Drooping and sagging eyelids can make people look tired and older than they may actually be. Puffy bags below the eyes can make them seem to bulge out. Droopy lids may even interfere with vision. This can happen to both women and men as they age. An eyelid lift can eliminate excess fat, muscle, and skin, leaving the face rejuvenated and looking years younger.
How are eyelids affected by aging?
Skin and muscles lose tightness and firmness with aging. Skin laxity increases as the body’s collagen production decreases. This leads to fine lines and wrinkles, particularly in the delicate skin around the eyes. Muscles can weaken, providing less support than they once did. Pockets of fat can accumulate under the eyes, or fluid may collect there, making the eyes look puffy. Unfortunately, some people have a genetic tendency to develop undereye bags, despite their best efforts at self-treatment. Eyelid surgery can address all of these problems.
Types of Eyelid Surgeries
Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids or on both, depending on the patient’s specific issues. Eyelid lifts are highly customized.
- Upper eyelid surgery – The surgeon removes excess skin, fat, and muscle that makes the eyes look droopy or hooded. The incision is done in the upper eyelid fold, so no scar line will be visible. If the droopy eyelids are diminishing the patient’s field of vision, the corrective surgery is considered functional, not merely cosmetic. In this case, insurance may cover the cost of the procedure.
- Lower eyelid surgery – Excess skin and fat are removed, and the lower eyelid muscle is tightened. This creates a smoother contour under the eye. The incision is strategically placed just inside the eyelid or outside the lash line. In addition to the eyelift, laser resurfacing of the surrounding skin can be done at the same time to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Additionally, Dr. Keusch often recommends and is able to use Fraxel Laser Resurfacing on the lower lids in order to help remove fine lines and wrinkles around the lower eyelid area. Fraxel laser skin resurfacing is an innovative laser treatment that triggers subdermal collagen production while exfoliating the top layer of the skin. In addition to treating wrinkles, Fraxel is an excellent treatment option for patients with uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and crepey skin.
Post-op Recovery
Patients may see some results immediately. Some bruising and swelling are normal, and cool compresses can be used to help minimize it. Contact lenses cannot be worn for several days following surgery. Most patients will be able to return to work in about a week. The major swelling and bruising usually resolves around six weeks post-surgery.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
The tissues surrounding the eyes are sensitive. For optimal results, it’s essential to choose a Board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in eyelid surgery. Dr. Cristina Keusch at Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center has been performing eyelid lifts for many years with excellent results.
All of Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center’s blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) patients will receive a SkinMedica product kit with products designed to aid in regenerating their skin around the eyes, as well as the entire face. (Available while supplies last; offer subject to change.)
Contact us today for a consultation appointment.
