If you have droopy eyelids and want to correct them, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to see if blepharoplasty is right for you.
Droopy eyelids can occur due to age, trauma, or certain medical disorders. Also called ptosis, droopy eyelids can affect one eye or, more commonly, both eyes. It can make a person look older and, in some cases, can impair vision.
At St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, we can correct this issue with a procedure called blepharoplasty. If you have droopy eyelids and want to correct them, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to see if blepharoplasty is right for you.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids. This eyelid surgery can be performed on the lower lids, upper lids, or both. Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional issues with your eyelids, blepharoplasty can rejuvenate the area around your eyes.
Conditions of the lower lid that can be corrected include bags or puffiness under the eyes, drooping lower lids, or excess skin and wrinkles. When there is excess fat but little or no excess skin, the incision can be made inside the lower eyelid (a transconjunctival incision), avoiding a visible scar. If you have excess skin and fat, the incision is made just below the lower lashes, where the scar can be well hidden. Excess skin can be removed, and fat can be removed or repositioned.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty
There are several benefits of blepharoplasty. This eyelid surgery can treat:
- Fat deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids
- Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disrupts the natural contour of the upper eyelid
- Bags under the eyes
- Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid
- Drooping lower eyelids
What to Expect from Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is usually done under local anesthesia combined with “twilight sleep” and takes about 45 to 60 minutes. The incision is made within the natural crease in the eyelid, so the scar is easily concealed.
Most people experience minimal pain and completely recover in a week. Minor swelling and bruising may last for a few days. The result will be a better-defined eyelid and an alert, rejuvenated appearance.
Your initial healing may include some swelling and bruising as well as irritation or dry eyes. This can be managed with medication, cold compresses, and ointment. The results will appear gradually as the swelling goes down. You must be diligent about sun protection and wear darkly tinted sunglasses until the healing is complete.