Time and aging not only cause the skin to become loose and saggy but can also lead to under-eye bags and drooping eyelids that make the eyes look tired. To address these concerns and restore a more youthful appearance, you may consider facelift with blepharoplasty. This procedure can address multiple signs of aging at the same time while also reducing the overall time needed for surgery and recovery. Read the article below to learn more about the advantages of this procedure!
What is a facelift with blepharoplasty?
Facelift with blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that combines two surgical techniques in a single operation. The surgeon tightens and removes loose skin and tissue to lift and rejuvenate the face. At the same time, excess fat and skin around the eyelids are removed to address drooping eyelids. This combination helps improve multiple signs of aging and provides smoother facial skin and larger, more attractive-looking eyes after a single surgery.
Why combine a facelift with blepharoplasty?
It is no coincidence that facelift with blepharoplasty is highly regarded by many women and aesthetic specialists. Below are three reasons that explain the benefits and appeal of this cosmetic procedure:
Comprehensive facial rejuvenation
Aging affects different areas of the face at the same time. It often causes loose and sagging facial skin while also leading to excess eyelid skin and drooping eyelids. If surgery is performed on only one area, the overall face may look unbalanced, with some areas appearing younger than others. Combining a facelift to reduce wrinkles and tighten facial skin with blepharoplasty to create larger, more refreshed-looking eyes can provide more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Single recovery period and anesthesia
Instead of undergoing two separate surgeries and dealing with the anxiety and possible side effects of anesthesia twice, combining the procedures can help reduce the overall burden on the body. In addition, instead of experiencing swelling, bruising, activity restrictions, and recovery twice, you only need to go through one postoperative facelift recovery period for both areas.
This is especially suitable for busy individuals. It helps reduce overall recovery time while still achieving the desired aesthetic results.
Cost efficiency and optimal symmetry
In terms of cost, having both procedures performed at the same time is often more affordable than undergoing each procedure separately. It may help reduce related costs such as medical tests, operating room fees, and medications. More importantly, when the same surgeon performs both techniques during one operation, they can more easily observe, adjust, and calculate the proportions to create a more balanced overall result.
Who is a good candidate for combined facial surgery?
To determine whether you are suitable for facelift with blepharoplasty, you need to have a direct consultation with a specialist and undergo the necessary health screening tests. However, the following groups are generally the most suitable candidates for this procedure:
- Individuals with signs of aging in multiple areas: Individuals aged 40 and older who have several signs of facial aging at the same time. These may include sagging cheeks and jawline, deep wrinkles, drooping eyelids, excess eyelid skin, and large under-eye bags that make the face look tired.
- Individuals in good overall health: Since two surgical techniques are performed during one longer operation, patients need to be in good physical health. They should not have serious or uncontrolled medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or blood clotting disorders to help ensure safety.
- Busy individuals with limited recovery time: This is a suitable option for patients who want comprehensive facial rejuvenation but cannot arrange time away from work or go through multiple recovery periods.
- Patients who want a balanced and harmonious appearance: This procedure is suitable for individuals who want to address multiple signs of aging and avoid an unbalanced appearance between different areas of the face.
The surgical process and recovery timeline
To achieve optimal aesthetic results and ensure safety, a combined procedure requires careful preparation, proper surgical techniques, and strict postoperative care. Below is an overview of the process you can expect:
What to expect during the procedure
A facelift with blepharoplasty usually takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the degree of aging and the techniques used. During the procedure, there are several important points to know:
- Health examination and surgical markings: The surgeon will carefully measure and mark the treatment areas. They will determine the amount of excess fat and loose skin to remove from the eyelids. The surgeon will also calculate the appropriate amount of facial skin tightening to create a natural result without making the face look stiff.
- Anesthesia: Depending on your health condition, the surgeon may recommend local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. This helps keep you comfortable and prevents pain or discomfort throughout the procedure.
- Surgical sequence: The surgeon usually performs the eyelid surgery first. The facelift is then performed by dissecting the tissues, lifting the underlying structures, and tightening the facial skin. The incisions are carefully placed along the eyelid creases, hairline, and around the ears to help conceal surgical scars.
Postoperative recovery stages and care
By combining the two procedures, you only need to go through one recovery period. The recovery process usually follows these stages:
- First 1–3 days: The eyes and face may have swelling, tightness, and mild bruising. This is a normal response of the body. You should apply cold compresses regularly during the first 48 hours, keep your head elevated while sleeping, and take medications on schedule as prescribed by your surgeon.
- Next 5–7 days: Swelling and bruising will noticeably decrease. The incisions will begin to dry and heal. At this time, you will return to the aesthetic center for a follow-up examination and suture removal.
- 2–4 weeks after surgery: The facial contours and eyelid creases will gradually settle and look softer and more natural. You can return to light work.
Important notes during postoperative care:
- Clean the incisions daily with saline solution. Keep the surgical areas clean and dry.
- Completely avoid foods that may cause raised scars, inflammation, or darkened scars, such as beef, chicken, seafood, water spinach, sticky rice, alcohol, and stimulants for at least one month.
- Avoid strong physical pressure on the face, such as massage, steaming, or touching and pressing the surgical areas. You should also carefully protect your skin and apply sunscreen when going outside to minimize UV exposure.
Potential risks and complications to consider
Any surgical procedure carries certain risks. This is especially important when combining two complex techniques such as facelift with blepharoplasty. You should understand the possible risks so that you can be well prepared and take appropriate preventive measures:
- Common side effects: Temporary swelling after facelift surgery, as well as bruising, mild pain, tightness, and numbness around the face and eyes, may occur. These are normal physiological responses to surgery. They usually decrease gradually and disappear within about 1–3 weeks.
- Eye area complications: If the surgeon’s technique is not precise, too much excess skin is removed, or the eyelid muscles are affected too deeply, complications may occur. These can include uneven eyelid creases, eyelid turning outward, incomplete eyelid closure leading to dry eyes, corneal damage, or noticeable scars.
- Facial complications: In some rare cases, complications such as hematoma, nerve damage, or skin necrosis may occur in the surgical area.
Frequently asked questions about combined facelift and blepharoplasty
When considering facelift with blepharoplasty, many individuals may have questions about the procedure. Below are answers from specialists to some of the most common questions:
How long do the results of a combined procedure last?
The rejuvenating results of facelift with blepharoplasty can usually last an average of 7 to 15 years, or even longer depending on each person’s condition. However, cosmetic surgery cannot permanently stop the body’s natural aging process. To maintain the results for as long as possible, you should follow a proper anti-aging skincare routine.
What type of facelift is best paired with eyelid surgery?
The choice of facelift technique to combine with blepharoplasty depends on the degree of sagging, facial structure, and age of each patient:
- For mild to moderate signs of aging: If the cheeks and jawline have only moderate sagging, a thread lift or Mini Facelift may be a suitable combination.
- For severe signs of aging and deep wrinkles: If the facial tissues have significant sagging, with noticeable smile lines and a double chin, a deep plane facelift may be a suitable option.
Facelift with blepharoplasty is an effective solution that can help address multiple signs of aging and restore a more youthful appearance in a single procedure. Although this combined surgery can provide noticeable results, it still requires a high level of surgical expertise. Therefore, you should carefully choose a reputable hospital or aesthetic center with experienced surgeons to help ensure safety and achieve the best possible results.
>>> See more: How long does a facelift last?
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