Eyelid Lift

Blepharoplasty is the term for the plastic surgery procedure that corrects the aging of the eyelids, commonly known as an eyelid lift. Many surgeons feel that eyelid lift surgery helps a person look more alert, attentive and fresher than any other surgical procedure.

The eyes are the focal point of the face, and most people focus on the eyes when looking at some ones face, the " pathway to the soul." If the eyes are hidden by excess skin, wrinkles and puffy deposits of fat, they can appear unhappy, or angry. People can sometimes interpret someone, (with these conditions) as mean or tired looking.

As people age, the eyelids lose resiliency, which can result in excess skin. In some cases, it is so excessive, that the skin actually inhibits vision. An ophthalmologist calls this " Loss of the peripheral visual fields". If this facelift procedure is recommended by an ophthalmologist, the patient will be covered by their insurance policy for this type of facial rejuvenation procedure.

The eyelid lift is the most common...

Interestingly, of all the plastic surgery procedures men opt to have, the eyelid lift is the most common. The majority of these eyelid lift patients are businessmen.

The reason the eyelid lift is so common, especially with businessmen is simple. Many people feel that a bright eyed appearance will help them remain competitive in the job market or industry they work for.

Businessmen have to greet their clients with their eyes every day. The eyes can tell you everything about a person,. The eyelid lift can take years off of a person with minimal recovery time. The window to the soul; the eyes are an important, yet a highly underestimated feature.

Types of Eyelid Lift Procedures

There are various methods used to enhance eyelid appearance. The following information is designed to give you a basic understanding of each. It is important to note that each of these procedures carries its own set of risks and benefits.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Puffiness in the upper eyelid can cause patients to look old and tired; and upper eyelid surgery can create a more alert and younger appearance. Upper eyelid surgery can enhance the shape, position, and depth of the eyelid crease.

Upper eyelid surgery can improve two common problem areas:

• 1.) Excess skin on the upper eyelid itself, often called "hooding" of the upper lid.
• 2.) Puffiness in the inner corner and middle of the upper eyelid caused by herniation (pushing forward) of fat.

The hooding of the upper eyelid can obstruct your vision, so its removal could actually improve the quality of your peripheral vision.

Note: A browlift can add to the enhancement of the upper eyelid’s appearance by lifting sagging eyebrows. In conjunction with upper eyelid surgery, a browlift removes skin hanging over the upper eyes. Click on the link for more information on the Browlift procedure.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery is performed to remove the puffiness found in the lower eyelid. Some people refer to this as "bags" under your eyes. The accumulation of excess fat and skin, resulting from age and other factors, causes that puffy appearance in the lower eyelid, which makes people look older and tired.

Removal of bulging fat in the lower eyelid can result in a younger, rested and alert appearance.

Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty

For younger patients and those with thicker, more elastic skin, the surgeon may recommend transconjunctival blepharoplasty. During this procedure, a tiny incision is made inside the lower eyelid and fat is removed with tiny forceps. No skin is removed and the incision is closed with dissolving sutures.

Asian Eyelid Surgery

Asian eyes have a different appearance than Western eyes. With Asian eyelids, the anatomical difference is that the orbital septum (the layer that holds back the fat) extends lower down towards the eyelid margin. This procedure is also known as double eyelid operation and Asian blepharoplasty. The surgeon performs the procedure similar, but not identical to, traditional eyelid surgery. Their goal is to enhance the patient’s eyelid appearance without taking away any ethnic features.

What are the Benefits to this Procedure?

There are many reasons why a person would want to undergo eyelid surgery. Even though reasons vary from person to person, the more common include:

• Improving peripheral vision
• Gaining a fresher, more alert appearance
• Restoring a youthful eyelid appearance
• Enhancing overall appearance
• Gaining a boost in self-confidence

Note: Eyelid surgery will not remove crow’s feet or other wrinkles around the eyes, nor will it eliminate dark circles under the eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows. Call H.E.E., Inc. Toll-free at (888) 433-9091 for information about some of the latest cosmetic procedures that can dramatically freshen and rejuvenate these areas.

From: http://www.cosmeticsurgery.com/research/cosmetic-surgery/Eyelid-Surgery/

Eyelid Fat Repositioning and Transfer

Other names: Fat transfer, fat mobilization, fat reflection, fat redraping, fat preservation, fat transposition, arcus marginalis release.

This procedure can fill out the hollowness in the undereye area.

Primary goal: Utilize (rather than remove) lower eyelid fat to fill in and camouflage an overly deep depression at the junction between the lower eyelid and the cheek caused by heredity or age-related gravitational descent of the midface.

Currently, restoring lost volume to the eyelids (and face and body, for that matter) is an area of intense interest and research in plastic surgery.

Call us today Toll-free at (888) 433-9091 for your no-charge Consultation Appointment with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in the eye area.

Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

Quick Facts*

Procedure: Correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle. (Upper-eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance if used to correct visual field defects)

Length: 1 to 3 hours. [Depending on the Surgeon]

Anesthesia: Usually locally with sedation or general.

In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient.

Side Effects: Temporary discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for first few weeks.

Risks: Temporary blurred or double vision. Infection, bleeding. Swelling at the corners of the eyelids. Dry eyes. Formation of whiteheads. Slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent). Pulling down of the lower lids (may require further surgery). Blindness (extremely rare).

Recovery: Reading: 2 or 3 days. Back to work: 7 to 10 days. Contact lenses: two weeks or more. Strenuous activities, alcohol: about 3 weeks. Bruising and swelling gone: several weeks.

Duration of Results: Several years. Sometimes permanent.

*From The American Society of Plastic Surgeons www.plasticsurgery.org