A Few Things You Should Know about Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty has become one of the leading facial procedures performed in the United States. Precisely performed, this eyelid procedure can achieve significant rejuvenation to a person’s appearance. Because the surgery is so popular and gets so many online inquiries, there is bound to be some confusing returns. Here, we discuss what you should know if you are beginning your search for a reputable blepharoplasty surgeon.

Every blepharoplasty procedure looks different.

While the general surgical objective is the same, to remove excess sagging tissue, all blepharoplasties may look slightly different. Some people have upper blepharoplasty to rejuvenate the upper eyelids. Conversely, lower blepharoplasty may be ideal for some patients. The point to understand here is that, if you want to have blepharoplasty, do not assume that you need both the upper and lower eyelids treated. Your experienced specialist will develop the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs and expectations as discussed at your private consultation.

Blepharoplasty does not stop the aging process.

The purpose of rejuvenating procedures like blepharoplasty may be to turn back the clock on aging by restoring more openness and shape to the eyes. Following the procedure, patients can expect to look younger than they would had they not undergone surgery. However, the skin around the eyes will continue to age. One way to ensure that the results of blepharoplasty last as long as possible is to protect the delicate skin around the eyes from sun exposure. Wear sunglasses. Apply sunscreen that is suited to the eye area and, when necessary, wear a wide-brimmed hat to further reduce direct sun exposure. After blepharoplasty, some patients also schedule periodic treatments that support cellular turnover and collagen production to prolong their youthful appearance.

Blepharoplasty isn’t only a cosmetic procedure.

By and far, most blepharoplasty surgeries are performed to improve a person’s appearance. That said, there are instances in which the procedure may be medically necessary. Functional blepharoplasty can remove upper eyelid tissue that has dropped over the lash line and is obscuring vision. By trimming loose, sagging skin and tightening a lax upper eyelid muscle, upper blepharoplasty can clear the patient’s line of sight.

Scarring is imperceptible.

Both upper and lower blepharoplasties are performed through hidden incisions. In the upper eyelid, incisions are made in the natural crease. Here, they are not seen at all when the eyes are open. When the eyes are closed, the tiny incisions are also barely discernable. Once the skin has healed fully, no one should be able to tell that scars exist. Lower blepharoplasty surgery involves incisions right at or just inside of the lash line of the lower eyelid, where the resulting scar is not visible.

Ophthalmic Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery has offices in St. Louis and St. Peters, MO. Contact us to schedule a consultation to learn more about blepharoplasty eyelid rejuvenation.