Blepharoplasty – What Is It?

eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty Makes Your Eyes Look Great

Blepharoplasty is a procedure that allows you to eliminate the signs of aging from your eyes: the droopiness in the upper lids, under-eye bags, and the wrinkles that make you look tired and fatigued. These usually start to develop when we are in our late 30s or early 40s, often making us look older than we actually feel.

Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper or lower eyelid, or both. The doctor opens up the eyes through removing excess skin and fat from the area, improving your appearance. This may also help in fixing any overhanging skin that could be affecting your vision. Incisions are made in the natural folds of the eyelid, making scarring virtually unnoticeable once the healing process is complete.

While lower eyelid puffiness can be caused by fluid underneath the skin, it’s usually the result of fatty deposits protruding through the lower eyelid. Dark circles are often shadows resulting from fatty deposits and discoloration under the skin. There are several techniques available to correct these concerns.

Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty

This procedure is ideal for younger patients, who have fatty pockets under their eyes but no excess skin.

Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty With the Pinch Technique

This procedure is ideal for patients who have only a small amount of excess skin under their lower lid, and utilizes a pinch technique.
Blepharoplasty Peels and Laser Resurfacing of the Lower Eyelid

In situations where a patient has excessive fine wrinkling or discoloration in the lower lid, a chemical peel or laser resurfacing can be performed along with surgery.

External Incisions & Canthoplasty

Before more advanced techniques were developed, external incisions made under the eyelids were the usual approach to eye surgery. However, this method is now better suited for patients with significant excess skin and severe wrinkling.

In addition to these external incisions, Dr. Binder uses supporting canthoplasty to help strengthen the lower lid. This allows excess skin to be safely removed and the creases to be smoothed out. A chemical peel or laser resurfacing can also be added.

Muscle Slings & Upper Midface Lifts

Eyelid conditions that are more severe in nature may require a reconstructive approach. These conditions include drooping lower lids, sagging skin and muscle of the lower lids, and tear through deformity. Dr. Binder uses various methods to shape and perfect the eye area to brighten the patient’s face.

Preparing for Blepharoplasty

As with any procedure, it’s always a good idea to have a consultation with your doctor to discuss the possible risks involved, as well as to express your expectations and concerns. The information you may find elsewhere is not always reliable, so it is best to have an open discussion with your surgeon.

Prior to surgery, be prepared to have both a vision and physical exam done. You will also be instructed to arrange for transportation on the day of the surgery, as you will be unable to drive. You may also be asked to discuss your medical history, and to avoid pain relievers such as aspirin before the procedure. You will also be directed to quit smoking in order to ensure your ability to heal after the surgery.

Blepharoplasty Recovery

Expect a fast recovery after this procedure. Sutures will either dissolve or be removed 4-5 days after the surgery. Patients can expect to experience some short term discomfort such as bruising, swelling, light sensitivity, and watery eyes.

Immediately following surgery, patients should avoid straining or heavy lifting, rubbing the eyes, or wearing contacts. They should also make sure to wear darkly tinted sunglasses to protect their eyes. It is also recommended that you sleep with your head raised higher than your chest for a few days. Be gentle when cleaning the eyelids, and use prescription ointments and eye drops.

Cosmetics can be applied in about 10 days after the procedure.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Binder Today

There is no need to live with sagging eyelids, dark circles, and wrinkles around your eyes when a simple procedure can vastly improve your appearance. As we age, sometimes it’s discouraging to look in the mirror and see an older version of ourselves, when we still feel very young. Dr. Binder’s work has made a world of difference for his patients, leaving them feeling refreshed and renewed inside and out.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder today to discuss what blepharoplasty can do for you. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Dr. Binder has the skills and expertise to give you the results that you deserve.