Is eyelid surgery right for you?

Are you tired of looking tired? Do you have difficulty seeing things that are above you? You may benefit from a blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery. Blepharoplasty refers to any surgery on either the upper or lower eyelid designed to alter the appearance of the eyelid. This can be for cosmetic or functional reasons. As people age, the forehead descends and with it, the upper eyelid. This can lead to difficulty seeing certain areas. This descent can also lead to a tired look. The aging process also effects the lower eyelid, creating unsightly bags under the eyes. Blepharoplasty can correct both of these problems.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty involves removing excess upper eyelid skin and sometimes muscle and/or fat. This can improve the open appearance of the eyelid and improve the ability to see. At times, upper eyelid surgery must be combined with brow elevation to obtain optimal results. Lower eyelid surgery generally involves either moving or removing excess fat from the eyelid and at times removing excess skin. Removal of fat can lead to a hollowed appearance and newer techniques for lower eyelid surgery involve repositioning the lower eyelid fat over the bone of the lower eyelid to produce a natural flow from the eyelid to the cheek.

Though both surgeries are performed routinely and are very safe, risks are always present in any surgical procedure. Care must be taken to visit with an experienced surgeon who performs these surgeries and disclose all information about your medical condition. Be sure to tell your surgeon which medications you are taking, including over the counter and herbal supplements as these can have an effect not only on other medications given around the time of surgery but also the tendency to bleed. Excess and uncontrollable bleeding during eyelid surgery can have devastating consequences so it is very important to leave your physician knowledgeable about your medications.

An experienced surgeon can also help to determine what operation is right for you. By sitting down and going over goals for the procedure, a knowledgeable and experienced surgeon can explain the procedure and your expected results. For some patients, a combination of procedures is necessary to obtain optimal results. In some cases where functional issues are present, such as a decrease in vision because of excess upper eyelid skin, insurance may pay for all or part of the procedure. Testing may be necessary to determine if a functional component is present but this can be easily accomplished.

For more information about blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery, visit Dr. Verret on the web at http://innovationsfps.com/.