EYE REJUVENATION SURGERY
When people think of cosmetic eye surgery, they usually focus on eyelid surgery, known as blepharoplasty, one of the most requested procedures in facial rejuvenation.
In my practice, however, I prefer to speak of comprehensive eye rejuvenation surgery, since achieving the most impactful aesthetic result means addressing not only the eyelids but the entire area around the eyes, including the eyebrows, the orbital bone structure, and the temple area. Together, these features create a youthful, bright, and vibrant expression.
Eye rejuvenation surgery can include several procedures, such as upper and lower eyelid surgery, brow lift, and fat grafting to the orbital and temple areas. These techniques are designed to refresh the eye area by correcting the imperfections that, over time, can make it appear tired or heavy. I strongly believe in a personalized approach to surgery, which results from detailed studies and live facial measurements. Using both technical and proportional assessments, I adapt each surgical technique to the unique features of your face. In eye rejuvenation surgery, it is especially important to enhance your unique features while avoiding results that are exaggerated or generic.
“The eyes are the focal point of your face, and eyelid surgery provides natural and elegant results without changing your features.”
Starting around the age of 35, the skin often begins to lose elasticity, leading to excess skin, especially on the upper eyelids. In other cases, the cause is simply genetic, with the condition present in families for generations. This excess skin can also interfere with your vision, affecting not only appearance but also function. Moreover, excess skin can further accentuate the dreaded eyelid fat pads, a common concern in the lower lids. Normally, fat tissue surrounds the eye area, but due to reduced elasticity of the skin and connective tissue, it can shift or change over time.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCEDURE
During the consultation, I perform a thorough assessment of the overall appearance of your eyes and the surrounding area, including the eyebrows, the shape of the orbital bone, and the contour of the temples. I also evaluate the quality and thickness of your skin and determine how much fat needs to be removed. Based on your individual case, I most often recommend upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination of both.
If needed, I also assess the possibility of combining the procedure with a brow lift or fat grafting using your own fat (ADSC) to fill sunken areas around the eyes, which can give you a tired or hollow look.
For upper eyelid surgery, I make a direct incision along the eyelid crease, removing excess skin and, in some cases, surplus fat to restore a more youthful appearance. For lower eyelid surgery, I use a hidden incision just below the lashes to remove excess skin and, more commonly, excess fat. When hollowing is present in the lower orbital area, I prefer to perform a fat repositioning procedure. In some cases, if there is only excess fat, I make an incision through the inner eyelid (transconjunctival), allowing the incision to be hidden entirely.
In selected patients, I sometimes combine the procedure with a brow lift, which enhances the overall result by opening up the eyes and restoring the eyebrows to their proper position. I perform an eyebrow lift using either fat grafting or hyaluronic acid, if the patient has sunken temples, or through surgical lifting via a hidden incision in the eyebrow or temple area. Botox injections above the eyebrows can also be effective, though temporary, for correcting mild concerns.
“In addition, to enhance the orbital area and, in some cases, thin or pigmented eyelid skin, I use fat grafting to take advantage of the regenerative properties of the stem cells in the fat, which help make the skin thicker and more radiant.”
FOR A MORE CONSCIOUS CHOICE
Ideal candidates are those with a tired, heavy look caused by weakened periocular muscles, excess skin that has begun to sag, and fat deposits that contribute to under-eye bags and volume loss, making dark circles more noticeable. There is often also a significant reduction in microcirculation. Most of our patients are 35 or older, though some may be younger, especially if there is a family history of blepharochalasis (eyelid skin laxity) or under-eye bags.
SIf you have noticed that signs of aging around your eyes or other eyelid concerns have become more visible and are significantly affecting your appearance or eyelid function, it may be time for an evaluation. We will explain in detail the benefits of one or more procedures designed to rejuvenate your eyes. Many patients say that this change, perhaps more than others, is difficult to accept, especially because much of our nonverbal communication happens through the eyes. Through our gaze, we express emotions and feelings that help us connect with others and appear more pleasant and attractive. Moreover, drooping eyelids are not just an aesthetic concern. On top of affecting our confidence, in some cases, they can narrow the field of vision and interfere with sight, leading to broader physical and psychological consequences. If you relate to situations like these, it may be the right time to take a deep dive together into your options, exploring combined treatments designed to rejuvenate your eyelids and restore a fresh, expressive look.
You have finally found the right moment to consider addressing a tired, weary gaze that often lacks expressiveness. However, it is common to wonder about the optimal timing for such a procedure. Keep in mind that eye rejuvenation surgery generally involves a quicker recovery than many other procedures. Nevertheless, for at least the first 15 days, you will need to postpone social activities and any work commitments. The eyes are, after all, our first introduction to the world, and any treatment involving this area is likely to be noticeable until full recovery is complete.
Depending on the type of procedure, you may experience mild swelling, discomfort, and bruising around the treated area during the first few days, which usually lasts about 1–2 weeks. In the 48 hours following the procedure, we recommend resting with your head slightly elevated and applying intermittent cold compresses to the area to reduce swelling and help you feel more comfortable. From the third day onwards, you can resume normal daily activities while avoiding strenuous effort and sun exposure. After 7–10 days, you may return to work, taking care to protect the treated area from any trauma. From the third week, you can gradually resume all your usual activities, including sports, with the appropriate precautions. Results are noticeable after the first 3 weeks and will be fully established around 6 months after the procedure, although tissue remodeling continues and stabilizes over the course of a year.
On the day of your surgery, you will be welcomed into a calm and safe setting. After thorough preparation and a final preoperative assessment with Dr. Elisa Bolletta and your anesthesiologist, we will perform the surgical technique best suited to your needs, designed to enhance your eye area in a natural and elegant way. Our nursing team will support you throughout both the preoperative and postoperative stages with professional and attentive care.
The duration varies depending on the procedure. An upper blepharoplasty typically takes about one hour, while a combined procedure, including lower blepharoplasty, brow lift, or fat grafting, can take 2–3 hours.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, ensuring complete comfort throughout. After surgery, any discomfort is usually mild and easily managed with special medication.
Recovery is swift. Within a week, you can return to light daily activities, while any minor swelling and bruising usually fade gradually over 2–3 weeks. Results continue to refine and improve over the months that follow.
During recovery, it is important to avoid strenuous physical activity, shield your eyes from the sun, and use any recommended compresses or treatments to help reduce swelling. Following postoperative instructions carefully is key to ensuring proper healing.
This is a safe procedure, but as with any surgery, there are potential risks, including prolonged swelling, minor asymmetries, or temporary changes in sensation. More serious complications are rare and are carefully minimized through a thorough preoperative assessment.
The goal of eye rejuvenation surgery is not to alter your features, but to enhance them naturally.Every technique is customized to your facial proportions, restoring a fresh, lively look that complements your overall appearance.
Follow-up appointments are arranged in the days immediately after your procedure and over the following weeks, allowing us to closely monitor your healing and guide you through every stage of recovery. Each visit provides a valuable opportunity to track your progress and perfect the results.
The team at Elisà Plastic Surgery includes the lead surgeon, Elisa Bolletta, the anesthesiologist, and dedicated nursing staff. Our team works together to ensure safety, precision, and natural results.
