As we grow older, the skin around the eyes and face can become thinner, causing the eyelids to droop or sag. This can give the individual the appearance of tired eyes. At Marietta Eye Clinic, we can help solve these types of problems in our Cosmetic Eye Center. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can help with facial rejuvenation, making patients look more awake and alert.
There are two types of eyelid surgeries that our eye surgeon, Dr. Byon Long, performs at Marietta Eye Clinic’s oculoplastics and aesthetics surgery center. These surgeries are performed in order to decrease the appearance of droopy eyelids and rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes. The good news is that our cosmetic eye doctor performs these surgeries on individuals of all ages, not just older adults with drooping skin on their eyelids.
This type of surgery is needed when the upper lids start to droop. This can be due to the natural aging process, a congenital issue with the eyelids or an eye injury that damaged the muscles, tendons or nerves in the eyelid. This surgery may be sought after because the individual doesn’t like the look of the drooping eyelid or because the eyelid is significantly drooping over the eye and impeding the individual’s vision.
For this eyelid surgery, our surgeon, Dr. Long, marks the individual lines in the creases of the lids in order to minimize the appearance of the scars. Next, an incision is made and excess fat, muscle and loose skin are removed. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions, which helps further decrease the appearance of scarring. Once the incision site has healed, the individual can enjoy a new and refreshed appearance that doesn’t alter the shape of the eye.
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty is lower eyelid surgery. It’s used to correct drooping or puffy lower eyelids. This is often accompanied by laser resurfacing. For this surgery, Dr. Long makes an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid. Next, the fat inside the lower lid is either removed or repositioned in order to reduce the puffiness. Once the fat has been removed or repositioned, Dr. Long uses a Fraxel CO2 laser to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The benefit of this surgery is that there are no external scars on the lower eyelid.
Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery usually takes between 30 minutes and one hour. It’s important to note that blepharoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, and due to the medications used and the surgery, the individual should arrange for someone to drive them to and from their surgical appointment.
Immediately after surgery, cold compresses will be applied to the eyelids for 20 minutes each hour while you are awake. We recommend applying the cold compresses for two days after your surgery. You will also be given an ophthalmic antibiotic ointment to apply to the sutures. Keeping your head elevated will reduce swelling. Some bruising is normal and will usually resolve within 2 to 3 weeks.
If you have drooping upper or lower eyelids or puffy lower eyelids, you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery. If the drooping eyelid is causing vision problems or is deemed medically necessary, your health insurance may pay for the procedure.
Good candidates are individuals who:
Whether you need cosmetic eye surgery or surgery because your droopy eyelid is impairing your vision, it’s important to choose the right eyelid surgeon for your needs. The right blepharoplasty surgeon is one who has completed all the necessary education and training, including one to two years in a plastic surgery center that focuses on correcting eyelid issues.
If you have sagging or puffy eyelids, consider scheduling an appointment with our blepharoplasty surgeon in North Atlanta for a consultation and eyelid exam by calling us at 770-427-8111.
When it comes to your eyes, nothing beats a face-to-face consultation with one of our eye doctors. Request an appointment to meet with one of our specialists.
8/1/2018
8/1/2018