Blepharoplasty
WHAT IS BLEPHAROPLASTY?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves trimming away excess skin from the eyelids. It also removes excess fat from the eye area and can involve tightening the muscles in the area for a firm and youthful appearance.
Two types of eyelid surgery can be performed: upper and lower. Some blepharoplasty patients choose to have an upper eyelid crease lift, some opt for a lower eyelid lift. In some cases, a combination of procedures is the best option.
UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY
As you get older, the skin and muscle of the upper eyelids often loses its elasticity. It can begin to sag and droop, giving the eyelids a heavy appearance.
Some people are born with an eyelid crease that naturally hangs low. Low-hanging eyelids can block the eyes, obstructing a person’s vision.
Upper eyelid crease surgery focuses on tightening the upper lids, either to restore vision or to create a more youthful appearance.
LOWER BLEPHAROPLASTY
A layer of fat surrounds the eyes, helping to protect and cushion them. As a person gets older, the fat can shift and change position. The muscles in the eye area can weaken so that they no longer adequately support the fat.
This can cause the fat to shift into the area under the eyes, creating bulges commonly known as under-eye bags. The goal of lower blepharoplasty is usually to treat those under-eye bags, creating a more youthful look.
A lower eyelid lift can also smooth out wrinkles in the under-eye area and can make the eyes look more awake and alert.
HOW A BLEPHAROPLASTY IS DONE
An eyelid lift is a surgical procedure that will require some preparation and involves a recovery period. Usually, upper blepharoplasty can be performed in the office, while most lower lid blepharoplasties are performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home after surgery.
Once the area is fully numbed, Dr. Hojjat will make an incision. The location of the incision depends on the type of procedure you’re having.
During an upper eyelid lift, Dr. Hojjat usually makes the incision in the eyelid crease of the upper lid. This means that any scarring will be very well concealed by the natural contour of the eye
CANDIDATES FOR AN EYELID LIFT
You might be a candidate for an eyelid lift if you have drooping upper eyelids or baggy lower eyelids. The surgery can be performed as a cosmetic procedure or as a way to improve your vision.
Your surgeon will perform a medical exam before the surgery to ensure you’re healthy enough for the procedure. They are also likely to ask you about any chronic conditions you have and any medications you take.
A good candidate for eyelid surgery must also understand what to expect from the procedure and the amount of downtime it involves. It’s important to have realistic expectations about the surgery, including how it will change your appearance.