As we age our skin loses its firmness and begins to sag.
This is especially true around the eyes since the
eyelids have the thinnest skin on your body. Exposure
to the sun also leads to a loss of elasticity in
the skin around the eyes and can cause more sagging
or wrinkles.
Reconstructive Blepharoplasty tightens the appearance
of the skin around the eyes giving the individual a youthful
appearance. This is the most common cosmetic procedure
performed on the eyelids. During a blepharoplasty the
sagging skin and any excess fatty deposits underneath
the surface of the eyelid are removed through an incision
made to the natural fold of the eyelid. Since the tiny
incisions and sutures are placed within the fold, their
appearance is reduced significantly. Oculoplastic surgeons
often treat lower lid bags with a procedure called transconjunctival
blepharoplasty. With this procedure the excess fat is
removed through the inner eyelid (which is not seen)
avoiding the need for an incision in the external skin.
The CO2 Laser made its debut in the medical field
in the early 1960's. It has since been refined
to produce very fine incisions and to vaporize
unwanted tissue. Today, aesthetic laser surgery
is an important oculoplastic and facial surgery
technique. Use of the CO2 Laser minimizes bleeding,
swelling, and bruising, thus reducing post-operative
healing time. The CO2 laser is also used to
treat wrinkles around the eyes and face at the
time of blepharoplasy.
Cosmetic eyelid surgery is often combined with other
techniques such as a mid-face lift, which can be performed
through the same lower eyelid incision. Eyebrow lifts,
injections of Botox and Collagen, and chemical peels
are also commonly performed with blepharoplasty to achieve
a natural appearing rejuvenation.
Most eyelid and facial rejuvenation surgery is performed
in our accredited office surgical suite under local anesthesia
with monitored sedation. Post-operatively there may be
bruising for a few weeks after surgery and a tight feeling
around the eyes. Because our goal is to achieve a natural
and youthful appearance, patients are encouraged to bring
old photographs of themselves with them to the consultation.
We then thoroughly review the medical and surgical options
with each patient to insure that we meet their goals
for success. If the excess upper eyelid skin interferes
with vision, this part of the surgery may be covered
by medical insurance.
