Look Years Younger with an Eyelid Lift
A person’s eyes remain one of the most striking and attractive facial features. They convey emotion, energy, vitality, as well as sadness and fatigue. As we age, we naturally produce less collagen and elastin, making the skin under and above our eyes more lax and saggy. Others may also experience impaired vision if their eyelids sag too close to their pupils. Whether it be a genetic disposition or the inevitable aging process, having excess or sagging skin, as well as puffy eyes, can relay an age sometimes even 10 years greater than one’s real age! Fortunately, at Elements Spa our board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Adibfar has honed the skill and techniques needed to correct these delicate areas for eyes that are lighter, brighter, more refreshed, vital and youthful looking. This surgical procedure is referred to as blepharoplasty.
All patients differ greatly, requiring tailored procedures that are conservative yet still provide the results desired. Everyone has a different eye shape, as well different skin thickness and varying amounts of fat, muscle and skin around the eye, all contributing factors that help Dr. Adibfar customize the procedure to each individual patient. Some patients undergoing blepharoplasty also require some contouring to correct any asymmetry between the eyes. It is always best patients make certain to do diligent research in choosing an incredibly experienced surgeon like Dr. Adibfar, whose confidence performing many of these surgeries has lent him the skill needed to achieve the best results.
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, and sometimes both (depending on the patient). The surgery can be done under general or local anesthesia and can take anywhere up to 90 minutes or more depending on how extensive the procedure. Let’s begin by discussing the lower eyelid.
The skin on the lower eyelid is very thin, and as mentioned earlier, many of us will notice a loss of elasticity in that area as we age. Many patients undergoing lower eyelid surgery have excess skin and/or deposits of fat, giving the illusion of permanent fatigue and leaving the eyes looking puffy permanently. During this procedure, Dr. Adibfar makes one thin incision along the outside of the lower lid allowing for efficient access. From there he is able to carefully remove stubborn fat deposits, as well as excess skin and muscle tissue if needed. It takes an incredibly experienced plastic surgeon to decipher between too little or too much removal. Dr. Adibfar recognizes this delicate balance and removes just enough fat for the under eye to look refreshed and youthful without looking hollow and depleted. The incision is then closed using dissolvable stitches. For patients with excess fat in the lower eyelid and less excess skin, Dr. Adibfar may choose to make a single small incision on the inside of the lower eyelid to remove the excess fat instead. On occasions , fat grafting of the cheek bone and the area below the eye is done in combination with the above in order to recreate a support structure that may have been depleted with the aging lower eyelid.
Blepharoplasty may also refer to upper eyelid surgery, a procedure that has become rapidly more popular among male and female patients of all ages. These patients may have excess skin directly above their eyelid which can sag and give the illusion of tired eyes. With this procedure, Dr. Adibfar makes a small incision on the eyelid, just where the crease is so that any incision line looks natural and less visible. From there he is able to remove any excess skin, abundant or protruding fat and/or muscle. It is also important in this area that your surgeon maintains the appropriate balance of fat in the upper eyelid to allow for a more open, bright and youthful appearance, rather than barren and hollow looking. A laser may be used at this time to more carefully remove just the right amount of fat for appropriate balance. Once removed, the incision is then safely closed with dissolvable stitches.
On occasions a brow lift may be combined with this procedure for patients who also have excessive descent of their eyebrows which contribute to the heaviness and aging of the upper lids.
The procedure itself is generally well tolerated, while recovery varies from patient to patient, as well as can differ depending on the procedure’s specifics. It is recommended that patients take 2 weeks off before returning to work and light daily activity, while refraining from any strenuous activities that can raise your blood pressure causing your body to recovery more slowly. Patients will experience minor pain, as well as swelling, puffiness and bruising around the eyes which will greatly subside within the first week, and continue to do so over the next 6 weeks. The upper eyelid typically recovers a bit quicker than the lower eyelid so patients should be aware that this is normal and that different areas of the eyes will recover at different speeds.
Blepharoplasty is, for the most part, a straightforward procedure, however requires a surgeon that is experienced and has mastered the art of delivering facial rejuvenation procedures that are aesthetically pleasing and well proportioned. If you feel your eyes continuously relay the impression that you’re tired, stressed or somber, and you’re seeking a solution that lends results that are natural looking and that communicate vitality, then you may be a prime candidate for blepharoplasty.
Click here if you’re interested in learning more about blepharoplasty from Elements Spa’s board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Adibfar.