Droopy eyelids are not always the result of aging skin. For many people, excess fat becomes deposited in the upper or lower eyelids, creating a weighty mass that causes wrinkles and lowers the elevation of the lids. One of the most effective treatments for this condition is blepharoplasty.
Commonly known as an eyelid lift, blepharoplasty does not involve lifting the lids while surgery is being performed. Instead, small incisions are made so that fat and tissue can be removed or redistributed. At Cosmetic Surgical Arts Center, we offer this treatment procedure as an outpatient alternative to more complex plastic surgery methods.
Who Is a Candidate For Blepharoplasty?
Anyone who is experiencing blocked vision because of drooping lids is a candidate for blepharoplasty. Those who have a degree of puffiness caused by excess fat or tissue formation can have this problem fixed simply by having the fat cells and surrounding tissue removed. So long as the patient is in good health and has no additional medical condition that is the cause of the sagging eyelids, blepharoplasty is a good choice.
What the Procedure Involves
Blepharoplasty involves removal of excess tissue by the making of small incisions. Upper lid eyelift procedures are performed by removing tissue through the incision gap and then stitching the crease back together. The skin is tightened slightly, and this results in a firmer lid.
Lower eyelift procedures are performed similarly, with incisions made below the lash line. Sometimes the cut is made on the inside of the eyelid, meaning no visible scarring. A laser resurfacing technique is often used in combination to make sure the surface tissue is smooth.
What Patients Can Expect
After the treatment procedure is complete, the patient may have to wear gauze bandages and use artificial tears for several days. When the anesthetic wears off, some form of localized pain reliever may be necessary. For most patients, recovery time is just a matter of several days. Normal activities can be resumed the following week.
Major Benefits of Blepharoplasty
Some eyelift procedures can leave scars, especially those where the skin is to be repositioned. The removed fat and sub-dermal tissue means the skin can be tightened without the need to transplant any skin.
When excess fat and soft tissue is removed from beneath the lids, the resulting growth of new tissue is usually accompanied by a resurgence in collagen production. This helps make the procedure results more permanent because the new tissue will support the tightened skin better. The appearance of the entire eyelid and adjacent skin will improve because wrinkles will virtually disappear.
If you are interested in the rejuvenating effects of a blepharoplasty, our doctors at Cosmetic Surgical Arts Center could help. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. Contact Cosmetic Surgical Arts Center today to schedule your consultation.