Blepharoplasty

BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELID SURGERY)
Blepharoplasty is surgical modification of the eyelid. Excess tissue such as skin and fat are removed or repositioned, and surrounding muscles and tendons may be reinforced. It can be both a functional and cosmetic surgery. The eyelids, eyebrows and laugh lines are the areas which first show signs of aging.  Rejuvenation of these areas is increasingly sought after by the younger patient.  Resurfacing with creams, peels, micro-dermabrasion and laser can push back the years as well as maintaining a smooth, youthful glow. Lower eyelid bags worsened by allergies and sinusitis can be “melted” away utilizing small incisions inside the eyelids.  Fat taken from the stomach or waist injected into the grooves between the eyelid bags, nose and cheeks results in long lasting if not permanent improvement and smoothing.  Excessive skin can be excised, eyebrows and outer eyelids can be elevated with small inconspicuous incisions. The position and shape of the eyebrows is very important.  The feminine eyebrow sits above the orbital rim and arches.  The point of highest arch is usually right above the outer rim.  A higher arching brow is associated with a more youthful, attractive appearance.  Drooping of the brow will cause skin to droop onto  the upper lid. These procedures take less than two hours, can be performed even with light sedation and local anesthesia.  Minimal pain allows you to return to indoor activities quickly.  Bruising and swelling typically lasting 12 days requires use of reflective or tinted lenses to return to the public eye sooner.
Fillers and Fat dissolution. Fillers such as Restylane can effectively reduce the appearance of lower bulges. Immediate results with relatively low cost make this the most common approach.
Swelling may occur for several days; small lumps may occur usually resolving by a week. The possibility of visual changes should be discussed with your doctor. Several liquids are available to shrink small or diminish large fat bulges. Several sessions are required to achieve maximal results.
Chemical Peels and Topical Creams: Fine lines and wrinkling of the eyelid skin respond to retinoic acid creams.  These can be applied three times weekly. Vitamins C and E have been shown to have significant antioxidant activity when applied with the proper carrier.  Within a few months you will see gradual diminution of these lines and a healthier glow to your skin. Dark circles of the lower eyelids may respond to the addition of  Hydroquinone based bleaching creams. More intense lightening is accomplished by application of  TCA,  phenol peels and laser/intense pulsed light treatments.  Patients experience long lasting results with mild discomfort from these brief office procedures.  Please see our products/ fillers page for our latest recommendations and ordering information.  Let us help you with your rejuvenation/lightening program.