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Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
by Paul S. Howard, MD, FACS
The plastic surgery procedure to correct saggy eyelids is called a Blepharoplasty. This operation is known for giving people a more youthful and rested look by removing the excess skin and fat around the eyes. This operation may be performed on the upper eyelids and lower eyelids separately, at the same time, or in conjunction with another procedure (face lift or brow lift). You must realize it is impossible to repair every wrinkle and remove every line around the eye, but this surgery can be one of the most gratifying procedures a patient can have.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with oral sedation, lasting approximately 1 1/2 hours, unless accompanying another procedure.
The incisions for blepharoplasty are made after an anesthetic is injected into the eyelid area. The incisions are placed in the natural crease of the eye for the upper blepharoplasty and just below the lower lashes for a lower blepharoplasty.
In certain cases, a lower eyelid blepharoplasty may be performed without a skin incision, the so-called Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty. Most lower blepharoplasties require blending of the eyelid/cheek skin and addressing the "tear trough" deformity. The transconjunctival blepharoplasty is reserved for those people with normal skin, no significant skin sagging, and only fat bags requiring removal. An incision is made inside the lower eyelid on the conjunctiva to gain access to the fat bags only. Although this relatively new procedure may obviate the need to remove sutures and give a scar-less result, the recovery period, swelling, and discoloration may be similar to the "routine" blepharoplasty with skin incisions.
Photos above are before and after of upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty
Photos above are before and after lower eyelid blepharoplasty
Photos above show actual patients of Dr. Paul Howard
Schedule a Confidential Consultation with Dr. Howard
205-871-3361
205-877-PAUL
800-734-LIPO