The eyes are one of our most expressive features. In a perfect world, they’d stay looking young forever. Unfortunately, the eyes are often one of the first areas of the face to show signs of aging. This can include sagging skin, lower eyelid bags, droopy upper eyelids, wrinkles, and changes in expression. It’s a frustrating experience to look in the mirror and discover that you look exhausted, when you know for a fact you’re well rested!
If your expression or facial aesthetics have been compromised by aging eyes, you don’t have to stand by and let it happen. You can address aging eyes with a procedure known as blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery).
A Brighter, Younger Expression
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that is performed to brighten the expression, remove excess skin, and create a more youthful appearance in the eye area. Many people are surprised by how early signs of aging can appear in the eye area. As a consequence, eyelid surgery is often one of the first cosmetic procedures patients undergo, and at a fairly young age.
Patients who undergo blepharoplasty can have the skin around the eyelids tightened, unsightly lower eyelid bags removed, and the eye area rejuvenated in the most appropriate way for their needs. Most patients who undergo the procedure look more awake, alert, and interested afterward. They also tend to have much more confidence in their own appearance following the surgery.
The Basics of Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty can be performed on either the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both, depending on the needs of the patient.
When the upper eyelid begins to age, it starts to sag. This can ultimately hide the crease of the eyelid. Lower lids often experience weakened, thinning skin and sagging. In this area, this causes fat to bulge below the eye, creating a “bag” appearance. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed to remove excess skin and tighten the skin that remains. The lower lids, on the other hand, are treated to remove excess fat and tighten or reposition the eyelid muscle. The incisions are placed discreetly, typically inside the eyelid, along the lash line or withinin the eyelid crease. Once healed, incisions should not be visible.
Blepharoplasty is a delicate procedure. Removing too little or too much tissue can result in a poor cosmetic appearance. That’s why it’s essential to choose a qualified plastic surgeon. The surgery is sometimes combined with other procedures, like a fat transfer to fill in the tear troughs, or a brow lift for comprehensive anti-aging results. Blepharoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure, requiring local anesthesia with oral or IV sedation for patient safety and comfort.
Is Blepharoplasty Right For You?
Blepharoplasty is a great option for many patients who have begun to notice aging in the eye area. But it’s not the right choice for everyone. Sometimes, aging causes the brow to descend over the eye, causing the appearance of too much loose skin in the upper eyelids. In this case, a surgeon’s evaluation might determine that a browlift is a better option for correcting these signs of aging, or even a combination of the two procedures.
To find out if blepharoplasty is right for you, it’s important to seek help from a board certified facial plastic surgeon. During the consultation, you’ll be evaluated by the surgeon and will discuss your goals for cosmetic surgery. You’ll get recommendations based on your goals and candidacy, and you’ll have an opportunity to ask any questions you have about the procedure. This meeting is a necessary step in planning your procedure and getting to know your surgeon. Make the most of it by coming prepared with questions.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to take the next step, then it’s time to start looking for the right surgeon to help you reach your goals. Dr. Andres Bustillo is an expert in facial rejuvenation, spending about 50% of his time with patients on facial rejuvenation cases. He is board certified, has been practicing in Miami for over 10 years, and restricts his practice to eye, face, and neck procedures. For more information on scheduling a blepharoplasty consultation with Dr. Bustillo, call 305.663.3380 today!
