Eyelid aging is something that tends to sneak up on people. It can seem like an overnight change: one minute, your eyes look fine—rested and youthful. The next, you start noticing changes in your expression and drooping eyelids, aging you in the blink of an eye. These changes may be normal, but they can cause you to feel self-conscious and unhappy with your appearance, making your self-esteem take a hit. Nobody likes to look in the mirror and look older than they feel—it can make you feel helpless.
So what can you do about it? How can you fix sagging eyelids and “wake up” your look? The most effective way to fight back against aging eyelids is with plastic surgery. Today, procedures are less invasive and more effective than ever, making eye rejuvenation accessible for nearly everyone who wants long-lasting results.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty (also known as eyelid surgery) is a popular cosmetic procedure that lifts and rejuvenates the eyelid area for a more youthful and rested appearance. Many people gain a boost to their confidence and self-esteem from this procedure, but there are some different options for blepharoplasty that need to be considered before moving forward. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper lids, the lower lids, or both. So how do you decide which procedure is right for you?
Upper Blepharoplasty
When the upper eyelids begin to age, they start to droop and sag over the eyes, giving them a heavy, hooded, and tired appearance. The puffy, excess skin that develops within the upper eyelids can get so bad for some patients that they notice their vision becoming compromised. Upper blepharoplasty simply involves the removal and contouring of excess upper eyelid skin, creating a more alert, interested, and youthful expression.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Bags under the eyes occur as the area ages—the skin get thinner, causing fat to bulge and push against it. Because our eyes often look puffy like this when we haven’t slept well, under-eye aging can cause a constant look of exhaustion. Lower blepharoplasty is performed to reposition fat, and remove excess fat and skin if necessary. This smooths and tightens the area for a refreshed and youthful appearance.
Customizing Your Blepharoplasty Procedure
Deciding between lower and upper blepharoplasty can be more difficult than it seems. Sometimes, it’s fairly obvious—if you have severe bags under your eyes but your upper lids are still youthful, it makes sense to pursue a lower blepharoplasty, and vice versa. You might also be a good candidate for a combination procedure involving both approaches, but it’s difficult to make an informed decision about your treatment plan before you speak to a plastic surgeon.
Maintaining a natural appearance following cosmetic surgery is a challenging feat that requires extensive experience and skill. Only a board certified facial plastic surgeon can help you decide which procedures will help you get the look you’re hoping for, which is why it’s important to schedule a consultation with every surgeon you’re considering. A reputable plastic surgeon will help you customize your blepharoplasty procedure and decide on whether an upper or lower procedure is more appropriate.
Other Options for Eye Rejuvenation
Not everyone who thinks they need a blepharoplasty actually does. Sometimes, patients are better served by another facial rejuvenation surgery, like a forehead lift. One of the earliest signs of aging is often the sagging, drooping, and wrinkling of the brow, which can make the eyes look heavy and aged. In other cases, non-surgical options like injectable treatments, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing may be all that’s needed. This is why it’s important to go into your consultation with an open mind—your surgeon knows how to get you from point A to point B—and that might involve treatments you never expected.
Get Expert Advice
Not sure where you should turn to get expert advice? Dr. Edward Buckingham is a renowned board certified facial plastic surgeon who emphasizes natural results and minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Buckingham will help you choose the procedure that will give you the most benefit without looking artificial, and customize your blepharoplasty procedure to meet your specific needs. If you’d like to learn more about working with Dr. Buckingham at Buckingham Center in Austin, TX, call 512.401.2500 to schedule your blepharoplasty consultation today!
