BLEPHAROPLASTY
Also known as "Eyelid Surgery".
May be done to correct ptosis (sagging eyelids), remove fatty bulges around the eyes, and eliminate hanging skin from the eyelids, often times a cosmetic procedure to improve appearance but may be medically necessary as when the sagging is blocking the field of vision.
WHAT IS EYELID SURGERY?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids.
Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both.
Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the area surrounding your eyes.
WHAT DOES EYELID SURGERY TREAT?
Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
Fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids
Bags under the eyes
Drooping lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris
Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR EYELID SURGERY?
Good candidates for eyelid surgery include:
Healthy individuals with no medical conditions that can impair healing
Nonsmokers
Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals
Individuals without serious eye conditions
Remember that the eyelids are part of the face. The appearance of a drooping upper lid may also be due to relaxation of the forehead skin and eyebrow. Sometimes stretching out of the upper eyelid muscle may cause a drooping eyelid. This is called eyelid ptosis and requires a different surgical treatment.
Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your facial anatomy thoroughly and will discuss what procedures might best remedy your concerns.
HOW ARE INCISIONS MADE?
The incision lines for eyelid surgery are designed so the resultant scars will be well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid region.
There are two types of incisions:
UPPER EYELID INCISION
The upper eyelid can be corrected through an incision within the natural crease on the eyelid. This allows for removal or re-positioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles and removal of excess skin.
TRANSCONJUNCTIVAL INCISION
Conditions of the lower eyelid may be corrected with an incision just below the lower lash line. Through this incision, excess skin in the lower eyelid is removed. Again, the excess fat can be repositioned or removed.
A transconjunctival incision, created on the inside of the lower eyelid, is an alternate technique to correct lower eyelid conditions and redistribute or remove excess fat. With this technique, no skin is removed.