Eyelid Surgery
Droopy eyelids are common sign of aging, caused by loss of elasticity in the muscles of the eyes. This condition can also be caused by trauma and as the result of various medical conditions. In severe cases, droopy eyelids can obstruct the pupils and block or greatly reduce vision.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a cosmetic surgical procedure to tighten excess eyelid skin for a more alert and youthful appearance. In many cases, the procedure also improves vision by providing a less obstructed view.
Tracy Pfeifer, MD is an aesthetic plastic surgeon with nearly two decades in practice. She performs a range of cosmetic surgical procedures on the face to correct the signs of aging with natural-looking results. If time has taken its toll on your face and droopy eyelids are detracting from your appearance, you can turn to Dr. Pfeifer with confidence for the cosmetic surgical procedures you need to resolve this problem.
When Is Eyelid Surgery Needed?
As we age, the upper and lower eyelids may become droopy and baggy. The eyebrows may begin to sag as well. The skin of the eyelids stretches, the muscles become weaker, and fat pockets bulge and become more prominent.
Cosmetic eyelid surgery is performed for the purpose of improving appearance. (Functional eyelid surgery is to correct vision obstruction caused by drooping eyelids.) Droopy upper and lower eyelids can make a person appear tired and older. Eyelid surgery can give the face a more rested, refreshed and youthful look.
Patients who request eyelid surgery may have any combination of the following symptoms:
- Sagging upper eyelids
- Outer corner of the eye lower than the inner corner
- Hooded, crowded eyes
- Bags under the eyes
- Drooping lower eyelids
When the outer corner of the eye sinks to a level below the inner corner, it can give the face what is colloquially called a “hound dog” appearance. Along with the natural aging process, the skin of the eyelids becomes relaxed and thinner in the mid- to late thirties. The cheeks and eyebrows start to descend, which pulls down the outer corners and gives a crowded appearance to the eyes.
What Does Eyelid Surgery Involve?
To correct the upper eyelid, an incision is made in the natural crease of the eye so that excess skin can be removed, fat can be repositioned, and muscle can be tightened. For lower lid surgery, the incision is typically made just below the line of the lower lashes.
In many cases, sagging upper eyelids can be corrected with a brow lift. Lifting the brow can bring both the eyelids and brows back to a more youthful position. In cases involving excessive skin, both a brow lift and eyelid surgery may be needed, but it is best to perform the brow lift first, as that procedure alone may be sufficient to resolve the condition.
What Conditions Does Eyelid Surgery Treat?
Eyelid surgery is designed to treat:
- Excess fatty deposits that cause puffiness in the eyelids
- Loose or sagging skin that folds or disturbs the contours of the upper eyelid
- Drooping lower eyelids that show white below the iris
- Bags under the eyes
- Lower eyelid excess skin and fine wrinkles
If your lower and upper eyelids are drooping, eyelid surgery can give your face a more alert and youthful appearance. When you turn to Tracy Pfeifer, MD for cosmetic plastic surgery, you can be assured of receiving personalized, state-of-the-art care in a comfortable environment from a medical team committed to creating a pleasant patient experience. Call our Manhattan clinic or our office in the Hamptons to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pfeifer.