Blepharoplasty can refresh a tired or heavy eye area, but successful planning begins with function—not with removing as much skin or fat as possible. The eyelids, eyebrows, tear film, cheek and supporting structures work together. For that reason, Dr. June Favarin evaluates the entire periorbital region and designs surgery around the patient’s anatomy, symptoms and goals while preserving facial identity.

What can blepharoplasty improve?

Upper-eyelid surgery may address skin redundancy, a heavy fold and, in selected patients, obstruction of the upper visual field. Lower-eyelid surgery may improve prominent fat pads, skin laxity, lid support and the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek. These are different problems and do not require the same operation.

A low eyebrow, midface descent, dry-eye symptoms, eyelid retraction or loss of volume can contribute to an aged or tired appearance. Treating the eyelid alone may therefore be incomplete—or inappropriate. The consultation determines whether the best plan is upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, a combined procedure or a broader approach such as Hybrid Blepharoplasty.

A conservative, anatomy-preserving approach

Over-resection can make the eyes look hollow, alter their shape or interfere with eyelid closure. Dr. June’s approach is conservative and individualized. In the upper eyelid, excess skin is treated carefully, and the orbicularis muscle is not routinely removed as a strip. Existing volume, eyebrow position and the depth of the upper-eyelid fold are considered before surgery.

For the lower eyelid, access may be transconjunctival—through the inside of the eyelid—when appropriate. Fat may be selectively reduced, repositioned or complemented with small-volume fat grafting according to the lid-cheek relationship. Canthopexy may be added when support is needed; it is not an automatic step for every patient.

Patients whose aging involves the eyebrow or cheek may need a different scope of treatment. Read more about when eyelid surgery alone may not be enough.

Eye health is part of the surgical decision

Before blepharoplasty, patients should report dry-eye symptoms, contact-lens use, previous eye surgery, glaucoma, thyroid disease, allergies, visual changes and difficulty closing the eyes. Examination may include eyelid position, blink, lid tone, tear-film symptoms, eye prominence and the amount of skin that can be safely treated. Ophthalmologic evaluation or additional testing may be requested when indicated.

Previous facial procedures also matter. Hyaluronic-acid fillers, collagen biostimulators, threads, fat grafting and energy-based treatments can change tissue behavior or distort the anatomy. Patients should provide product names, dates, treated areas and any history of swelling or complications. Dermatologic ultrasound may be requested to map previous materials before a surgical plan is confirmed.

What are the risks?

Blepharoplasty is surgery and cannot offer a guaranteed result. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, prolonged swelling, dry-eye symptoms, difficulty closing the eyes, lower-lid retraction or ectropion, changes in sensation, persistent discomfort and the need for revision. Temporary visual disturbance may occur; serious visual complications are rare but require urgent attention.

Risk is reduced through careful patient selection, examination, conservative planning, an appropriate hospital setting and close follow-up, but it cannot be eliminated. The indication, alternatives and specific risks are discussed during consultation and documented through informed consent.

Recovery after eyelid surgery

Swelling and bruising are expected and often become more noticeable during the first 48 hours. Cold compresses, prescribed eye care, head elevation and activity restrictions may be recommended. Many patients feel socially presentable in approximately 7 to 14 days, although residual swelling, scar maturation and subtle asymmetries can take weeks or months to settle.

• Do not rub the eyes or apply unapproved products to the incisions.
• Use prescribed medication and eye lubrication exactly as directed.
• Protect the area from sun exposure.
• Resume makeup, exercise, swimming and air travel only after medical clearance.

At Belvivere, return to makeup and structured exercise is commonly considered around 30 days, with swimming and beach exposure around 45 days, but each patient receives an individualized timeline. Sudden severe pain, rapidly increasing swelling, bleeding or any change in vision must be reported immediately.

Planning blepharoplasty in Brazil as an international patient

The process can begin with a video consultation and standardized photographs. Medical history, medications, eye symptoms and previous aesthetic treatments are reviewed before travel. Once a preliminary plan is established, the team provides instructions for examinations, medications, arrival and recovery.

International patients are generally advised to arrive in Criciúma one or two days before surgery and remain in the region for at least 15 days. Surgery is performed in a hospital when indicated, and the return flight depends on examination and medical clearance, often around the fourteenth postoperative day. Belvivere’s concierge support can assist with local logistics, while clinical decisions remain with the medical team.

Tourism should never compete with recovery. Beaches, long excursions, sun exposure and strenuous activities must wait until they are medically appropriate. Learn more about the international patient journey and the hospital structure.

Questions to ask during consultation

• Is the concern caused by the eyelid, eyebrow, midface or a combination?
• How will my eye health and previous procedures affect the plan?
• What tissue will be preserved, repositioned or removed?
• What scars, limitations and complications are relevant to me?
• How long should I remain in Brazil before flying home?

The goal is not to create a different eye or erase every sign of aging. It is to develop a proportionate, safe plan that respects the anatomy and allows the patient to remain recognizably herself.