Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
     By Dr. Lisa Santos
                                        

     Good-looking and inviting eyes are essential to a youthful appearance. Much of what we do as facial plastic surgeons is to divert attention from other parts of the face to the eyes which are usually the most engaging and colorful attraction of the face. The eyes are what create uniqueness and depth. You want others to focus here. 

Unfortunately, it is also the first part of the face to show aging. In certain families, aging eyelids, characterized by excess upper eyelid skin and bulging bags under the eyes presents as early as late teens to early twenties. Fine wrinkles of the lateral eyelid skin also known as crow's feet, surface as early as the late twenties. Although blepharoplasty is often done in isolation, those undergoing face-lifts should take a close look at their eyes.

If eyelid surgery is done in conjunction with facelift it can improve overall appearance. Some individuals may experience obstructed vision from overly redundant upper eyelid skin. Blepharoplasty then becomes a medically necessary procedure and may be reimbursable by third party payers.

There are some limitations to blepharoplasty and you should recognize them. Fine wrinkles of the lateral "crow's feet" area will not gain an appreciable benefit from blepharoplasty alone. However, laser resurfacing or a medium strength chemical peel are options that can tighten this area up and reduce the fine wrinkles. Excess upper eyelid skin may be partially due to descended eyebrows. If this is the case an eyebrow lift or perhaps a forehead lift may be necessary to complete or maximize your result.

When properly carried out blepharoplasty is a favorable procedure that eliminates a fatigued and tired look so common to aging.

                                       Need More Information?
                                          Call 713-529-9020 or
                                         email: Dr. Lisa Santos