You may have heard about eyelid surgery, but you’re not quite sure what it is. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can be very beneficial from both an aesthetic standpoint and a functional perspective.
Eyelid surgery is primarily performed to correct sagging eyelids. As you get older, the skin’s ability to retract back into its normal position after movement is diminished. This leads to skin that appears to have been stretched. Consequently, it begins to sag. The cause can be attributed to the lack of elastin and collagen in the skin. These are two substances that the body naturally produces. Collagen gives the skin fullness. Elastin gives it elasticity. Age decreases the body’s ability to naturally produce these two substances. The result is skin that becomes loose, begins to sag and develops wrinkles. This happens to skin all over the body.
In addition to these factors, the eyelids have other things working against them to cause them to sag. Fatty tissue is located around the eyes to provide a cushion between the eyes and the skull. Over time, the membranes that hold this fatty tissue in place become weaker. This allows the fat to move forward into the eyelids, magnifying the drooping effect.
Eyelid surgery can remove the excess skin that causes the eyelids to sag. The remaining skin can then be tightened to create a younger, more refreshed appearance. Sometimes during the procedure, it will be necessary to remove other tissue like fat and muscle as well. It all depends on the unique situation. After the healing from the surgery is complete, the eyelids will look younger, more like what they did during the earlier years. As a result, you will look younger.
Eyelid surgery can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids. When the lower eyelids begin to sag, they can actually pull away from the eyeball. This makes the white part of the lower eye more visible.
While surgery on both the upper and lower eyelids can provide a more youthful appearance, there are times when the procedure can be medically necessary as well. If the eyelids are drooping to the point that they start to block vision, surgery is needed to restore sight. Drooping eyelids can interfere with the ability to look up. It can also block the peripheral vision. This can not only be frustrating, but it can also be dangerous, especially while driving.
If you have eyelids that are beginning to droop and you either want a younger look or want to prevent them from blocking your vision, you should have a discussion with our doctor at The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Celebration or Altamonte Springs.