Take Years Off Your Appearance with Eyelid Surgery
As people age, their eyelids can begin to droop, sag, and change in overall shape. This can make a person appear much older than they actually are. At the practice of Dr. Constance Barone in San Antonio, upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery can dramatically transform the appearance of the eyelid, shaving years off the patient’s appearance. Depending on an individual’s specific needs, upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both procedures may be recommended for improvement of the eyelid area. Read on to learn more about both of these innovative procedures!
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the areas surrounding the eyes. Scheduling a consultation with a plastic surgery specialist, such as Dr. Barone, is the first step a patient must take to determine if this procedure will satisfy their aesthetic expectations.
Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids. Dr. Barone will help each patient decide which procedure best fits his or her needs.
- Upper eyelid surgery is usually recommended for patients with excessive puffiness in the upper eyelid region. Loose and sagging skin in the upper eyelid area can sometimes obstruct the vision of patients, and upper eyelid surgery can dramatically improve this problem.
- Lower eyelid surgery can dramatically reduce the appearance of heavy bags under the eyes. Excessive droopiness and uneven distribution of fat under the eyes can also be corrected with lower eyelid surgery.
Sometimes, both procedures are recommended for patients who have problem areas both above and below the eyelid region.
The Procedure
Before any eyelid procedure begins, Dr. Barone will ensure the maximum comfort of each patient by administering either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia (this largely depends on the amount of surgical work being performed and the patient’s individual wishes). Next, the doctor will make the incision to remove the excess fatty deposits within the eyelid area. Incision lines for an upper eyelid procedure are generally placed within the natural upper eye crease. For procedures on the lower eyelid, incision lines are typically placed right below the lower lash area. Another incision option for lower eyelid procedures is called a transconjunctival incision. This type of incision is hidden inside the lower eyelid. Once the excess eyelid tissue has been removed, the doctor will then close the incision with removable or dissolvable sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Immediately following eyelid surgery, Dr. Barone will apply a medicated ointment to the treated areas. Swelling is often reduced through the use of a cold compress, and sometimes gauze will also be applied over the affected areas. Eyelids are often puffy, red, and swollen in the days directly following this procedure. Patients are advised to stay out of the sun and to wear protective glasses in the weeks following surgery. However, the treated eyelids usually fully heal within a matter of just a few weeks. Many patients are pleased with the final results of this surgery and find that they look years younger. In a procedure that lasts only one to three hours, dull and baggy eyes can be rejuvenated to their former youthful state.
Learn More
As with any surgical procedure, there is always the possibility of risk and infection. However, ideal candidates for this procedure often find that the aesthetic benefits of eyelid surgery greatly outweigh the risks. If you would like to learn more about upper or lower eyelid surgery, or any other plastic surgery procedure, please contact Dr. Barone today! She is ready to help all patients look and feel their best.