Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid Surgery: A Closer Look at Blepharoplasty
If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then eyelids are the window dressings. Unfortunately, through both genetics and aging, eyelids can have an unpleasing appearance, hiding and distractive from even the most beautiful eyes. This is why eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States right now, with 203,934 patients undergoing this cosmetic procedure in 2015, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Popularity around the World
This procedure is also popular outside of the United States and is the most popular plastic surgery worldwide, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which reports that 1,427,451 blepharoplasty surgeries were performed around the world in 2014. Eyelid surgery actually originated in South Korea, and remains the most popular cosmetic procedure in the country even now as a way to achieve larger, rounder, and more wakeful eyes than naturally possible for those with monolids, though few Korean patients want a truly Caucasian looking eye shape.
Types of Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery can be performed on just the lower lid, just the upper lid, or on both lids.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is generally performed to treat puffy and sagging under eyes which lead to darkness under the eyes. While blepharoplasty can’t treat discoloration of the skin itself, lower eyelid blepharoplasty can remove the excess skin and fatty deposits under the eyes that cause puffiness and bags that cast shadows, creating the appearance of discoloration.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty removes the excess skin, fatty deposits, and muscle folds that can occur over the eye, typically at the inner corner. Excess skin, fat, and muscle can be simply unpleasant to look at as it gives the eyes a sleepy, droopy appearance, but excess skin, fat, and muscle can also be so severe that vision is impeded. Removing the excess tissues above the eyes removes the impediment and gives the eyes a more youthful, awake, and alert appearance.
Double eyelid blepharoplasty involves performing lower eyelid blepharoplasty and upper eyelid blepharoplasty during the same procedure. Double eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed to give the eyes a more comprehensive change in appearance by removing the excess tissues from both above and below the eyes, removing droops and sags from the upper eyelid, as well as bags and puffiness from the lower lid.
Good Candidates for Eyelid Surgery
Like for all plastic surgeries, good candidates for blepharoplasty are healthy with no major illnesses or other health condition that could impair or complicate healing. Plastic surgery candidates should generally not be smokers, or at least able to abstain from smoking for several weeks before and after their surgery to allow their body to heal.
Candidates for blepharoplasty specifically should have no major eye conditions and reasonable expectations for what eyelid surgery can achieve.
Not all sagging or bagging around the eyes can be resolved with eyelid surgery. Your surgeon will be able to talk with you during your consultation about your specific anatomy and issues and whether blepharoplasty is right for you. Other surgeries like lifts may be a better solution for your specific situation.
Scheduling Your Blepharoplasty Procedure
Dr. Binder exclusively performs facial cosmetic procedures, meaning he is greatly experienced in eyelid surgery. If you want the best plastic surgeon available to perform your surgery, whether blepharoplasty or another facial cosmetic procedure, Dr. Binder is the only choice for you. Contact his office today to schedule your consultation.