Blepharoplasty
Dr. Brooke R. Seckel
People have Blepharoplasty to:
Blepharoplasty is an eyelid plastic surgery done to remove eyelid aging changes and improve and enhance the beauty of the eyes. There are several different types of Blepharoplasty:
Upper blepharoplasty removes loose saggy upper eyelid skin, eye hoods and fat.
Lower blepharoplasty removes eye bags, puffy eyes and loose lower eyelid skin.
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is a newer technique used on the lower eyelids. The blepharoplasty is done through the inside or pink portion of the lower eyelid which is called the conjunctiva. The trans-conjunctival technique avoids damage to the supporting ligaments of the eye caused by the traditional external incision and thus preserves lower eyelid shape.
Laser blepharoplasty uses a laser instead of a scalpel to make upper eyelid and trans-conjunctival incisions. The laser incision is more accurate, precise, and causes less bleeding.
Asian eyelid blepharoplasty preserves the double eyelid fold and normal slant of the lower Asian eyelid.
Skin pinch blepharoplasty is done on the outside corner of the lower lid to lift and tighten the lower eyelid, preserve eyelid shape and remove skin folds from the lower eyelid.
Non-surgical blepharoplasty is a misleading marketing term and should be ignored. It refers to laser resurfacing which can remove eyelid wrinkles but cannot remove eye bags, puffy eyes, eye hoods, and loose skin.
To remove dark circles under the eyes a transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty is done to remove eye bags. Next the arcus marginalis which holds the skin tight below the puffy part of the eyelid and creates a depression called the dark circle is released. A small portion of fat is then placed into the area to plump the depression, reduce the shadow and remove the dark circle.
Hollow eyes are caused by the lack of normal fat around the eyeball. Correction of hollow eyes requires fat grafting to replace the fat that is missing.
Festoons or malar bags appear as fluid filled sacs or bags under the eyelids. They are caused by loose skin and muscle sagging down onto the cheek. A skin pinch and orbiculopexy will remove festoons.
A combination of laser resurfacing and Botox® or Dysport® is necessary to improve eyelid wrinkles.
Revision eyelid surgery is complex and requires an experienced eyelid surgeon. Revision blepharoplasty is done for:
Patients have discomfort caused by eyelid swelling and bruising. Eye drops can blur vision.
If done by experienced eyelid surgeons certified by the American Boards of Plastic Surgery or Ophthalmology.
2-3 weeks for swelling and bruising to go away. Important social events or photographic sessions wait 6 weeks.
Eyelid surgery is an advanced facial cosmetic surgery procedure that can help you achieve a youthful, refreshed appearance. If you are interested in blepharoplasty, please contact Dr. Seckel to schedule a complimentary consultation today.
