Whenever you look in the mirror and decide that you need to find ways to reverse some of the signs of aging that you see, you might consider eyelid surgery for a more youthful appearance. Since the eyes are among the first things others notice about you during conversations, this may be a good place to start. Eyelid surgery is sometimes referred to as an eye lift. It is known in the medical realm as a blepharoplasty.
As part of the aging process, your skin will begin to loosen. It does so because of a reduction in the amount of collagen to keep it tight. Loose skin will cause things like lines and wrinkles to develop. It will also cause the skin to sag around the jowls and eyes. The lack of collagen in the skin, however, is only part of the problem when it comes to the eyelids. Other factors play key roles in the drooping effect. The upper eyelids can fall down over the upper parts of the eyes, and the lower ones can pull away from them. This will expose more of the white part of the lower eyeball.
The muscles that work the eyelids typically become weak over time. This makes it more difficult for them to keep the upper eyelids in their proper position when the eyes are open. Instead, the eyelids will be impacted by the pull of gravity. This will cause them to remain partially closed as they begin to droop.
Fatty tissue can move into the eyelids at times as well. This causes them to droop even more due to the extra weight that the muscles must handle. This tissue is there to provide a cushion between the skull and the eye. It is held in place by a membrane. With age, the membrane can begin to weaken and deteriorate. This is what allows the fatty layer to move forward into the eyelids.
Drooping eyelids can, at times, do more than cause an individual to look older. If they begin to cover enough of the eye, they can actually interfere with vision. This can make it more difficult, and even dangerous, to perform tasks like driving safely. In these situations, eyelid surgery may be needed for more reasons than achieving a younger appearance. It may be considered medically necessary.
Eyelid surgery can be done on both the upper and lower eyelids. Or it may just be done on one or the other. Depending on the specific condition, some fat and muscle may be removed in addition to excess skin.
If you want more information about how eyelid surgery can give you a younger look, you should schedule a time to meet with our surgeon at the Cosmetic Surgical Arts Center. We have locations in Lynnwood and Mount Vernon. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for eyelid surgery!