Eyelid Surgery for the Droopy Eyed

The medical term, blepharosplasty, was first coined in the 19th century when the technique was first used to correct deformities caused by cancer in the eyelids. Surgeons began developing techniques and advancements after the World Wars brought about a greater need for reconstructive cosmetic surgery. Surgical repair is not always the first option for correcting wrinkles or puffy eyes. Sometimes dermal filler injections or laser surgery can repair these areas to improve a patient's appearance, although most of these treatments are only temporary. Ptosis, or drooping eyelid, is a medical condition caused by poor muscle tone or nerve damage in the eyelids. This condition can sometimes impair vision, and in such cases, plastic reconstructive surgery is necessary to improve peripheral vision. However, this only applies to the upper eyelids, surgery on the lower eyelids is usually done purely for cosmetic reasons. 

The typical patient for this procedure is at least 35. Age is a big factor in elective eyelid surgery because the skin around the eyes will begin to sag or appear puffy with age, although genetic factors can make a younger patient a candidate for surgery. There are a number of differences in the upper eyelids of men and women of Asian descent; these patients seek eyelid surgery to create an upper eyelid with a crease. Candidates must have good overall health; high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease will disqualify a candidate for surgery. Eye diseases such as glaucoma and dry eyes do not always disqualify a patient, but they can cause complications. Outpatient surgery is performed under local anesthesia by a board certified plastic surgeon, although sometimes the surgeon will chose to use general anesthesia. It is sometimes performed with a brow lift or face lift because these surgeries can help to improve facial sagging that occurs in other areas. 

Eyelid surgery can take anywhere between one to three hours, and is fairly simple depending on whether the procedure is reconstructive or cosmetic. The plastic surgeon will begin by making an incision along the natural skin lines to remove the excess fat and skin. This technique allows the surgeon to remove the excess fat from those areas without creating a visible scar. The surgeon will close the incision with very fine sutures, which can be removed about a week after the surgery. There will be some swelling for up to a week after surgery, and makeup can be worn after 10 days. Full recovery takes two weeks. 

Eyelid surgery can vastly improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine eligibility and to see before and after results for their other patients. In some cases it is considered for reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic patients can also find desirable results that alternative treatments cannot correct permanently.