Researchers from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center recently found young adults most often went straight for the eyes when asked to evaluate signs of age or fatigue among older people. Although the “eye area” represents only 21 percent of the total face, participants spent almost half of their time looking there.
“I think this helps explain why blepharoplasty has become one of our most popular cosmetic procedures” said Dr. George Pope. “People do look at our eyes to judge our youthfulness.”
As we age, our eyelid skin loses elasticity and starts to relax and stretch. Protective fat deep in the eyelids that serves as a “shock absorber” starts to push against the skin as the tissues relax. These processes leave the eyes appearing tired, wrinkled or puffy, and even great skincare can only do so much.
Genetic factors and body chemistry can even cause these effects in younger people. Eyelid plastic surgery removes the excess skin, fat or muscle from droopy upper and lower eyelids. It improves baggy skin under the eyes, sinking upper eyelids or drooping eyelashes that impair vision. “In just a few weeks after surgery,patients begin to look more rested, more alert and more youthful.”
“Most patients tell me they have very little pain, and they begin to get back to normal activities in about a week.”
During the eyelid plastic surgery procedure, Dr. Pope will make incisions along the line creases of the upper eyelid and possibly along the outer lower rim of the eye’s skin. When removing fatty tissue, but not skin, he will make an incision inside the lower rim of the eye’s skin. These incisions often reach the outer corners of the eyes. He then divides the fatty tissue and muscle from the skin so that excess skin, fat or muscle can be removed.
Dr. Pope performs blepharoplasty at OASIS, our fully accredited, on-site surgical center. If that is the only procedure performed, patients typically go home the same day. If the surgery is done in conjunction with a facelift, it can still be done at OASIS, but an overnight stay is required.
As with all procedures done at OASIS, anesthesia is given by the board-certified anesthesiologists of JLR Anesthesia Group. “Of all the surgeries I do, blepharoplasty may be one of the easiest for the patient,” Dr. Pope said. “Having surgery at OASIS is absolutely hassle-free, it’s extremely safe, and the families have a quiet, comfortable place to wait. The best part, though, is the great result.”
Stitches are removed about a week after surgery, and patients can then begin wearing makeup. Bruising and swelling will continue to decrease after stitches are removed. Normal activities can resume after about 10 days, though strenuous activities such as lifting, bending and exercise can resume after about three weeks.
To learn more about eyelid plastic surgery (blepharoplasty), call us for your free consultation and to discuss your options: 407-857-6261.
Leave a Reply