Our eyes reveal so much about us that they are often called “the windows to the soul.” However, as we get older, our eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken and fat pockets become more prominent. The result? Droopy eyelids and bulgy bags that shutter our inner window and give us a tired, older appearance.  Droopy eyelids can also affect your well-being by obstructing part of your field of vision.

Thankfully, excellent treatment options are available to help you look and feel youthful and healthy.  One popular treatment is eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, to revitalize the tired skin around your eyes.  Here is what you need to know about eyelid surgery.

Different Surgical Procedures, Eye-catching Results

When it comes to eyelid surgery there are a variety of procedures that are effective for whatever you are trying to achieve. Each of the following procedures produces outstanding results and oftentimes can be done in conjunction with each other.

Before eyelid surgery                                                                After eyelid surgery

                        

 

• Upper eyelid surgery:  Sometimes called an “eye lift,” this procedure involves removing excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper eyelids.  Doctors recommend this procedure for those seeking to look younger and more refreshed, as well as those seeking to improve their field of vision.
• Lower eyelid surgery. This procedure creates a smooth, wrinkle- and bag-free lower eyelid.  Nearly always considered cosmetic (and therefore rarely covered by insurance), this procedure requires general anesthesia and merits a longer recovery period than upper eyelid surgery.
• Ptosis repair. Droopy eyelids don’t always develop as we age. Involutional ptosis, also known as “lazy eye,” occurs when the upper eyelid hangs abnormally low over the eye. When left untreated, ptosis can impair vision and can, for children born with the condition, impact eye development.  Ptosis is corrected by tightening the levator muscle, whose function it is to raise the eyelid.
• Brow lifting: This procedure is used to elevate sagging eyebrows to create a youthful, alert appearance.  A brow lift can be cosmetic or functional, with incisions made in the hairline, the brow, or the forehead. Browlifts may also improve forehead wrinkles.

Before eyelid surgery                                            After eyelid surgery

     

Non-surgical Treatment

Sometimes surgery is not necessary to create the look you want. Noninvasive procedures such as chemical peels, dermal fillers, or laser treatments can be used to create a smooth, youthful surface in lieu of surgical procedures. For example, BOTOX® injections can create a temporary brow lift that lasts about 3-6 months.

Myths about Eyelid Surgery

If you are considering eyelid surgery, it’s good to separate the fact from fiction.  Here are some common myths, busted, with regard to this procedure.

Myth: It will be painful and take too much downtime.

Eyelid surgery is a low-risk procedure that can often be done under local anesthesia in the doctor’s office.  During recovery, most people need only non-prescription pain relievers.  Mild discomfort is expected during the immediate recovery period.

Myth: It’s too expensive.

If you are avoiding eyelid surgery because you think it will be costly, this may not always be the case.  Many eyelid surgeries can be performed right in the doctor’s office and the procedure often costs less than many patients expect. In fact, if the procedure is considered a medical necessity, such as the eyelid obstructing one’s vision, then insurance may cover this procedure.

Myth: I will have visible scars.

During surgery, your doctor will make tiny incisions in the natural folds of the eyelid, in the crease of the upper eyelid, and just beneath the lashes or behind the lower eyelid. This way, incisions are practically undetectable once healing is complete.

At Vanguard Skin Specialists, our dermatologists and plastic surgeons work together to minimize the signs of aging, enhance your figure, and erase the effects of cancer so you can look and feel younger, vibrant, and rejuvenated. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. James Banich, can perform eyelid surgery on both the upper and lower lids to improve your appearance and to enhance functionality in the eyes.  If you are interested in renewing and revitalizing your look with eyelid surgery, call Vanguard Skin Specialists today at (719) 355-3861 for a consultation with Dr. Banich in Colorado Springs or Pueblo.