Eyelid Surgery
What to Consider Before Blepharoplasty Surgery
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which excess muscle, skin, and fat deposits are removed from the eyelids. Blepharoplasty can be performed on both the upper and lower lids, with the goal of improving the appearance of the eye area. Eyelid surgery can remove excess skin, improve the appearance of wrinkles, and reduce puffiness or under-eye bags, giving patients a more rested and refreshed appearance.
While eyelid surgery can dramatically alter the appearance of the eye area, it will not affect the appearance of dark circles, sagging eyebrows, or most lines and wrinkles around the eyes. If these conditions are negatively affecting your appearance, your surgeon may recommend a brow lift, face lift, or other cosmetic treatments. Although eyelid surgery cannot correct all perceived problems, this procedure makes it possible to correct facial flaws and signs of aging, resulting in a younger and rejuvenated facial appearance and improved self-confidence.
Types of Eyelid Surgery Procedures
The two main types of eyelid surgery procedures are upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery. Often, these procedures are performed during the same surgery session, as the cost is lower to treat both sets of eyelids at once than to perform two separate procedures. However, when most of the excess tissue is located in either the upper or the lower lids, surgery can be performed on just one set of eyelids. Eyelid surgery can also be performed with a simultaneous forehead lift (also known as a brow lift) to correct drooping brows or deep lines in the eyebrow or forehead area.
During upper eyelid surgery, incisions are created in natural skin folds. If “crow’s feet” wrinkles are a concern, the incisions may extend past the eye’s outer corner to allow the surgeon to smooth these wrinkles. During lower eyelid surgery, the incision may either be placed in the natural skin folds, or behind the eyelid. If the incision is behind the eyelid, rather than in the skin of the lower eyelid, it is known as transconjunctival eyelid surgery. In general, this method is chosen when the eyelid surgery is being performed primarily to remove under eye puffiness caused by excess fat deposits. In any case, the placement of incisions is chosen to allow the surgeon access to all necessary underlying tissues while avoiding visible scars.
Regardless of the method used or whether the surgeon is working on the upper or lower eyelids, the next step is the gentle removal of excess fat, muscle, or skin to tighten the appearance of the eyelids. The incisions may be closed with tape, very small sutures, or in the case of transconjunctival surgery, left to heal on their own.
Are You a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
This procedure is commonly performed on both women and men. Most patients undergoing blepharoplasty are over 35 years old and choose this procedure to reduce some of the signs of aging. Adults of any age can undergo this procedure, particularly for the correction of droopy eyelids or large under-eye bags, both of which can be caused by heredity as well as aging. Although most candidates choose eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons, it is also a functional surgery, performed to remove sagging upper eyelid skin that interferes with vision. As with all facial plastic surgery, it is important to have realistic expectations about what this surgery can do for you.
Eyelid surgery candidates must be in good overall health. Some medical conditions can increase the risk of complications following blepharoplasty. These include high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and glaucoma or related eye problems. In general, circulatory and eye-related conditions, as well as serious medical problems, may affect your ability to undergo eyelid surgery.
Finding an Eyelid Surgeon
Besides the cost of eyelid surgery, its important to find a plastic surgery who is experienced. When researching eyelid surgeons, make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or other association such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASPS) or American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Although membership in any society or board-certification doesn’t guarantee a successful eyelid surgery outcome most certifying boards like these require extensive medical training, experience, and rigorous surgical education which can ensure that the most appropriate techniques are used for your surgery while reducing the risk of complications.