Blepharoplasty, also known as cosmetic eyelid surgery or eyelift, is one of the most commonly performed procedures in plastic surgery. The eyes are usually the first place on the face to show signs of aging. With time the upper eyelids can develop folds of loose skin or become droopy. This usually gives a false impression of a tired look.

Reconstructive blepharoplasty removes excess skin and tightens the appearance of the skin around the eyes making them appear more rested and vibrant after surgery. Most often the results are so natural that friends and coworkers will comment on how great you look without realizing that eyelid surgery was performed.

The incision for blepharoplasty is made in the natural crease of the eyelid and since they are placed in the fold, their appearance is reduced significantly.  Oculoplastic surgeons often treat lower lid bags with a procedure called transconjunctival blepharoplasty.  With this procedure the excess skin is removed through the inner eyelid avoiding the need for an incision in the external skin.

Blepharoplasty with a CO2 Laser

The CO2 laser produces a very fine incision and vaporizes unwanted tissue and is an important oculoplastic and facial surgery technique.  Use of the CO2 laser in blepharoplasty minimizes bleeding, swelling and bruising, thus reducing the post-operative healing time. The laser can also be used to treat wrinkles around the eye and face at the time of blepharoplasty.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelid – or both eyelids. Patients UPPER and on the LOWER eyelids – or both.

Upper Blepharoplasty (Eye Lift)

An eyelift, or upper eyelid surgery is performed to reduces excess skin and fat in the upper eyelids. The excess fat is removed through an incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid which is closed with fine sutures after surgery. An eyelid lift does not change the shape of the eye or cause a pulled appearance, but rather removes weight from the upper eyelid which make the eyes look tired and heavy.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid surgery is generally performed either through a tiny incision in the skin or through the inside of the eyelid (trans-conjunctival). Lower blepharoplasty reduces excess fat in the lower eyelids which gives you a puffy or swollen appearance. Lower eyelid surgery is almost always done for cosmetic reasons, to improve puffy lower eyelid “bags” and reduce the wrinkling of skin.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is often combined with other techniques such as a mid-face lift, which can be performed through the same lower eyelid incision.  Eyebrow lifts, injections of BOTOX® and facial fillers and chemical peels are also commonly performed with blepharoplasty.  Each patient will have a customized treatment plan to achieve a youthful harmonious outcome.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Roth to learn more about blepharoplasty and find out if it is right for you.