What is Blepharoplasty?
Posted on 23. Apr, 2009 by Valerie in Surgical Procedures
Blepharoplasty is, at its most basic, eyelid surgery. It is a surgical procedure that is designed to restructure and reshape the upper or lower eyelid by repositioning or removing excess tissue. In some cases, the muscles of the eyelid are also reinforced. This procedure is most commonly performed for cosmetic purposes, though it does have functional medical applications as well.
Blepharoplasty is most commonly used to reduce signs of ageing around the eye. The procedure can eliminate bags and get rid of that constantly tired look that some people have. It is actually a very common procedure.
For other patients, the procedure is performed to remove excess upper eyelid skin for functional reasons. In some cases, this skin can actually hang over the eyelashes. When this occurs there can be a significant loss of peripheral vision, which affects common activities such as reading and driving.
There are a number of factors which can affect the outcome of a blepharoplasty that should be considered. Among these are dry eyes, loose skin, age, skin quality, and surrounding bone and soft tissue. Because these things can affect the likelihood of complications, they must all be considered carefully by your surgeon before it is decided that surgery is right for you.
For those who are unable to have surgery or who simply do not wish to undergo a surgical procedure, there are non-surgical options. Injections of substances such as Restalyne can rejuvenate the eyelid area, creating a more youthful appearance. It is non-invasive, takes approximately ten minutes, and most patients return to work and normal activity immediately. The results are not permanent but can last up to 18 months.
If you are considering surgical blepharoplasty or a non-surgical alternative, consult with your physician to ensure that you are a good candidate. Whether you want the procedure for medical or cosmetic reasons, it can provide a significant difference in your appearance and vision. For many people a blepharoplasty is an ideal procedure when looking to subtly rejuvenate they eyes and face.
Jacqueline Faulkner
18. Feb, 2010
The problem I have is not so much eye bags, but a recurring fatty deposit starting in the corner of one eye, and spreading outward, giving a ‘tired’ (and decidedly ‘lop-sided) appearance. This is a congenital problem, and I have only been rid of it once, when I had a (bilateral) lower blepharoplasty. But I don’t feel I need another operation of that – I just want rid of the fatty ‘bulge’! Arent there other, cheaper, more direct ways of resolving this problem? Eg: Can’t a ‘mini-lipsuction’ approach solve it?