The eyes have long been considered a critical feature of a person’s character and demeanor. Often considered the “window to your soul,” the eyes are shaped and affected by the tissues surrounding them: the eyelids, cheeks and brow. Aging is characteristically manifested in this area with a progressively “tired” appearance.
• Dark circles or bags under the eyes
• Excessive skin or wrinkles surrounding the eyelids including the crows feet area (lateral)
• A droopy brow
• Upper eyelid crowding or hooding
Blepharoplasty or eyelid lift is a procedure that can helps rejuvenate the periorbital area and eliminates that “tired” appearance. Small incisions are performed in the natural contours around the eyes, which in almost all cases leaves no visible scarring. The procedure has different goals depending on the anatomic location (upper or lower eyelid), the age of the patient, and the specific features of aging that are visible.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty typically involves removal of redundant or excessively stretched skin that can cause multiple wrinkles or hooding onto the lash line. Small amounts of fat may be conservatively removed as well. If there is an underlying droopiness of the actual lid margin (ptosis), a muscle repair can be performed through this incision at the same time.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty can be performed using a variety of techniques. Dr. Ha will tailor the procedure to the patient’s specific problems (excessive skin, muscle laxity, bags, deep lines). What often times appears as “fat” excess is usually a problem of excessive stretching of the eyelid support layers. Dr. Ha favors re-suspension of these layers and re-distribution of the fat over actual fat removal. It is widely known that facial and peri-orbital fat is progressively lost with age – thus fat in the eyelid is a precious commodity. Paradoxically, aggressive removal of this fat will acutally promote an aged appearance – not correct it.
Surgery lasts 1 to 2 hours and a relatively quick recovery can be expected. Minor discomfort can be expected and bruising and swelling around the eyes is common. This lasts approximately 1 to 3 weeks. The eyes can be temporarily dry after surgery and maintenance eye drops are recommended for up to 6 weeks post-op.
