Cosmetic surgery can durably treat crow's feet. While a blepharoplasty is primarily an eyelid lift, it can treat crow's feet in the same operative session.
1. How to treat crow's feet
The small wrinkles at the outer corner of the eye are caused by contractions of the orbicularis muscle. Lateral resection of the muscle during a blepharoplasty (a technique not performed systematically, and therefore to be discussed during the consultation) can permanently reduce these wrinkles (like a permanent "Botox" effect) without affecting muscle function. On the other hand, a botulinum toxin injection every 4 to 6 months temporarily treats these wrinkles.
This technique is particularly suited to patients with significant crow's feet, under-eye bags, very crinkled eyelids, and pronounced under-eye circles.
A blepharoplasty has the advantage of also treating the presence of bags or under-eye circles, as well as eyelid skin laxity.
It should be noted that while the result of the procedure is lasting, this is not an aesthetic medicine procedure (like a botulinum toxin injection), but a surgical procedure, which involves recovery time.
2. What happens during the procedure
In most cases, a blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia administered by the surgeon themselves. It can sometimes be performed under assisted local anesthesia with an anesthesiologist (NLA, or neuroleptanalgesia). In some, generally exceptional, cases, the blepharoplasty is performed under general anesthesia.
The procedure is most often performed on an outpatient basis. When the blepharoplasty is combined with other surgical procedures (cheek lift, cervicofacial lift, etc.), an overnight hospital stay may be necessary.
A blepharoplasty does not cause real pain, but may cause some discomfort: a feeling of tightness in the eyelids, slight eye irritation. Rest is needed for the first three days, avoiding any significant exertion.
Stitches are removed between day 3 and day 6 after the procedure.
3. Recovery after a blepharoplasty
Recovery is mainly marked by the appearance of edema (swelling) and bruising, the extent and duration of which vary depending on the patient, the technique used, and how the procedure is performed by the surgeon. Dr. Kron uses infiltration techniques, micro-tip electrocautery surgery, and gentle surgical dissection to minimize these as much as possible.
The signs of the procedure gradually fade, allowing a return to normal daily life after a few days (5 to 15 days depending on the individual and any combined procedures). Scars may remain slightly pink during the first few weeks, but eyelid makeup can usually be worn quickly (typically from day 7). Slight firmness in the areas that were undermined may persist for a few months, but this is not noticeable to others.
During the first few days, it is sometimes possible to observe an inability to fully close the eyelids, or a slight detachment of the outer corner of the eye that no longer sits perfectly against the eyeball (for certain lower blepharoplasties). These signs are generally quickly reversible.
Smoking increases the risk of surgical complications in any type of surgery. Stopping smoking 6-8 weeks before the procedure eliminates this additional risk. If you smoke, talk to your doctor, surgeon and anesthesiologist, or call a smoking cessation helpline to help reduce risks and give yourself the best chances.
