Your eyes are usually the first thing that people notice about your appearance. They are the most important aspect of facial attractiveness.
Even with a good night's sleep, loose skin over your eyes or fat bags under your eyes can make you look tired, sad, or older than you really are. As we go through life, even if we have taken care of ourselves, the skin around our eyes stretches and wrinkles. Fatty deposits cause the upper lids to sag, while under the eye the tissue can bulge forward and become discolored. In severe cases, vision can become partially blocked. Fortunately, through modern techniques and advances in an eyelid rejuvenation procedure called blepharoplasty, your doctor can help restore a more youthful, alert, and healthy look to your eyes.
Sometimes referred to as a "mini-face lift," blepharoplasty has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for both men and women because of its high level of patient satisfaction. Blepharoplasty can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids.
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Blepharoplasty is generally done using local anesthetic. You may be given a mild sedative to help you relax. Depending on the amount of tissue to be removed, you could be in the operating suite for several hours.
When performed on the upper eyelids, your doctor will remove the excess skin, muscle, and fatty tissue that tend to accumulate in the inside corner of the eye next to the nose. The incisions are made along the natural folds in the skin so that as they heal, they become difficult, if not impossible, to see with the passage of time.
When performed on the lower eyelids, providing there is not too much excess skin, your doctor will make the incision inside or behind the eyelid. This technique is called a transconjunctival Blepharoplasty which allows the removal of fatty deposits while avoiding the need for an external incision, if there is excessive skin or muscle folds below the eye, an incision may also be made just below the base of the eyelashes. As this incision heals, the fine scar should also become barely visible.
Ask your doctor to determine if you are a candidate for Blepharoplasty. Since every individual is unique and has special needs, a personal consultation will be necessary. At that time you and your doctor will discuss the extent of the procedure and which method of anesthesia is best for you. You will be presented with additional information in order for you to make an informed decision regarding your procedure. Many have found the answer to looking as good as they feel.
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Ptosis is a condition in which the eyelid droops. It does not involve excess skin or tissue in the eyelid; rather, it is caused by the separation of muscles deep within the eyelid. It is usually a result of aging. A brief surgical procedure can eliminate the drooping. Patients who are also suffering from excess skin (dermatochalasis) may choose to undergo blepharoplasty at the same time as ptosis repair.
Ectropion is a "turning out" of the eyelid that causes redness, irritation, tearing and an increased likelihood of infection. Common causes of ectropion include aging, sun damage, tumors, burns and the removal of too much skin during blepharoplasty. Ectropion can be corrected in a quick procedure in which the lid is tightened. Occasionally, the surgeon needs to graft a small segment of skin to ensure that the eyelid is fully repaired.
Entropion is a "turning in" of the eyelid. The lid and lashes rub painfully against the cornea. Entropion usually occurs as a result of aging, but other causes can include injury and various inflammatory conditions. Entropion can be corrected with a brief surgical procedure under local anesthesia.
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