Your eyes reveal more about how you feel than any other facial feature. You appear
However, if you have dark circles, drooping upper lids, or
If you have been noticing your eyes make you look tired, sad, or not as young as you feel, eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, may be an option for you.
Eyelid surgery can remove the excess fat and drooping skin of the upper eyelids, minimize bags under the
You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you have any of the following conditions:
Eyelid surgery needs to be approached with extra caution if you have any of the following medical conditions:
During this meeting, your plastic surgeon will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery. You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about previous surgeries; past and current medical conditions; medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and nutritional supplements; and allergies, especially those that affect your eyes.
As part of the plastic surgery consultation, your surgeon will assess the amount of excess fat and skin in your eyelid areas, the position of your eyebrows, and the condition of the muscles around your eyelids. The surgeon also may suggest other cosmetic treatments to meet your appearance goals. For example:
The specific method for your eyelid surgery will be determined by your features and your plastic surgeon’s preferences.
Upper eyelids
Typically, the incision begins within the natural crease of the eyes inside corner and extends slightly beyond the outside corner into the crow’s feet or laugh lines. Through this incision, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. The incision line follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid and is camouflaged when healed.
Lower eyelids
Usually, the incision is concealed just below the lower lashes. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed. Your plastic surgeon may also make special adjustments. For example, the fat beneath the eye can be redistributed to eliminate puffiness or bulges. In some patients, the underlying muscle will be tightened.
Your cosmetic surgeon may decide that the best approach for removing fat from the lower eyelid is with a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In this procedure, an incision is placed inside the lower eyelid.
This technique requires no external incision, but it cannot be used to remove excess skin. Laser resurfacing or chemical peel is sometimes used in conjunction with this procedure to minimize fine wrinkles near the eyes.
When the date for your eyelid procedure has been set, your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after eyelid surgery. A number of points may be covered, including:
Frequently, general anesthesia is used on patients undergoing eyelid surgery. However, for some patients, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation is used. With either type, you’ll remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Your plastic surgeon will monitor your physical status throughout the operation and during your recovery.
When surgery is complete, you will be taken to a recovery area. You may experience any of the following:
Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general timeline.
If you’re like most people who have the procedure, you’ll be very pleased with your new, refreshed and alert appearance. You may find that you feel more confident in business and social situations. Friends and colleagues may tell you that you appear happier or more rested, without realizing you had eyelid surgery.
Most traces of eyelid surgery will disappear after several weeks. However, the skin around your eyes must be treated with extra care for several months. When you go out during the day, you should wear sunblock on your eyelids and darkly tinted sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and sun irritation.
The results of eyelid surgery are long-lasting. However, keep in mind that your face will continue to age. Your plastic surgeon can advise you about the best way to maintain your results.
The Centre, P.C. also recommends the use of the VitaMedica Nutritional Supplement Program, a comprehensive pre- and post-surgery nutritional supplement system designed specifically for patients undergoing plastic surgery procedures.
To learn more about eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, call or email The Centre, P.C. to schedule your cosmetic consultation.
Ronald K. Downs, M.D., F.A.C.S. founded The Centre, P.C. in Elkhart, Indiana in 1992. He is an active member in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Downs is also a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, The American Medical Association, The Ohio Valley Plastic Surgery Society, The Rush Surgical Society, and The Indiana State Medical Association where he serves on the board of directors and has served as the president from 2003 to 2004.
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Dr. Macias completed her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency training at Spectrum Health/Michigan State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is Board Certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
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Patrick J. Viscardi, M.D. has been part of the surgical team at The Centre, P.C. since 1998. Dr. Viscardi graduated from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, as a summa cum laude. He received his Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of Rochester in New York. Dr. Viscardi completed his internship and general surgery residency at the University of Louisville, where he served as chief resident from 1994 to 1995.
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The Centre P.C. now offers an advanced imaging technique called VECTRA ® 3D that provides patients with realistic previews of expected outcomes from specific surgical procedures prior to those procedures being performed.
