Taking Years Off Your Facial Age Through Eyelid Surgery
The eyes have it. While this is a take on the usual “ayes have it” from parliamentary procedure, it is really true — the eyes do have it. When asked, most people say the eyes are the first things they notice when looking at another person, particularly for the first time.
Unfortunately, the skin around the eyes is some of the first on the face to show the signs of aging. This is because the skin in this area is among the thinnest on the entire human body. Because of this, sun and environmental damage shows itself all too easily. Plus, fat deposits, loosening skin, and other issues can leave a person with droopy, sagging, puffy, wrinkled skin around the eyes, and with it, a much older appearance.
But blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery, with Central Valley Eye Medical’s newest team member, Dr. Kimberly Cockerham, M.D., FACS, can take years, if not decades, off the appearance of your eyes. Eyelid surgery removes excess skin and fat, and tightens the underlying muscles as needed to return a younger, more rested look to the eyes.
Every year in cosmetic surgery statistics, blepharoplasty is one of the most popular procedures because its results are dramatic, yet at the same time subtle. Unlike more dramatic procedures such as breast augmentation or a facelift, after you’ve had eyelid surgery most people won’t know you’ve had surgery, only that your appearance somehow seems younger and refreshed.
Is eyelid surgery right for me?
Eyelid surgery is one procedure that is popular with both women and men. Why is this? Drooping eyelids, wrinkles, and puffy bags under your eyes show no favoritism by sex — they make everyone look much older. In fact, each year more and more men are opting to have blepharoplasty to maintain a younger appearance when competing in the workplace.
Eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery can be performed on both eyelids or singly, depending on your personal condition. Because of this, surgery can run anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours.
Blepharoplasty is a delicate surgery that involves small incisions. In upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Cockerham makes a small incision in the natural crease of the eyelid. This conceals any scarring. She then tightens the muscle tissue, repositions the fat, and removes excess skin. Special attention is paid to the fat because removing too much fat can leave a hollowed out appearance.
In the lower eyelid, the incision is usually made just below the lower eyelash. An alternative location can be making the incision inside the lower lid, removing any visible scarring. Excess skin is removed to lessen wrinkles, bags, and general puffiness in this area.
Recovery
Another great thing about this procedure is that the recovery is not difficult. After the procedure, your eyelids will likely be covered with light gauze. You will be given an eye lubricant and a cold compress. Bruising and swelling is minor, particularly if you are diligent with the compress. After a week, your stitches are removed and your eyelids generally will look normal, only younger!
Eyelid surgery is a very rewarding procedure for our Central Valley Eye Medical Group patients. If you’re interested, call us at (800) 244-9907 to set up a consultation with Dr. Cockerham.
Posted in: Eyelid & Eyebrow Surgery
