The Basics of Blepharoplasty: What It Is And How It Works

Blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as an eyelid lift, is worth considering for medical and cosmetic reasons alike. The skin around the eyes is one of the first areas to show the signs of aging. The thin, delicate skin is prone to losing elasticity, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and puffiness to set in. A blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can deliver beneficial and noticeable results to restore the function and aesthetics of this facial area.

The Face & Body Center of Plastic and Hand Surgery Associates, located in Flowood, MS, offers a premier surgical center and eight board-certified plastic surgeons with expertise and experience in several different areas. This elite group of surgeons offers a range of skills and specialties; Dr. Manisundaram and Dr. Jabaley bring extensive experience with eyelid surgeries. The Face & Body Center of Plastic and Hand Surgery Associates was established to provide the best experience, technology, surgical, and nonsurgical care to meet every patient’s medical or cosmetic needs. Find out what a blepharoplasty procedure can do and the dramatic results it can deliver.

What is blepharoplasty?

Every area of the body is affected by the natural process of getting older. The eyes are one of the first target zones that show visible signs. The skin around the eyes can suffer from the effects of gravity, loss of laxity, and depleted collagen, which is all synonymous with the aging process. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is one of the top five surgical procedures for both women and men. According to The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, over 100,000 eyelid lifts were performed last year. This highly effective surgical procedure can help patients get rid of loose, saggy skin on the upper eyelids or puffiness, also known as “bags” under the eyes. Even small wrinkles and fine lines can be reduced to give women and men a rejuvenated appearance. Do you have a cosmetic need for an eyelid lift, or do you have a medical concern?

Medical or functional blepharoplasty

There are two types of eyelid surgeries. The sole purpose of a cosmetic eyelid lift is to enhance a patient’s appearance. A functional eyelid lift is performed to improve a medical condition. Often seen with elderly patients, droopy eyelids or loose skin can cause a person’s vision to be obstructed. As we age, the muscles around the eyes weaken, allowing tissue and fat to accumulate. Eyelids that have lost elasticity can droop low enough to impair an individual’s line of vision, as well as make it difficult to wear glasses or contacts. The surgical experts at The Face & Body Center of Plastic and Hand Surgery Associates can help both women and men in the Greater Jackson area tackle this medical concern while rejuvenating the area around the eyes. Due to the medical need for restoring the function of the eyelids, insurance often covers this surgical procedure.

Cosmetic blepharoplasty

A cosmetic eyelid surgery can help both men and women achieve a more youthful, “alert” appearance. Over time, the skin around the eyes can visually show fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin. Excess skin also causes the eyes to appear puffy and can make individuals look tired. Puffiness or “bags” around the eyes is one of the most common complaints from both genders. A blepharoplasty procedure can tighten loose skin on both the upper and lower eyelids, restoring the natural contour of the eye. The end result — patients look and feel years younger. Injectable fillers can also be incorporated, like Juvéderm, to add volume and give a smoother appearance around the eyes for optimal results.

Eyelid surgery candidates

As with any surgical procedure, non-smoking, healthy patients are the ideal candidates. Blepharoplasty works to refresh or restore a patient’s appearance with either the upper, lower, or both eyelids. Discussing your cosmetic or medical needs for this procedure will be conducted with a thorough consultation with one of our surgical experts. Any preexisting medical conditions can be shared at this time, like diabetes or glaucoma, along with the need for any nonsurgical additions, like fillers or BOTOX, to give a patient the right results. The Face & Body Center of Plastic and Hand Surgery Associates and their team will listen to your needs, determine the right surgical protocol, and give you the blepharoplasty results you desire.

Eyelid surgery recovery

The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Face & Body Center of Plastic and Hand Surgery Associates can provide an individualized approach to provide patients a cosmetic or functional eyelid lift. Droopy eyelids or fine lines and wrinkles can be eliminated with this fairly straightforward, low-risk procedure. Incisions are camouflaged by the natural creases of the eyelid and will fade over time. Most Jackson residents experience only temporary pain, bruising, and swelling around eyes. Most symptoms can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses. Most patients can also resume their normal activities in about 10 days after surgery. By finding a highly qualified, experienced surgeon like the ones at The Face & Body Center of Plastic and Hand Surgery Associates, patients may minimize the risk of experiencing any complications while enjoying the amazing results an eyelid surgery can provide.

Whether you may need an upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both, patients can experience the many benefits of this procedure. The Face & Body Center of Plastic and Hand Surgery Associates can provide their surgical expertise and give you the individual attention you need. If you’re looking to restore your vision or reverse the signs of aging, we invite you to schedule a consultation with The Face & Body Center of Plastic and Hand Surgery Associates in Flowood, MS. You can look your best and years younger with a eyelid lift procedure, so call today.