What Is Blepharoplasty

Surgery for sagging eyelids is known as blepharoplasty. With age, all of us develop loosening of the skin and a decrease in the elasticity in our tissues. As the support for the eye muscles decreases, sagging of the eyelids develops.

Further as the skin underneath the eye loosens, fat builds underneath it and causes sagging of the lower eye lids. Baggy and drooping eyelids are a common feature of aging. The baggy eyelids make one look much older than the stated age. In addition, as the lower eye lids droop, the eyes reveal a tired look.

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to repair the droopy lower and upper eyelids and remove the excess fat and skin around them.

Blepharoplasty is not designed to restore vision.

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure done by both plastic surgeons and even ophthalmologists (eye doctors).

The major aim of blepharoplasty is to rid you of the baggy eyes and give you a more youthful facial appearance

Candidates for blepharoplasty include those with:

- baggy eyelids

- excess skin on the lower eyelids

- dark circles or bags underneath the eyes

- excess fat deposits that puff up the eye

- excess skin and wrinkling of the lower eyelids

Blepharoplasty can be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as:

- face lift

- botox

- skin rejuvenation

- brow lift

- lip augmentation

Blepharoplasty can be done for both men and women who have healthy facial skin and underlying tissues. One must have a realistic goal about the final appearance.

Blepharoplasty can make the eyes look rested and refreshed but it does not reverse aging

Individuals who seek blepharoplasty should

- be healthy

- preferably not smoke or stop smoking at least 4-6 weeks prior to the procedure

- have no life threatening diseases

- have no difficulty with wound healing

- do not have any major medical eye disorder (such as glaucoma, dry eyes)

- do not have an over active thyroid gland

The only way to determine if you are a candidate for eyelid surgery is to see a plastic surgeon. During the initial consult you will be asked about your expectations and outcome.

A complete medical history and physical exam will be performed. Photos of your face will be obtained to keep a record of what you look like

The surgeon will discuss with you the surgery, your options and likely outcomes. The possible side effects and potential complications will also be discussed.

At this point one should ask all the relevant questions about the surgery, costs and recovery period

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