The eyes are Windows to the soul.

Unfortunately, they are also among the first to be affected by aging.

EYELID SURGERY

EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Unfortunately, they are also among the first to be affected by aging. You may have noticed a tired, or severe, look around the eyes that generally needs more than cold compresses, eye cream, and a good night\\\\\\\’s rest to fully address. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can help restore a refreshed, youthful appearance. 

WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM EYELID SURGERY?

Droopy and wrinkled skin in the upper and lower eyelids and under-eye bags can be addressed with surgery. Some patients may benefit more from a browlift instead or in combination.

WHAT CAN BE CORRECTED WITH EYELID SURGERY?

Excess skin and tissue can be removed in just the right proportion to give a natural and refreshed look. Also, patients with deep creases extending underneath the lower eyelid bags (called the tear trough) may benefit from a fat repositioning procedure. Patients who have developed some laxity in the lower lids may also benefit from a lid tightening procedure.

WHAT CANNOT BE CORRECTED WITH EYELID SURGERY?

The procedure does not fully correct all fine wrinkles and dark circles around the eyes. These may be treated with a combination of skin resurfacing, bleaching agents, and sometimes lasers that target blood vessels.

HOW IS EYELID SURGERY PERFORMED?

For the upper eyelids, the incision is placed in a natural skin crease that is concealed when the eye is open. In the lower eyelids, the incision is made just underneath the lower eyelid margin where it is well-concealed by the lower eyelashes. For some, the doctor is able to place the incision on the underside of the eyelid, so it is not visible.

To achieve a natural look, it is important to remove just the right amount of skin and tissue to create youthful eyelids. The doctor believes it important to be conservative in tissue removal to avoid a hollowed appearance. In patients with a deep crease under their bags, often called the tear trough, he will re-position tissue from an area where it is bulging to fill the crease. This helps to create a smooth, natural transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek.

WHAT ARE OTHER IMPORTANT SURGICAL CONSIDERATIONS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

The doctor places long-lasting sutures to suspend the eyelid and this contributes to a long-lasting result. Also, some patients who have age-related laxity of the lids may also require a lid tightening procedure to strengthen support. In all cases, the goal is to preserve the pre-existing shape and tilt of the eye to maintain a natural look.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING AND AFTER SURGERY?

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure that sometimes can be performed in the office. Swelling and bruising around the eyes are common and rapidly improve during the first few weeks. All sutures are removed within the first week after surgery.

For more information, feel free to call or email us.