What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects excess skin, herniated fat, and lax muscle in the upper and/or lower eyelids. With age, the thin and delicate skin around the eyes is often the first area to show signs of fatigue and time — drooping upper lids and puffy lower lids create a tired, aged expression that rarely reflects how a person actually feels. Blepharoplasty restores a refreshed, natural appearance without altering the character or expressiveness of the eyes.
Dr. Galati approaches every blepharoplasty with a precise anatomical analysis of the periorbital area: skin excess, fat compartment distribution, muscle tone, and the relationship between the eyelid and the eyebrow. This allows him to design a correction that is harmonious with each patient's unique facial features, producing results that look rejuvenated rather than "operated."
Upper vs. lower blepharoplasty
- Upper blepharoplasty: removes excess skin and, when necessary, a small amount of herniated orbital fat that causes the heavy, hooded appearance of the upper lids. The incision is placed in the natural upper eyelid crease, making the scar virtually invisible.
- Lower blepharoplasty: addresses under-eye bags caused by protruding orbital fat, and removes or redistributes excess lower-lid skin. Dr. Galati may use a subciliary incision (just below the lash line) or, where no skin excess is present, a transconjunctival approach (hidden inside the eyelid).
- Combined blepharoplasty: upper and lower eyelid correction performed in the same session, offering the most comprehensive periorbital rejuvenation.
The surgical technique
Blepharoplasty is most commonly performed under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation, making it a comfortable outpatient procedure. Upper eyelid surgery typically takes 45–60 minutes; combined upper and lower eyelid correction requires 75–90 minutes. Incisions are meticulously planned to follow natural skin creases and are closed with very fine sutures. Where appropriate, Dr. Galati uses a transconjunctival approach for the lower lids — the incision is made on the inner surface of the eyelid, leaving no external scar whatsoever.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1–3: mild swelling, bruising, and a sensation of tightness; cold compresses and rest are recommended
- Day 5–7: sutures removed; most patients can resume light indoor activities
- Week 2: bruising resolves; light make-up can be applied; many patients return to work
- Week 3–4: residual swelling continues to settle; result becoming clearly visible
- Months 3–6: scars fade to a fine pale line; final, definitive result established
Direct sun exposure on the eyelid scars should be avoided for at least 3 months. Contact lens wearers should wait 7–10 days before resuming use.
Blepharoplasty in Italy — why choose Dr. Galati?
Italy is home to a long tradition of surgical precision and artistic attention to detail — qualities that are especially important in periorbital surgery, where even a millimetre can make the difference between a natural result and an operated look. Dr. Galati is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in facial aesthetic surgery. His clinics in Lecce (Scorrano), Parma and Milan are fully equipped for outpatient procedures and post-operative follow-up.
International patients are welcome to contact our team to arrange the full care pathway — from initial consultation to surgery and post-operative visits — at info@clinicachirurgiaplastica.it.
Frequently asked questions
Upper blepharoplasty alone takes approximately 45–60 minutes. Combined upper and lower eyelid surgery takes 75–90 minutes. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia with sedation as a day-case.
Sutures are removed at 5–7 days. Bruising and swelling resolve within 10–14 days. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work after 7–10 days. The final settled result is visible at 3–6 months.
Upper eyelid scars lie within the natural skin crease and become practically invisible within a few months. Lower eyelid scars sit just below the lash line or, with the transconjunctival technique, are hidden entirely inside the eyelid. Both fade to a fine, barely perceptible line.
Yes. Severe upper eyelid hooding caused by excess skin can obstruct the superior visual field. Removing this excess skin restores full field of vision, so upper blepharoplasty can have both functional and cosmetic benefits.