About Cosmetic Plastic Surgery of the Eyelids

Eyelid Surgery or Blepharoplasty

Your eyes are one of the most important aspects of your appearance, and one of the first areas to show signs of aging. For some, this can occur as early as your twenties to early thirties. If the eyes project a lack of energy due to overhanging skin and puffiness, you may appear tired or older. Conversely, if the eyes are more open and relatively free of creases and folds, you will probably seem more rested and youthful.

Eyelid Surgery or Eyelift is known medically as blepharoplasty (blef-er-o-plasty) is actually one of the most frequently performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedures for the face. There are two types of blepharoplasty, upper eyelid blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty where each procedure corresponds to the area of the face where it is performed.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty involves the improvement of two characteristics of the aging upper eyelid area. The first is correction of excess skin of the upper eyelid, a condition referred to as "hooding of the upper lid." The second condition that can be corrected is the puffiness that is seen in the inner corner and middle of the eyelid as a result of the herniation (pushing forward) of fat located in these areas above the eye. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is commonly performed at the same time as lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty does not correct crows feet, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is one of the least traumatic procedures for someone to undergo. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is a procedure performed to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids, which is the anatomic area that extends from the lower lid eyelashes to the bony rim of the eye socket.

If there is a herniation of fat present, there are two different surgical approaches to remove the fat. The more common technique utilizes an inconspicuous incision that runs just beneath the lash line. An alternative is to enter the fat pockets through an incision made in the inner lining of the lower eyelid. If excess skin needs to be removed, this can only be accomplished through an external approach. The procedure is long lasting and usually never has to be repeated.

You might benefit from eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty if: