good hospital. Although low-cost surgery saves money in this way, it is performed in small clinics there do not cover these safety requirements.
Dr Ospina is fully aware of this and, for this reason, performs all his surgeries in the operating theatres of the San Roque Hospitals, as this provides the extra safety that he requires for his patients.
CARE
When the patient returns home after surgery, they need to carry out some basic care, such as cleaning the wounds and using various creams. For the first week, they should sleep on their back with the top of the bed raised. The application of ice will quickly help to reduce the inflammation.
RECOVERY
You will only need 7 days before you can get back to normal life. This is the time needed for the inflammation and bruising to disappear. Playing sports should be reintroduced gradually from the third week.
RESULTS
These are noticeable once the inflammation has gone down and the small bruises have disappeared from the skin. Some results are visible at one week and others, such as the fat implants, will take longer as they require at least 3 weeks to stabilise.
COMPLICATIONS
Although rare, they tend to be related to prolonged inflammatory processes or changes due to scarring. In the rare case that these appear, Dr Ospina will always attempt to resolve them in order to obtain the best possible aesthetic results.
“The eyes have a very important role in social interactions and in beauty. Having youthful eyes gives the face a cheerful, energetic and youthful appearance.”
