How Long Does It Take for Stitches to Dissolve after Blepharoplasty?

Posted on by Mr Mark Gittos - Plastic Surgeon FRACS(Plas)

Stitches and Recovery after Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Lift Surgery

Everyone wants their eyes to look the best. The shape of the eye, the eyelid, and the colour of the eyes, all matter when discussing the beauty of the eye.  The combination of all these features is what makes eyes beautiful.

If your eyelids, either the top or the bottom, are too saggy or too thick, then the aesthetics of the eye can be negatively affected. However, eyelid surgery can correct saggy eyelids. Patients interested in undergoing the procedure often have questions about the recovery period, how long does it take for the stitches to dissolve and other questions.  

Mr Mark Gittos is one of the top plastic surgeons in UK for facial surgery. He has profound knowledge of face anatomy and is highly skilled in performing different procedures.

Download Mr Mark Gittos’ Guide to Eyelid Lift Surgery – Blepharoplasty

Guide Blepharoplasty
Guide Blepharoplasty

What is Blepharoplasty?

A blepharoplasty procedure is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin from the upper and/or lower eyelid with the purpose of rejuvenating the appearance and getting rid of the tired look. The eyelid’s excess saggy skin results from several factors, but mainly ageing. 

As we age, the elastin and collagen levels in the body begin to reduce which in turn results in the loss of structural integrity of the skin. This loss is further exaggerated in the sensitive skin around the eyes and the neck. In fact, these two regions are the first to experience the side effects associated with reduced elastin and collagen. 

How is a Blepharoplasty performed?

The blepharoplasty procedure is quite routine and is performed regularly by plastic surgeons. However, it is also a complex procedure and is only performed for those who meet the criteria to undergo the surgery. 

To begin your blepharoplasty procedure journey, you will first need to book a consultation with a plastic or cosmetic surgeon. It is best to choose a surgeon with great reviews and experience as that can significantly reduce the risk of complications after the surgery. 

During this consultation, you will be able to discuss the procedure and if it’s the right fit for you. Once that is determined, you will be able to undergo your surgery. 

About Surgical Blepharoplasty

Traditional blepharoplasty surgery is performed surgically with incisions being made in the natural folds of the eyelids. This is done so that excess skin can be removed from the area and the scars can be easily hidden. Nobody wants a visible scar and making the incisions in the folds of the eyelids ensures that the scars do not become visible. 

For the purpose of the procedure, you will be anaesthetised using either general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation. You can speak to your surgeon about the right type of anaesthesia for you. 

After the anaesthesia, your surgeon will make an incision in the lower eyelid that is easily hidden in the natural contours of your eyes.

After the incision is made, the surgeon will remove excess skin and fat deposits. Mr Gittos may also reposition the fat deposits to improve the overall appearance of your eyes. The fat removed, grafted, implanted, and repositioned will be determined before the surgery during the consultation period.

Once those results are achieved, Mr Gittos will suture the incision. In some cases, your surgeon might use skin glue to close the incision instead. This marks the end of your surgical blepharoplasty procedure.

Recovery from Blepharoplasty Procedure

The recovery period from the blepharoplasty procedure takes approximately 2 weeks. During this period, it is important to take extra care of the eyelids as any complication could ruin the results and aesthetics of your eye. 

The recovery period can take between 2 to 3 weeks, with the first week being marked by swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Your eyes might appear smaller as well because of the swelling. With time, the swelling will resolve completely. 

During the recovery period, you should avoid all strenuous activities that can raise your blood pressure and cause complications. You should also avoid driving till your blurry vision resolves as that could put you at an increased risk of accidents. 

How Long Do the Stitches Take to Dissolve?

When the stitches dissolve after the blepharoplasty procedure depends on the type of material of the suture. However, most of them will begin dissolving in 2 weeks, and will not be visible anymore in week three of recovery. 

Most patients are concerned about pain or irritation while stitches dissolve. There is no irritating feeling while the stitches dissolve and neither is any pain involved. You won’t even feel the stitches dissolve but you will definitely be able to see the results. 

Dissolvable stitches are used because they take less time to recover compared to traditional sutures. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of dissolvable stitches, then you can choose to undergo your blepharoplasty procedure with traditional non-dissolvable sutures instead. They will need to be placed for a week and then you have to visit the surgeon to monitor the state of the healing. 

FAQs about Blepharoplasty

How long does a blepharoplasty last?

  • A blepharoplasty produces results that are permanent. In fact, very rarely do people ever do a second blepharoplasty, especially for the lower eyelid. For upper lid blepharoplasty, the results last for 5 years to 7 years but with the right care, the results can be prolonged. However, if you are experiencing eyelid sagging again, it would be much more beneficial if you undergo a brow lift procedure rather than a blepharoplasty procedure. 

What is the best age to have blepharoplasty?

  • Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to remove the excess saggy skin from the eyelids that results due to ageing. As this is an issue that arises in ageing skin, the best age to have blepharoplasty is after 40 years old. Most people tend to undergo the procedure at this time for the best and long-lasting results. 

Is blepharoplasty a major or minor surgery?

  • A blepharoplasty is a routinely-performed surgical procedure and is a complex intervention. It is also a minor procedure but do not let that trick you into thinking that the results are also minor. The results from blepharoplasty are lasting and can give your eyes the aspect you desire. This procedure can take years off of your face and get rid of the tired appearance of the eyes.

Why do my eyes look smaller after blepharoplasty?

  • The blepharoplasty is a procedure that requires up to 6 weeks for recovery. During the early recovery period, your eyelids will be swollen which can make your eyes look smaller. This swelling will resolve gradually by the end of the first three months. 

How many times can you have blepharoplasty?

  • Generally, a second blepharoplasty is not required as the results are long-lasting, especially for lower eyelid blepharoplasty. It is very rare that a lower eyelid blepharoplasty has to be repeated. The upper eyelid blepharoplasty, however, can last for 5 years to 7 years to a lifetime. While you can undergo this procedure again, sometimes it is recommended to undergo a brow lift instead for better results. 

How soon can I drive after blepharoplasty?

  • A blepharoplasty procedure is followed by a recovery period marked by swelling, bruising, discomfort, and blurry vision. You might be taking antibiotics to prevent infection and painkillers to help alleviate the pain. Driving while taking these medications is not recommended. It is also advised to not drive till the blurry vision has subsided to avoid any accidents. On average, the blurry vision and medication prescriptions end by the first week of recovery, meaning that it is okay to drive after 8 to 10 days of the procedure. 

Do eyelashes grow back after eyelid surgery?

  • The answer depends on the way the procedure was performed. If, during the procedure, the hair follicles are damaged, then the chances of eyelashes growing back after the surgery are slim. However, if the follicles were protected during the procedure then there should be no problem at all for the eyelashes to grow back. 

Side effects like this can be avoided by choosing an experienced, highly skilled plastic surgeon. 

What will I look like after blepharoplasty?

  • The recovery period after the blepharoplasty procedure involves swelling in the form of puffy eyelids and bruising along with some mild discomfort. The incision site will also be red and while this may be off-putting, it is important to remember that these will all resolve in the first two weeks of the recovery period. Similarly, the complete results of the procedure may take some time to develop. 

When will my eyes look normal after eyelid surgery?

  • Within the first week of recovery, the swelling around your eyes will begin to decrease and by ten days of recovery, your eyes will go back to their youthful look, without the puffy eyelids getting in the way. 

Can you watch TV after eyelid surgery?

  • It is not recommended to watch TV right after the eyelid surgery but you can do so after 3 days to 5 days of the procedure.

Read More about Blepharoplasty Surgery with Dr Gittos

Medical References about Blepharoplasty

About Mr Mark Gittos FRACS (Plast) – London Plastic Surgeons 

Practice locations in London & Essex, UK and Auckland, New Zealand.

Mr Mark Gittos offers high quality, natural-looking cosmetic surgery results and is highly experienced in Breast, Body and Face Surgery having performed over 4000 Surgeries in the last 26 years. 

With world-wide expertise Mr Gittos is an expert in breast, face and body surgery for men & women. 

Mr Mark Gittos is a leading Specialist Plastic Surgeon and operates a practice in London UK and Auckland New Zealand. His practice focuses on both surgical and non-surgical procedures, each designed to help restore, improve or change a physical characteristic or problem. The first step in every case is to talk through your personal requirements and explore all the options, before deciding on the most effective solution.

Naturally, before any treatment is begun, we will explain clearly the advantages and risk factors; so that you have the information you need to make an informed decision that is best for you. Visit the practice to find out more.

NEXT STEPS

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