A facial plastic surgery that addresses heavy, sagging upper eyelids and puffy under-eye bags is called a blepharoplasty, which is more commonly known as eyelid surgery. In some cases, techniques that are employed during a brow lift may also benefit the eyelid surgery patient. This can improve one’s looks and lid functions if a heavy brow is contributing to sagging upper eyelids.
An unskilled plastic surgeon or one who does not focus solely on facial procedures may not understand the complications that can arise from an overly aggressive approach to this surgery. Many of us are familiar with the look of unnatural results from a plastic surgery, ranging from oversized breast implants to over-inflated lips to the windswept look of an overdone facelift. This common theme of over-operating can occur when a surgeon removes too much skin from the upper or lower eyelids with blepharoplasty or lifts the brows to an unnatural or undesirably high position during the brow lift.
Though excess tissue removal of the lower lid and under the eye can result in a gaunt or sunken appearance, more serious complications may arise when overly aggressive techniques are used on the upper eyelid. When too much skin of the eyelid is removed or the skin is pulled excessively taught, the eyes may suffer from the inability to fully close. This can create poor eye health as closure of the eyelids promotes the protection and rehydration of the eyes. In addition to these issues, the look of an exaggerated upper blepharoplasty can also create a look of permanent, wide-eyed surprise. In such cases, it may be necessary to visit a highly skilled facial plastic surgeon such as Dr. Bustillo to reconstruct the upper lids and ensure their functionality.
The skin of the eyelid is sensitive and very thin in comparison to the skin covering the rest of the face and body. Because of this, the lids will remain inflamed for some time following the procedure. It is best for a patient to wait at least five months following an aggressive blepharoplasty to receive a secondary eyelid surgery. He or she may be able to receive treatment sooner to correct the function of the eyes, though in the long run this can create additional damage that must be returned to normalcy with yet another surgery.
It is in the patient’s best interest to seek a skilled facial plastic surgeon prior to undergoing an eyelid surgery or any other cosmetic procedure. Dr. Bustillo of the Miami area holds a dual board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. The doctor’s work has been published in numerous book chapters, and he stays current in knowledge of his field by writing peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Bustillo’s blepharoplasty results can be viewed in the Blepharoplasty Photo Gallery. Call Dr. Bustillo today at (305) 663-3380 to schedule your primary or secondary facial plastic surgery today.