The eyes are usually the first place people show signs of aging. It may start with wrinkles around the eyes when they smile, or a noticeable loss of volume under eyes. Other people develop fatty deposits under their eyes, which don’t improve with sleep.
Eye rejuvenation has changed dramatically. Invasive surgical procedures are no longer the norm. Now, patients wanting eyelid surgery can usually have it performed on an outpatient basis.
Upper Blepharoplasty
An upper blepharoplasty removes skin from the upper eyelid for both medical and aesthetic reasons. As people age, it’s not uncommon for people to develop excessive hooding, which impedes vision. From an aesthetic point of view, patients may want to reduce the signs of aging by removing excess upper eyelid skin. It opens the eye, giving the patient a more youthful appearance.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Like the upper blepharoplasty, a lower blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that aims to remove saggy skin and excess fatty deposits. There are two ways a plastic surgeon performs this; making incisions below a person’s lash line or a transconjunctival approach.
The transconjunctival approach is when the plastic surgeon makes an incision within the eyelid. This can also be combined with another cosmetic procedure called laser resurfacing, which helps eliminate lines and wrinkles.
Who is a good candidate for a blepharoplasty?
In order to be considered a candidate for eyelid surgery, a person must not have any underlying health issues. Patients with underlying eye conditions, such as a detached retina or glaucoma, are not eligible for candidacy. This procedure is best for patients who suffer from volume loss and bags under the eyes. Patients must also have realistic expectations.
What are the risks?
Just like any other cosmetic procedure, there are risks associated with eyelid surgery. Although rare, patients could experience dry eye syndrome, excessive bruising and swelling, infection and possibly an unsatisfactory postoperative result. The most important thing is having realistic expectations of what eyelid surgery can and cannot achieve.
Deciding to have eyelid surgery not only needs careful consideration but also needs to be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. Whether it’s medically necessary or for aesthetic purposes only, weigh the pros and cons prior to making a final decision. You may view blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery before and after photos for Dr. Kenneth Hughes.