Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a favorite cosmetic plastic surgery San Francisco. Over the last decade, the top three procedures have remained the same: Breast Augmentation, Liposuction and Blepharoplasty. Currently, Blepharoplasty, also called an eyelid lift, remains the third most popular cosmetic plastic surgery. Approximately 250,000 eyelid surgeries where performed last year in the United States.

Excess skin and bags around the eyes contribute to a tired look. The goal of a cosmetic blepharoplasty is to remove excess skin and fat around the eyes and give an alert rested appearance. It is one of the most meticulous surgeries, because millimeters can be the difference between rested and startled. It is a surgery that when done well, is noticed, but not noticeable.

The two main contributors to the aging eyelid are excess skin and excess fat. In the upper lid excess skin is the primary problem, with excess fat being secondary. For the lower eyelid it’s the opposite, excess skin can contribute, but excess fat is the primary contributor to the bags beneath the eyes. Since upper eyelid aging and lower eyelid aging have different causes, the solutions differ.

Before surgery, excess skin gives the upper eyelids a heavy appearance. This patient is unconsciously holding her eyebrows up in order to see better.

After upper eyelid surgery, the excess skin is removed, resulting in a more alert and friendly expression. Her eyebrows are now relaxed.

Whatever the goal of your blepharoplasty San Francisco, be certain to review all your options, and seek the guidance of a Board Certified expert. Doctors who are Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology both receive specific training for the prevention and correction of a wide range of eyelid problems. As a Plastic Surgeon specializing in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, I am Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and can provide expertise in Reconstructive and Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for the face and body.

If you are interested in eyelid surgery, you may also be interested in these future blog entries (coming soon):

• Upper Eyelid Rejuvenation (Upper Blepharoplasty) on September 16, 2009
• Lower Eyelid Rejuvenation (Lower Blepharoplasty) on September 17, 2009
• Internal Approach to the Lower Eyelids (Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty) on September 18, 2009
• Asian Eyelid Rejuvenation (Asian Blepharoplasty) on September 19, 2009

Additional information about eyelid surgery is also available on www.DrMele.com