Blepharoplasty Eyelid Lift
Eyelid rejuvenation (eyelid lift or blepharoplasty) is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed today. Appearance of the eyes and the region around them is critical in the perception of youth and vitality. With time, eyelids change and the classic signs of aging appear. Naturally, we want to slow down or reverse these aging changes to match our appearance to the way we feel. When we feel young and energetic, we also want to look refreshed and revitalized.
Why do people seek eye region rejuvenation?
Most people seek correction of their eyelids because of excessive skin that is often combined with upper eyelid fullness or puffiness. Theses two features create the perception of a tired and aged appearance that most people try to avoid. Skin loses its elasticity and becomes redundant, creating folds that sometimes overhang past the upper eyelid edge. These changes culminate in the aged look of the upper eyelids and frequently become a call for action by many of our patients.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty – known as eyelid rejuvenation or eyelid lift – is a procedure that can “freshen-up” the eyes as well as the entire face. It can reverse the aged appearance of the face and brighten-up the otherwise tired face. Generally speaking, it requires removal of some skin and /or muscle and fat. In some cases, there needs to be tightening of the skin or eyelid itself as well.
Blepharoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures today and due to its safety, when performed by a trained specialist, it frequently replaces more aggressive procedures such as face-lifts.
What is upper lid blepharoplasty?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can correct excessive skin, muscle and/or fat pads that contribute to the perception of tiredness. Depending on the cause of the eyelid problems and the degree of correction required, only skin, muscle and/or fat pads have to be removed. It is important to place surgical incisions in the eyelid’s natural crease. This will aid in minimizing resulting scarring to the point of virtual elimination of post surgical marks. This procedure can be performed using traditional or laser instruments. Which procedure is best depends on the skill and preference of the physician.
What is lower lid blepharoplasty?
Lower eyelid aesthetics are also very important and patients seeking correction of this region frequently complain of “bags under their eyes.” Excessive skin, protruding or prominent fat pads, thickened eyelid muscle or tissue fluid retention singularly or in combination produce lower eyelid fullness, once again, resulting in a tired and aged look. The quest for a fresher youthful image that conveys health and vitality can frequently be satisfied with lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Please see below for a detailed discussion of different lower blepharoplasty techniques.
What are the lower lid blepharoplasty techniques?
There are two main methods used to perform lower lid blepharoplasty – transcutaneous (through the skin) and transconjunctival (through the area inside the eyelid). Both approaches have their uses and the decision to use one over the other is based on the individual patient’s characteristics and desires.
The transcutaneous approach is used in patients who have significant skin redundancy whereas the transconjunctival approach is used in patients whose main problem is excessive fat pads.
Furthermore, in many cases, fat pads do not have to be removed but rather repositioned to allow smooth transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek. This latest trend is sparked by the concerns that excessive fat removal can result in a hollow, aged appearance – the very appearance that we are trying to correct. The placement of skin incisions is important as their correct position can make resulting scars virtually invisible.
In some cases, the skin can be rejuvenated and tightened using laser technology.
Can upper and lower blepharoplasty be combined?
Yes – In many cases both lower and upper eyelid blepharoplasties can be combined into one procedure resulting in tremendous rejuvenation of this critical facial aesthetic area. In addition, most patients can benefit from Botox® injections, laser as well as chemical peel resurfacing. One of the latest techniques that can be used in conjunction with blepharoplasty is fractional rejuvenation. This technology can rejuvenate the skin around the eye region giving truly remarkable results.
What are the side effects of blepharoplasty?
No surgical procedure is without risk but, in proper hands and with correct patient selection, blepharoplasty can be performed safely with excellent cosmetic results. As with any surgical procedure, the most common side effects include bruising, scarring, irregularities as well as infections. These are generally transient and in most cases, will resolve with proper attention as well as time. If too much skin is removed, then there could be a problem with closing the eye necessitating corrective procedure as well as generous application of artificial tears. Speaking of tears, in some cases, patients can experience dry eyes. In most cases, this improves with time but in others it can be permanent.
In rare instances, there can be excessive bleeding after surgery and even blindness. When there is pain, swelling as well as poor vision, then the patient must notify the doctor immediately as prompt intervention will resolve the problem. Fortunately, this side effect is very rare but it has been reported in the literature.
In summary, blepharoplasty is an excellent procedure to rejuvenate the eye region and the face as a whole. It is important to find a qualified physician to perform such a procedure. Generally speaking, dermatologic surgeons, plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, ophthalmologists as well as other qualified physicians are eligible to perform blepharoplasty. Before proceeding, please make sure that your doctor is qualified.
