The Eyes Are Our Most Intriguing and Revealing Facial Feature.
They draw attention and convey expression. Through them, we not only see others, but others see us as well. Our interest and how we feel physically or emotionally is reflected in our eyes. Unfortunately hereditary factors and the signs of aging, can greatly impact the appearance of the eyes, so that what they reflect, is not really how we feel. If you are bothered by upper eyelids with excess, drooping skin that makes you appear sad or angry, or by eyes that look tired, due to puffiness or bags, cosmetic eyelid surgery may be right for you. In general, eyelid surgery corrects the excess skin, tissue and fat that contribute to puffiness and bags in both the upper and lower eyelids, revealing a more youthful and energetic appearance.
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, technically called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Specifically, eyelid surgery can treat:
- Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or hides the natural contour of the upper eyelid
- Excess skin that hangs down from the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
- Excess fatty deposits that appears as puffiness in the upper eyelids
- Bags under the eyes
- Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris
- Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid
These conditions typically appear as part of the natural aging process, or due to heredity. In some cases of heredity, individuals as young as their 20s and 30s may achieve a marked improvement in the appearance of their eyes through eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery removes excess skin, eliminates bags and restores firmness to the area surrounding the eye, making you look more rested and alert.
Most commonly, eyelid surgery is performed on adult men and women who have healthy facial tissue and muscles and realistic goals for improvement of the upper and/or lower eyelids and surrounding area.
Good candidates are:
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improvement through eyelid surgery
In addition, the following medical conditions are essential to disclose if you are considering South Florida Eyelid Surgery:
- Eye disease such as glaucoma, dry eye or a detached retina
- Thyroid disorders such as “Graves” disease and under or over-active thyroid
- Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or other circulatory disorders or diabetes
Like any cosmetic procedure, eyelid surgery requires an individual approach. Dr. Yalamanchi will evaluate patient anatomy, the conditions you wish to have corrected, what is causing the condition and your realistic goals for improvement. Eyelid surgery can offer dramatic improvement in the upper and lower eyelids and surrounding regions. This degree of correction of drooping eyelids, puffiness, or bags, can only be achieved surgically, by repositioning muscles. Redistributing fat that has settled into contours and when necessary by removing excess skin.
Skin resurfacing techniques may be recommended to further improve the tone and surface appearance of skin surrounding the eye, and in some cases, as a substitute for excision of minimal excess lower eyelid skin. Where a low positioned brow or crow’s feet at the outer corner of the eyes contribute to the aging appearance of the eyes, a brow lift may be more appropriate than, or recommended in conjunction with South Florida Eyelid Surgery. In addition, a brow lift can also smooth lines or furrowed forehead.
A mid facelift, one that corrects sagging in the cheek region and pronounced nasolabial folds (creases from the nose to the outer corner of the mouth) may be performed through the same incisions as blepharoplasty. A facelift and neck lift may also be performed at the same time, as eyelid surgery.
Droopy condition of the upper eyelid can be corrected through eyelid surgery. An incision within the natural crease of the upper eyelid allows repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles and tissue, and /or removal of excess skin to create a firmer upper eyelid contour.
Conditions of the lower eyelid may be corrected using a transconjunction incision, one hidden inside the lower eyelid. Through this incision, fat is redistributed or some fat may be removed and sagging muscles are tightened. An incision just below the lower lash line is an alternative technique allowing for corrections of lower eyelid conditions and removal of excess skin in the lower lid.
The incision lines from eyelid surgery are well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid region. Results appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal a smooth, better-defined eyelid and surrounding region, and an alert and rejuvenated appearance.
Following Surgery
Once your procedure is completed, lubricating ointment and cold compresses may be applied, and in some cases, your eyes may be loosely covered with gauze. Before being released, you and an accompanying family member, friends or caregiver will be given specific instructions that may include:
- How to care for surgical site
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
- Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health
- When to follow up with Dr. Yalamanchi
Initial healing will include swelling, bruising, irritation or dry eye and discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment. Irritation at the incision site is also possible. These are common conditions.
Dr. Yalamanchi will instruct you to keep your head elevated at all times until swelling has subsided and to wear sunglasses to protect eyes from bright light, sun and wind. Follow all instructions carefully this is essential to the success of our outcome. A return to light, normal activity is possible as you feel ready, usually within a few days of surgery.
Healing of incisions may take 5 to 10 days at which time any sutures will be removed, if necessary. You will be ready to return to work, and normal activity at this time, and to resume wearing contact lenses. Cosmetic can camouflage any bruising or redness that remains. Healing will continue for several weeks, as swelling continues to dissipate and incision lines improve. Diligent sun protection and consistent use or darkly tinted sunglasses is essential.
Results and Outlook
Your final results will appear over time, generally within several weeks. It may take up to a year for incision lines to fully refine. While eyelid surgery can be expected to correct certain conditions permanently, you will continue to age naturally. Life-long sun protection, including the use of sunscreen and sunglasses will help to maintain your results.
The benefits of your surgery should reveal a smooth, firm contour of the upper and/or lower eyelids. What matters more, is that the appearance of your eyes matched the way you feel inside – youthful, vital and alert.