Eyelid Surgery at a Glance
Wrinkling and the development of extra skin and fat around the eyes is often hereditary and can give you a tired, worn out appearance, even when you’re wide awake. Hormonal imbalances, allergies, and sun damage can add to these changes, leaving an overall eyelid appearance that’s less than desirable.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to remove or manipulate the skin, fat, or muscle of the eyelids is an option that can reverse the aging process – opening up the eyes to create a more youthful and refreshed look. It can also correct any impairment to vision caused by skin hanging over the eyes.
When considering blepharoplasty, the first step is to consult a cosmetic surgeon trained in eyelid surgery to determine the best treatment option for your specific situation.
In some cases, cosmetic fillers may be all that’s required to reduce gauntness in the lower lid region. However, there are a variety of procedures that are commonly performed that can enhance the look of the eyes.
Upper Blepharoplasty
This minimally invasive procedure can create a crisp, upper eyelid that brightens the overall eye. Performed through a small incision along the outside of the upper lid, excess fat and skin can be removed with minimal scarring and little downtime.
Lower Blepharosplasty
Often performed to correct puffiness, transconjunctival blepharoplasty can remove fat through an incision on the interior eyelid with no external scarring. If moderate amounts of wrinkling or excess skin are present, skin resurfacing, chemical peels, or a laser can also be used to smooth out the area.
If there is severe puffiness or a considerable amount of wrinkling, a standard lower eyelid surgery that is similar to an upper eyelid surgery will be recommended. For this procedure, an incision is made along the lower eyelashes to remove excess skin and fat.
Browlift with Eyelid Surgery
Browlifts are frequently recommended in combination with eyelid surgery as the eyebrows and forehead can contribute to the amount of extra skin sagging over the eyes. When removing the fat and skin in the eyelids is not enough to produce the desired results, a browlift can help lift and relax the extra skin to prevent it from falling over the eyes.
If you’re considering eyelid surgery, take the time to meet with several board certified plastic surgeons to hear their recommendations for surgical and non-surgical options. Every patient is unique, and a skilled surgeon will consider your age, skin, and medical history. Keep in mind that you may be asked to consider different or additional procedures than those you were originally intended to achieve the results you desire. Make sure that you understand the options that are available, and consult with the physician you choose as often as necessary to ensure you’re comfortable with the decision you make
