Blepharoplasty

Cosmetic eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is an option for individuals who are bothered by excess skin of the upper or lower eyelids. This can include bags, puffiness and drooping skin, characteristics that can make a person appear upset or tired. Eyelid surgery corrects the excess skin, tissue and fat that result in bags, puffiness and wrinkles.

To treat droopiness of the upper eyelids, the incision is typically made within the natural crease of the upper eyelids. Fat deposits are then repositioned, muscles and tissue are tightened, and excess skin is removed, resulting in a smoother upper eyelid contour.

When treating the lower eyelids, a transconjunctival incision is often used which is hidden inside of the lower eyelid. Fat is then redistributed or removed and sagging muscles are tightened. The incision may also be made just below the lower lash line if there is excess skin of the lower lid that needs to be removed.

Are You a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

The ideal candidates for eyelid surgery include adult men and women with healthy facial tissue and muscles. You should be free of any life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that can impair healing, and as with all plastic surgeries, you should have realistic goals and expectations.

A brow lift, performed on its own or in combination with eyelid surgery, may be a better option for individuals with a low-positioned brow or hooding at the outer corner of the eyes. The brow lift, which can also smooth lines or furrows in the forehead, is typically performed as a minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope.

Eyelid surgery may also be combined with a midface lift to correct sagging in the cheek region as well as pronounced nasolabial folds.

Benefits

Eyes are an important part of one’s appearance, conveying emotions and feelings. However, the appearance of the eyes can be negatively impacted by both age and heredity. Eyelid surgery can make the eye area appear more youthful, alert and rejuvenated.

The upper and lower eyelids, as well as the surrounding areas, can be dramatically improved with eyelid surgery by repositioning the muscle, redistributing fat and removing excess skin where necessary.

The incisions from eyelid surgery are typically well concealed within the natural creases and folds of the eye area. Swelling and bruising are common after surgery but as these side effects fade the results will gradually appear, revealing a smoother, firmer, more defined eyelid area.