Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure whose purpose is to remove excess skin and muscle from the eyelids, both upper and lower, as well as the underlying fatty tissue. Blepharoplasty can improve sagging skin and bags, and can help improve vision in older people who have a significant excess of the upper eyelid that falls over the pupil. Although it can create a crease in the upper lid of an Asian-type eye, it will not erase evidence of racial/ethnic traits. Blepharoplasty does not eliminate “crow's feet” or other wrinkles, or dark “eye circles”, nor does it lift drooping eyebrows.

Blepharoplasty is individually designed for each patient, depending on their particular needs. It can be performed in isolation for the upper, lower or both eyelids, or in combination with other surgical procedures on the eyes, face, eyebrows or nose. Eyelid surgery cannot stop the aging process, but it can, however, diminish the appearance of sagging skin and bags in the eyelid region.

Alternative Treatments

Alternative forms of treatment include skin laxity and eyelid bags through surgery. The improvement of skin laxity, wrinkles and fatty deposits through other treatments or surgery, such as a frontal area lift, when indicated.

Other forms of eyelid surgery may be necessary if there are conditions that affect the function of the eyelids, such as drooping of the eyelids due to muscle problems (palpebral ptosis), or laxity between the eyelid and the eyeball (ectropion). Minor skin wrinkles can be improved by chemical peeling or other skin treatments. There are potential risks and complications to alternative forms of treatment.