Eyelid Surgery and Aesthetics
Your eyes are the first features that people notice and are an important aspect of attractiveness. Unfortunately, over the years eyelids can start to sag and may become droopy or puffy, and unflattering bags under your eyes make you look older. As you age, these changes can become permanent, giving you a tired appearance even when you feel refreshed and well-rested.Several changes occur in our eyelids as we age. By your late 30s or early 40s, the thin skin of our eyelids starts to lose its elasticity and begins to stretch, resulting in excess folds of skin that may actually hang down over the edge of the upper eyelids. In most people, this skin is the "first to go." You may feel an extra heaviness in the upper lid or feel the skin sitting on your lashes. Besides affecting your appearance, such conditions may also cause symptoms of ocular fatigue. In severe cases, it could even lead to impaired vision.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is the term used for eyelid surgery to correct the baggy and sagging tissues around the eyes. It restores a more youthful appearance by creating a firmer, area around your eyes, while improving any vision impairments caused by hanging eyelids. It can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures.Excess skin, muscle or fat will need to be removed to achieve this. Surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. Incisions are made along the natural folds of the eyelid skin so that they are virtually unnoticeable when they heal.The eyelid crease will also be enhanced through double eyelid surgery (Asian eyelid surgery). The name, as the name suggests, is associated with Asians as they usually undergo this type of surgery for the eyes to look bigger and wider.
Upper eyelid surgery / Upper blepharoplasty
It is a procedure that improves the appearance as well as the function of the upper lids. It improves the function in patients whose sight is impaired by the drooping and loose skin that hoods over the visual axis. It entails the removal of skin and occasionally orbital fat to restore the youthful look of the eyes. It can add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes (double eyelid procedure) without erasing evidence of ethnic or racial heritage.
Lower eyelid surgery / Lower blepharoplasty
This procedure is almost always cosmetic. It is done to remove the puffiness of the lower lid caused by prolapsing orbital fat or eyebags. It does not remove crow's feet or other wrinkles. Nor does it eliminate dark circles under the eyes.
Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
Good candidates for the procedure are adult men and women who have healthy facial tissue and muscles, do not smoke, and do not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that could impact healing. The patient should have a positive outlook and realistic goals for improvement of the upper and/or lower eyelids and surrounding area.
Are there any potential risks associated with blepharoplasty?
Just like all surgeries, complications and potential risks are always present. The primary risks associated with the procedure include bleeding, infections, scarring, inability to fully close your eyes, double vision, loss of vision, dry eyes, or abnormal eyelid position. In the event of these complications, contact your physician immediately for further assistance.