Blepharoplasty, more commonly known as an eyelift, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can help patients reverse the appearance of aging refreshing the upper and under eye areas to achieve a refreshed and more youthful look. This procedure can improve the entire facial aesthetic.  

However, it is important to understand that blepharoplasty is not the procedure to request if you want to change the shape of your eyes. Dr Pietro di Mauro, considered by his patients to be the best plastic surgeon in Marbella, and his team are experts in blepharoplasty and have performed the procedure many times, to deliver a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance, but not specifically to change the natural eye shape.

How is blepharoplasty different to eye change surgery?

In order to understand why blepharoplasty is not the right procedure to change the shape of your eyes, we must first explain the basics. An eyelift focuses on the upper and lower eyelids which accumulate fat pads and excess skin as we age. These pads move forward and skin droops, making eyes look tired and worn. Blepharoplasty removes fat and excess skin to create a more open and youthful natural appearance. 

Patients may see a change in the appearance, in as much as the eye looks more open but the structure of the eye will be unchanged.

Expected results of blepharoplasty

When considering blepharoplasty surgery, it’s important be realistic about your desired outcome. For example, Dr di Mauro can improve the appearance of your eyes via this procedure but this will not increase the size or drastically change the shape. Instead, the outcome will be to create a better version of you. 

What do we mean by eye shape change?

Eyes are arguably the most important feature on your face. Everyone’s eyes are slightly different, in shape, size, colour and positioning, which can be influenced by race, genetics, sex and of course aging.  Some people have a preference for round eyes, some like “cats eyes” or “fox eyes”. The most popular shape is the almond eye with very little of the white (sclera) showing under the eye.

Your natural eye shape is determined by your specific anatomical features and changing the shape of the eye includes contouring both the upper and lower eyelids and the angle and position of the outer and inner corners of the eyelids. The position of the eyeball and size of the eye socket, the depth of hollowness and amount of fat are all taken into account and adjusted accordingly, to achieve the desired result.

Consultation

It is not always necessary to go down the cosmetic surgery route to change the shape of your eyes. There are also a number of non-surgical treatments that can be used to change eye shape, like injectables.

The most important step, when considering such an operation, is to book a consultation with a plastic surgeon with experience and qualifications in eye surgery. This is a chance to discuss the options available to you based on your desired outcome and motivation for wanting to change your eyes.

In many cases a patient will request the same shape eyes as a particular celebrity, but it is not possible to replicate another person’s features exactly, as everyone’s anatomy is unique, which will affect the outcomes.  It may be that you think you want to change your eye shape, when really you would be happy with turning back the hands of time to a more youthful look by undergoing an eyelift.

During the consultation, your surgeon will establish the best path for you to take based on your requirements and provide you with clear information and explain the possible outcomes, limitations of safe surgery.

Choosing right plastic surgeon for an eyelift

Blepharoplasty is an invasive operation which must be carried out by a fully trained, qualified and experience plastic surgeon. Take your time to check their credentials, speak to them in full to ascertain their level of understanding, empathy, knowledge and check out the clinic and medical team that will take care of you throughout the procedure.  If you are happy with your surgeon’s bedside and he / she checks out, then you are half way to making the right decision.

If you are considering an eyelift in Marbella, find out more about Dr di Mauro’s expertise and qualifications in blepharoplasty and other areas of cosmetic surgery by arranging a confidential no-obligation consultation, by calling 648 43 45 93.

Is an eyelift a difficult procedure?

In the hands of a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon, an upper eyelift is a relatively simple procedure. Excess skin will be measured and trimmed and fat will be removed at the same time, the entire process requires only one small incision. The lower lid lift is a little more complicated and there are a range of techniques that can be used depending upon the extent of the surgery and the age of the patient.

How long does it take to carry out an eyelift?

In general, an eyelift (both upper and lower lids) will take around 2 hours and the process can be carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation.

Will I have scarring from an eyelift?

The surgeon will make a tiny incision in the fold of your upper eyelid to remove the fat and excess saggy skin. For the lower lid surgery, the incision is made just below the eyelashes or in the crease of the lower eyelid. The placement of the incisions and a proper post-surgery recovery plan will ensure the scars are very discreet and hidden, rendering them virtually unnoticeable.