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Blepharoplasty | Eyelid Surgery

Eye Rejuvenation with Natural Results

Definition
Preoperative Evaluation
Preoperative Preparation
Recovery
Before & After
FAQs
Risks

Blepharoplasty in Medellín, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic and functional plastic surgery procedure designed to rejuvenate the eyes, remove excess skin and fat from the eyelids, and restore a more youthful, fresh, and rested appearance to the face.

Over time, the eyelids may develop laxity, puffiness, drooping skin, and excess fatty tissue, which creates a tired, aged appearance and, in some cases, visual problems. Blepharoplasty allows these changes to be corrected in a safe, precise, and natural way.

What is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and, in some cases, muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids.

It can be performed for aesthetic purposes (facial rejuvenation) or functional purposes (when excess skin interferes with the visual field).

This procedure allows:
  • Rejuvenation of the eyes
  • Removal of droopy eyelids
  • Correction of under-eye bags
  • Improvement of facial expression
  • Restoration of a more rested and harmonious appearance
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Preoperative Evaluation For Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

The initial evaluation is the most important step before performing blepharoplasty, as it allows the design of a completely personalized plan.
During this consultation, the following are evaluated:
  • General health status
  • Medical and ophthalmological history
  • Skin quality and degree of aging
  • Presence of fat pads or excess skin
  • Position of eyebrows and eyelids
  • Patient expectations

The procedure is also explained step by step, including the type of anesthesia, recovery times, and postoperative care.

At the end of the consultation, tests, medications, and preoperative recommendations are indicated.

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Preparation Before Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Tests such as complete blood count, coagulation tests, and in some cases ophthalmologic evaluation are requested.
It is important to stop medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, warfarin, anti-inflammatory drugs, omega 3 supplements, ginkgo biloba, green tea, vitamin E, and garlic at least 14 days before surgery. These indications must be followed under medical supervision. You should not decide to stop medications prescribed by your physician without prior authorization.
  • Avoid alcohol 2 weeks before
  • Do not smoke for at least 4 weeks before
  • Maintain good hydration and nutrition
  • Patients with excess skin in the upper eyelids
  • Presence of under-eye bags
  • Tired or aged appearance
  • Individuals in good general health
  • Patients with realistic expectations
  • It may also have a functional component when excess skin affects the visual field.
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Recovery After Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Recovery after blepharoplasty is generally quick and well tolerated, but requires specific care to ensure proper healing and obtain optimal, natural, and long-lasting results.

During the first days it is normal to present swelling, bruising (ecchymosis), a feeling of tension, and mild discomfort in the treated area.

It is recommended:

  • Apply cold compresses intermittently during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling
  • Keep the head elevated even while sleeping
  • Relative rest
  • Avoid reading, using screens, or activities that generate visual fatigue
  • Do not rub the eyes
  • Use prescribed medications (analgesics, antibiotics, or ocular lubricants if indicated)

It is possible to present tearing, sensitivity to light, or mild and temporary blurred vision.

Swelling and bruising may reach their peak and then begin to progressively decrease.

It includes:

  • Suture removal between day 5 and 7 (in upper blepharoplasty)
  • Progressive return to light daily activities
  • Continue local care and proper hygiene of the area


At this stage it is still important to avoid physical effort and sun exposure.

Most bruising begins to disappear and swelling decreases significantly.

At this stage:

  • The patient can resume social activities with greater confidence
  • Makeup may be resumed (depending on evolution)
  • Moderate use of screens is allowed


The appearance is already much more natural, although recovery continues.

Functional recovery is almost complete.

It is allowed:

  • Gradual return to physical exercise
  • Full reintegration into work routine
  • Greater tolerance to prolonged visual activities


Scars begin to mature and become less visible.

The final result of blepharoplasty becomes progressively evident.

At this stage:

  • Residual swelling disappears
  • Scars become almost imperceptible
  • The eyes look more rested, fresh, and rejuvenated


In some cases, complete scar maturation may take several months.

BEFORE & AFTER

Real Patient Results

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to all your questions in this section.

Procedure, technique, and types of blepharoplasty

The surgery is performed in certified operating rooms, under strict safety protocols.

  • Personalized surgical marking
  • Administration of anesthesia (local with sedation or general, depending on the case)
  • Discreet incisions in the natural folds of the eyelid
  • Removal of excess skin and fat
  • Repositioning of tissues if necessary
  • Closure with high-precision aesthetic sutures


The scars remain hidden in the natural folds of the eyelid, becoming practically imperceptible over time.

The duration depends on the type of blepharoplasty and the areas treated.

  • Average duration: 2 hours
  • Upper eyelids only
  • Lower eyelids only
  • Complete blepharoplasty (upper and lower)
The type of blepharoplasty depends on the anatomy and specific needs of each patient. Upper blepharoplasty is indicated in patients with excess skin that causes droopy eyelids, while lower blepharoplasty focuses on removing or repositioning fat bags. In many cases, a combined blepharoplasty is performed to achieve complete rejuvenation of the eyes. Medical evaluation is essential to determine the most appropriate technique.
It depends on the degree of aging. In mild cases, treatments such as botulinum toxin, fillers, or laser can improve appearance. However, when there is significant excess skin or fat bags, blepharoplasty is the only effective option to correct the problem definitively.
Blepharoplasty acts on the eyelids, while a brow lift elevates the position of the eyebrows. In some cases, they are combined.
The transconjunctival technique leaves no visible scar, while the external technique allows treatment of excess skin. They can often be combined.
Laser, radiofrequency, or plasma can be used to improve skin quality and optimize results.

Yes, it is common to combine it with facelift, brow lift, rhinoplasty, or skin rejuvenation procedures to achieve more comprehensive results.

Candidates, benefits, and results

The results of blepharoplasty are:

  • Natural
  • Long-lasting
  • Harmonious
  • Rejuvenating
  • Aesthetic and functional


The eyes appear younger, fresher, and more rested, without losing the natural expression of the face.

Candidates include:

  • Patients with excess skin in the upper eyelids
  • Presence of under-eye bags
  • Tired or aged appearance
  • Individuals in good general health
  • Patients with realistic expectations


It may also have a functional component when excess skin affects the visual field.

Yes, the goal is a subtle rejuvenation.
Yes. It is one of the most effective facial surgeries to rejuvenate the eyes, achieving a more rested, youthful, and natural appearance.
From 30–40 years, depending on need.
A properly performed blepharoplasty rejuvenates the eyes, eliminating the tired appearance without changing the natural expression of the face. The goal is not to transform, but to refresh the appearance while maintaining the patient’s identity.
It should not change the natural shape of the eyes if performed correctly. The surgery focuses on removing or redistributing tissues while respecting the patient’s anatomy.
No, when performed with proper technique. The goal is to achieve a fresh and natural appearance, avoiding exaggerated or surgical-looking results.
It can improve dark circles when they are related to fat bags or shadows caused by anatomy. However, in some cases, additional treatments may be required. It does not improve skin pigmentation.
It can improve some wrinkles, but it is not a specific treatment for fine lines. It may be complemented with other procedures.
Yes, it is very common in men and is adapted to maintain masculine features.
It can create the appearance of a more open and rested look, without altering anatomy.

It depends on the patient. There is no exact age, but rather an indication based on anatomical needs.

Safety, pain, and medical aspects

It is important to consult immediately if the following occur:

  • Severe or progressive pain
  • Decreased vision
  • Persistent bleeding
  • Fever
  • Excessive redness or discharge

Some factors may increase the likelihood of complications:

  • Smoking
  • Previous eye diseases
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Coagulation disorders
  • Advanced age with poor skin quality
  • Failure to follow medical instructions

To reduce risks, it is important to:

  • Choose a certified plastic surgeon
  • Perform a complete preoperative evaluation
  • Strictly follow medical instructions
  • Avoid smoking before and after surgery
  • Attend postoperative follow-up visits
  • Use medications and ocular care appropriately

It does not negatively affect vision if there are no complications. In some cases, it can even improve the visual field.

Most cases are performed under general anesthesia.
The most common include swelling, bruising, and temporary dry eyes. Serious complications are rare.
It is usually not painful and is managed with medication.
Local with sedation or general, depending on the case.

Yes, in cases where excess skin limits the visual field.

Recovery, care, and timelines

The time to return to work depends on the type of activity:

  • Administrative or office work: 7 days
  • Physical or strenuous work: 3 weeks


Although the patient can resume daily activities within a few days, mild swelling may persist for several weeks.

For a safe recovery and optimal results, the following is recommended:

  • Use cold compresses during the first days
  • Sleep with the head slightly elevated
  • Avoid direct sun exposure
  • Do not use makeup in the area during the initial phase
  • Do not perform intense exercise during 4 weeks
  • Strictly follow medical instructions
  • Attend postoperative follow-up appointments
  • Maintain proper eye hygiene

During recovery, it is important to:

  • Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 4 weeks
  • Use sunscreen and dark glasses
  • Do not perform intense exercise during 4 weeks
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco
  • Maintain adequate hydration
  • Follow all medical instructions
Makeup can generally be resumed between 10 and 14 days after surgery, depending on recovery.
It is recommended to avoid intense exercise for at least 4 weeks to prevent complications.

Yes, but it is generally recommended to wait between 1 and 2 weeks before using them again.

It is essential to avoid direct sun exposure for 2 months and use sun protection to prevent pigmentation of scars.
It is recommended to limit screen use during the first few days to avoid eye dryness and visual fatigue.
Not following medical instructions, sun exposure, performing early physical efforts, or not attending follow-up appointments.
Generally after 10–14 days.

Administrative or office work: 7 days
Physical or strenuous work: 3 weeks

Duration, scars, and evolution of results

The results can last many years. Although the aging process continues, the improvement achieved is long-lasting and in many cases does not require a second surgery for a long time.
It is uncommon, but it can occur over time due to the natural aging of tissues.
Aging will continue to progress, which may cause excess skin and fat bags to become more pronounced, requiring more complex procedures in the future.
Scars are minimal and located in the natural folds of the eyelid, so over time they become practically imperceptible.
Although improvement is visible within a few weeks, the final result is appreciated between 1 and 3 months.
The results are long-lasting, but they do not stop the natural aging process.
It is not common in the short term. It may be considered after many years if changes occur due to aging.
Genetics influence skin quality, healing, and aging, which can affect long-term results.
Yes, but they are usually minimal and barely visible.
Between 1 and 4 hours.
From the first weeks, with progressive improvement.

Costs

The cost of surgery depends on several factors, including:

  • Type of blepharoplasty (upper, lower, or complete)
  • Complexity of the case
  • Use of additional techniques
  • Clinic and medical team
  • Surgeon’s fees


A personalized evaluation is required to determine the cost.

The cost of surgery depends on several factors, including:

  • Type of blepharoplasty (upper, lower, or complete)
  • Complexity of the case
  • Use of additional techniques
  • Clinic and medical team
  • Surgeon’s fees


A personalized evaluation is required to determine the cost.

What are the risks of Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Blepharoplasty is a safe procedure when performed by a certified plastic surgeon and in an appropriate setting. However, like any surgery, there are risks that must be clearly understood by the patient.

Most complications are uncommon and many are temporary, but it is essential to know them in order to make an informed decision.

Swelling and bruising:
These are the most common complications. They present as swelling and bruising around the eyes. They generally appear in the first days and progressively improve within 1 to 2 weeks.
Postoperative hematoma:
It is the accumulation of blood in the operated area. It can generate pain, increased volume, and tension. In some cases, it requires surgical drainage. It is an uncommon but important complication. It may cause vision loss if not properly managed.
Infection:
It is rare due to the good vascularization of the area, but it may present with redness, pain, discharge, or fever. In most cases it is treated with antibiotics.
Dry eyes:
A sensation of dryness, burning, or irritation may occur. It is generally temporary and improves with the use of artificial tears.
Excessive tearing:
Some patients may experience increased tear production during the postoperative period. It is usually temporary.
Difficulty closing the eyes (temporary lagophthalmos):
In some cases, there may be difficulty fully closing the eyes in the first days due to swelling or tissue tension. It is generally temporary.
Ectropion (lower eyelid):
It is an uncommon complication in which the lower eyelid turns outward. It may require medical or surgical management if it persists.
Asymmetry:
There may be slight differences between both sides due to healing or individual tissue response.

All risks are completely explained during the consultation.

Why choose me as your surgeon?

  • Advanced blepharoplasty techniques
  • Focus on safety and precision
  • Natural and proportional results
  • Personalized treatment planning
  • Specialized care for international patients
  • VIP personalized patient experience
  • Competitive pricing
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