The delicate skin around our eyes is frequently the first place to show the visible signs of aging on our faces. Although non-surgical procedures like Botox® Cosmetic and laser treatments may soften crow’s feet and improve skin’s texture, surgical intervention may eventually be needed to address sagging skin and puffiness around our eyes. Eyelid Surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty, is a corrective procedure that addresses both cosmetic and functional concerns related to the upper and lower eyelids. By removing excess fat and skin and tightening the surrounding tissue around the eyes, Blepharoplasty can restore a more balanced and youthful appearance to your entire face.
How can Eyelid Surgery improve the appearance of aging eyes?
Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper, lower, or both eyelid areas to address:
- Drooping, heavy skin on the upper and/or lower eyelids
- Crepey, wrinkled skin on the upper and/or lower eyelids
- Bags or puffiness in the undereye area
- Hooded skin on the upper eyelid that impairs vision
What factors contribute to aging around the eyes?
Everyone’s eye area ages differently. Some factors that contribute to this aging are ones we can control, like unprotected sun exposure, and some are not, like genetics. Regardless of the reason, aging skin around the eyes can cause sagging and drooping that may hinder a patient’s vision and cause them to look perpetually tired or angry. For women, applying makeup to the eyes can be especially difficult when extra folds of loose skin are present.
Eyelid Surgery can resolve many of these issues by excising excess skin, tightening drooping lids to the lash line, removing puffiness and bags, and even improving the appearance of dark undereye circles. The end result leaves a patient looking more alert, refreshed, and younger!
Factors that may contribute to sagging or puffiness around the eye area:
- The natural decrease in collagen and elastin production with aging causes the skin to lose elasticity
- Genetics may predispose a patient to dark circles, undereye bags, and puffiness
- UV damage from cumulative, unprotected sun exposure
- Significant squinting of eyes due to vision impairment, reading, not wearing sunglasses, or working in front of a computer screen
- Poor sleep quality throughout life
- Using skincare products that cause chronic irritation around the eyes
- Rubbing, tugging, and pulling at eye area due to allergies, irritation, contact lenses, or chronic dry eye
- Decent of the eyebrows that causes hooding oer the lateral lid
Is Eyelid Surgery only for older patients?
No. Although Blepharoplasty is most frequently performed on patients over 40 years old, it is not uncommon for individuals in their 20s and 30s to have Eyelid Surgery. The need for surgery will depend on the individual, the condition of the skin around their eyes, their functional needs, and the desired aesthetic of each patient for their eyes. Younger patients may be genetically predisposed to having puffy under eyes or heavy upper eyelids, which can impair their vision as much as elderly patients. Meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you identify if you are a good candidate for Eyelid Surgery regardless of what age group you fall into.
Key signs that you might benefit from Blepharoplasty surgery.
If you can answer yes to any of the questions below, you may be a good candidate for Eyelid Surgery and should consider scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
- Do you always have bags under your eyes, regardless of how much sleep you are getting?
- Do your upper eyelids feel heavy and like it’s a constant challenge to keep them open?
- Do people keep asking you if you are tired or angry or if your eyes are irritated?
- When you look in a mirror, do your lower eyelids sag down to the extent that your irises consistently show?
- When you pinch the skin on your upper or lower eyelid, does it take time for it to snap back into place?
- Does it feel like heavy, drooping upper eyelids impair your vision?
- Do you experience constant dry eye or tear up frequently because your lower eyelids are loose and drooping away from your eyes?
Would you like to find out if you are a good candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Are you curious about how Blepharoplasty may restore more youthful-looking eyes? Schedule a complimentary consultation with a board-certified Edina Plastic Surgery surgeon by calling (612)688-3177, texting (952)925-1765, or by CLICKING HERE!
