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| Procedures
> Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift) |
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Why have an Blepharoplasty ?
It has been said that the eyes are the windows of the soul;
they convey one's deepest feelings and emotions. However,
the eyes are often one of the first facial features to show
signs of aging and may be sending the wrong signal to the
world.
Why do the eyelids sag so early?
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We blink thousands of times
per day. But the skin of the eyelids is half as thick
as the rest of the face, with fewer internal moisture
glands. As a result, eyelid skin is more prone to sagging
and stretching. This is made worse by sun exposure, squinting
and eye rubbing. |
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As we age, the fat surrounding the eye
tends to bulge outward, sometimes at a prematurely early
age due to heredity. Eyelid fat also retains water, so
these bags often appear puffier in the morning, when one
is tired and with those who suffer from allergies. |
Blepharoplasty Procedure
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Eyelid Surgery Photos
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Bags under the eyes can
be removed by making completely hidden incisions
within the eyelids, which is called a transconjunctival
blepharoplasty. This is an excellent technique,
especially for younger patients with good skin and
for men since there are no visible incisons. With
the advent of hidden incisions, patients with inherited
lower lid bags may be candidates for removal as
early as their late 20s (very few individuals). |
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In patients with wrinkles of
the lower eyelid skin, the skin can be smoothed
simultaneously by a laser or chemical peel. A
"pinch technique" removes excess lower eyelid
skin. The combined approach of transconjunctival
blepharoplasty and lasers, peels, or transconjunctival
skin removal preserves the integrity of the supporting
muscle sling of the lower lid, which reduces chances
of rounding of the lower eyelid after surgery.
For patients with more advanced skin wrinkling of
the lower lid, an external incision is made right
below the eyelashes, making it barely detectable.
The lower eyelid muscle is supported with suspension
stitches to reduce rounding of the eyelid. |
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The hottest new application for
Restylane
is to fill dark circles under the eyes. Often,
dark circles are the result of fat bulging in
the lower eyelid that is exaggerated by a hollow
area called the "tear trough." By placing Restylane
into this tear-trough, there is less shadow and
therefore improvement in dark circles, making
you look more rested. |
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Upper blepharoplasty should be contemplated
when the upper lids hang over the eyes. Sometimes
the overhang is to the extent that it becomes difficult
to put on eye shadow or the hooding of the lids
interferes with vision. Visual obstruction is one
of the only conditions that may be covered by medical
insurance. |
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The incisions for rejuvenation of
the upper eyelids are made along natural creases
and are barely visible after healing. Eyelid incisions
are closed with very fine sutures, which either
dissolve or are removed in three to five days.
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Post-operatively, patients can often
return to work in a week or less after transconjunctival
surgery and slightly longer after upper and lower
lid surgery. |
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Sometimes what appears to be sagging
of the upper eyelids is actually from drooping of
the brow, and is better addressed by a browlift
(see section on browlifts). Dr. Pearlman can determine
which procedure is right for you. He may ask you
to bring in photos from your 20s to determine how
best to rejuvenate your upper face. |
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Removing too much skin or fat can
make one look worse than no surgery at all. It can
also make male eyelids appear "feminized"
and female eyelids more hollow. By using the latest
techniques, Dr. Pearlman leaves his patients with
a natural look. Modern trends in upper blepharoplasty
are designed to avoid creating a hollow upper eyelid. |
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Questions? Contact
Dr. Pearlman about Eyelid Lift Procedure.
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