Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, means changing the upper or lower lids. It can be used to correct upper eyelid skin excess or puffiness. The lower lids are more complicated. There can be puffiness below the eyes which is usually due to lower lid fat protrusion. There may also be excess skin. By removing excess skin, fat, or muscle the lids can have a more aesthetic youthful appearance.

The surgeon must be careful not to remove too much skin that can cause the lids to be pulled downward which is called ectropion. The excess skin can potentially obstruct some portion of the visual fields and in those cases, insurance may cover the surgical procedure to correct that. A visual field exam is usually required to document those issues prior to surgery.

It is important to understand that the eyes make an important part of the entire face. Our understanding of the youthful aesthetic eyes continues to evolve. The shape of the brow or the fullness of the lids make a significant contribution to facial aesthetics. That is why too much fat cannot be removed or the eyes may look too hollow.

Midface descent

The cheeks or midface descent can effect the look of the lower lids and may at times make them look longer than they were in youth. If you look at youthful attractive faces the lid-cheek junction is usually high can the lids appear shorter than in a more aged face.  That is why a midface lift can much such a natural improvement to the youthful face. Midface lifts can be done alone or with a general facelift.

Tear trough

The tear trough is usually seen in the medial, inner lower, part to the lower lids. This can create a shadow that some individuals do not like. The tear trough depression can be corrected with careful injection of filler in the office. In recent years, fat from the lower lids have been placed in that area to improve the look of the tear troughs.