Today’s post reviews Eyelid Surgery and includes a Blepharoplasty Video from KRON 4’s Body Beautiful.
Indications For Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid Surgery is performed for men and women for both cosmetic and functional reasons. In the Blepharoplasty Video below, you will see Eyelid Lift Before and After Pictures and learn the indications, procedures and recovery for Blepharoplasty.
It is common for people to assume we are tired solely by the look of our eyes. Heavy, droopy upper eyelids and bags under our eyes occur when we need sleep. Unfortunately, these changes also occur with aging.
Bags under the eyes contribute to the perception of being tired. Lower Blepharoplasty (Lower Eyelid Surgery) removes the fullness of the lower eyelids, thereby smoothing and tightening the lower eyelid skin and rejuvenating your appearance.
There are a variety of indications for Blepharoplasty. Aging is the most common reason for upper and lower blepharoplasty. Aging causes skin laxity and hooding of the upper eyelids which not only makes us look tired, but can also block upward and lateral gaze. Aging also causes elongation of the lower eyelids, thinning of the skin and atrophy of the subcutaneous fat, revealing the fat pads beneath the eyes.
There are other reasons why eyelid lifts are performed. Sometimes it is functional, like when the muscles that open the eyes are not functioning properly. This should always be checked before having Blepharoplasty. Sometimes it is cosmetic, like when Asian eyelids have a poor or absent fold. This allows the skin and fat of the upper eyelid to descend and close the eyes. When a fold is present, often it is low and indistinct, giving a sleepy appearance and blocking vision. When desired, Double Eyelid Surgery (Asian Eyelid Surgery) is used to form a clear fold to better support and open the eyelids.
Eyelid Lift Video (Blepharoplasty)
The following Eyelid Lift Video includes several examples of:
- Upper Blepharoplasty
- Lower Blepharoplasty
- Double Eyelid Surgery (Asian Blepharoplasty)
This segment from Body Beautiful first aired on KRON 4, the San Francisco Bay Area’s News Station. In this video, I review Cosmetic Eyelid Lift Before and After Pictures and narrate the indications, procedure and recovery of Blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty for Aging Upper Eyelids
Excess upper eyelid skin causes heavy upper eyelids and projects a tired appearance. The upper eyelid before and after pictures above reveal the alert, interested and friendly appearance that upper blepharoplasty can provide.
As we age, the skin on our upper eyelids thins, sags and can take on the appearance of crepe paper. The skin also loses elasticity and its attachment to the muscle beneath it. As a result, the skin drops toward and sometimes in front of the eyes. Upper Blepharoplasty removes the excess upper eyelid skin and rejuvenates our appearance. If the brow also sags, it pushes additional skin down onto the eyelids. An open or endoscopic Brow Lift may be recommended to further improve facial harmony and balance.
Blepharoplasty for Aging Lower Eyelids
Lower eyelid bags can make even young eyelids look old and tired. Lower blepharoplasty (lower eyelid surgery) unstuffs those bags, smooths the lids and provides a more rested, attractive appearance.
When the lower eyelids age, they become longer and fuller. The bags that form in the lower eyelids are caused by fat “pseudoherniation.” The excess fat pushes forward and gives the overstuffed look we associate with aging. A Lower Blepharoplasty removes the excess fat and smooths out the lower lids. The result is a more rested and youthful appearance.
When the eyelid skin is wrinkled and crepey, a lower eyelid chemical peel may also be recommended to address the fine lines. The peel helps tighten the skin on the surface, and can remove excess dark pigmentation. More about alternate ways to remove wrinkles can be found on my Skin Care Page.
Blepharoplasty for Sagging Upper Eyelids
Blepharoptosis (saggy upper eyelids) is corrected with levator advancement during blepharoplasty in the above eyelid surgery before and after photos. In the before pictures on the left, her eyelids are blocking her pupils and obstructing her vision.
Blepharoptosis can occur at any age. If present at birth it is called congenital ptosis; if it appears later in life, it is called senile ptosis. Eyelid sagging can have multiple causes, so a careful evaluation is required prior to choosing the best procedure for correction. In the case above, her eyelid sagging was caused by stretching of the tendon that opens the eyelids. During her blepharoplasty, the levator muscle tendon was shortened, allowing the eyelids to retract properly. This technique, Levator Advancement, is just one of many procedures available to help correct Eyelid Ptosis.
Blepharoplasty for Asian Eyelids
Before surgery, multiple folds are seen in this patient’s right upper eyelid, and a single, low fold is present in her left upper eyelid. Asian Eyelid Surgery (Double Eyelid Surgery) was used to create more distinct, symmetrical and yet natural appearing upper eyelid creases.
Asian Eyelids may have no fold, a single low fold or multiple folds. The fold is dependent on if and how the eyelid skin is attached. Caucasian eyelids normally have a single, strong line of attachment. To form the fold in the Asian eyelid, a line of attachment is created. For the patient above, Double Eyelid Surgery was performed to correct her asymmetry, and provide her with crisp, clean eyelids folds.
Blepharoplasty Consultations
Eyelid Surgery is one of the most detail oriented procedures performed by Facial Plastic Surgeons. The key to achieving your best results is to consult with an experienced, well trained and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. A professional who can balance achieving the ideal aesthetics with maximizing the function of your eyelids is necessary for a great result and satisfying patient experience.
People from all around the San Francisco Bay Area come to my Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery office for just that. Call (925) 943-6353 today to schedule your private consultation.
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