Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that improves and revives the appearance of the eyes by removing excess fatty tissue and/ or loose skin surrounding the eyes. The ageing process, genetic factors, skin type, lifestyle and environmental factors such as excessive sun exposure can cause the lids to sag and droop or become puffy and heavy, giving a sad, tired and older appearance. Eyelid surgery may be performed on the upper eyelid, the lower eyelids or both, depending on the individual’s needs.
Upper Eyelid Surgery: involves correcting heavy upper lid and loose skin over the upper eyelashes by removing excess skin and a small amount of the muscle around the eye and removing or redistributing fatty tissue. The incision (cut) is made in the natural eyelid crease, where they are closed with delicate stitches, resulting in an improved upper eyes contour.
Lower Eyelid Surgery: involves correcting the bulging of lower lid fat and excess sagging skin. There are different techniques used for removing or redistributing the fatty tissue from underneath the eyes:
- Open Lower Eyelid Surgery (Transcutaneous Lower Blepharoplasty): where the incision is made on the outside of the lower eyelid, just below the eyelash line, extending into one of the eyelid crow’s feet. First the fatty tissue is removed or redistributed into the tear trough area (the area underneath the lower eyelid and above the cheek), then muscle tissue is raised and tightened. Finally, the excess skin is removed.
- Inside Lower Eyelid Surgery (Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty): a single incision is made inside the lower eyelid in the thin membrane that lines (conjunctiva) hence, leaving no scar. Excess bulging fat is then removed or redistributed into the tear trough area. This procedure is suitable for patients with good skin quality or with little or no excess skin in the lower eyelid, where bulging fat is the only problem.
- Pinch Blepharoplasty: where the incision is made on the outside of the lower eyelid, below the eyelash line. The lower eyelid skin is then pinched, and excess skin is removed without altering the underlying fatty tissues or muscles. This procedure can be done as an adjunctive procedure to transconjunctival blepharoplasty. It will reduce the chances of the scleral show ( droopiness of the lower eyelid where the white outer layer of the eyeball is visibly exaggerated ). Therefore, making it the preferred method in lower eyelid surgery.
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Eyelid surgery can benefit both men and women for cosmetic reasons and in some cases for medical reasons, including:
- Improved vision, where the advanced hooding of the skin in the upper eyelid can impair vision
- Treating droopiness of the upper and lower eyelids
- Reduction of lines and wrinkles Eliminating puffiness in both upper and lower eyelids
- Improving the appearance of the eye area, reducing the ‘tired look’
- Improved self-esteem