Blepharoplasty
Upper and lower Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty are two different types of eyelid surgery that target different areas of the eyelids.
Upper blepharoplasty involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. This procedure is commonly used to address sagging or drooping eyelids, which can create a tired or aged appearance. During the procedure, an incision is made in the natural crease of the eyelid, allowing the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat, and tighten the remaining skin. The incision is then closed with sutures.
Lower blepharoplasty, on the other hand, targets the area beneath the eyes, including the lower eyelids and the area known as the tear trough. This procedure is used to address issues such as under-eye bags, dark circles, and wrinkles. During the procedure, the surgeon may remove excess fat or redistribute it to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. In some cases, the surgeon may also tighten the skin and muscle around the lower eyelid.
Overall, the main difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty is the area of the eyelid that is targeted. While upper blepharoplasty focuses on the upper eyelids, lower blepharoplasty targets the lower eyelids and the area beneath the eyes. Both procedures can be performed separately or together, depending on the patient's goals and needs.
The Ideal Candidate
Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
Upper lid blepharoplasty is recommended for individuals who have excess skin and fat in their upper eyelids. This excess skin and fat can create a tired or aged appearance and may even impair vision in some cases.
People who may benefit from upper lid blepharoplasty include those who have:
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Sagging or drooping upper eyelids that create a tired or sad appearance.
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Excess skin and fat on the upper eyelids that make it difficult to apply makeup or obstruct vision.
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A natural fold of skin that covers the eyelashes or the natural crease of the eyelid, which can create a heavy or hooded appearance.
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A desire to improve their overall facial appearance and reduce signs of aging.
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Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
Lower lid blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is recommended for individuals who have signs of aging or excess skin and fat in their lower eyelids. This procedure can help to improve the appearance of the under-eye area and create a more youthful and refreshed look.
People who may benefit from lower lid blepharoplasty include those who have:
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Under-eye bags or puffiness caused by excess fat.
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Dark circles or hollows beneath the eyes due to volume loss or thinning of the skin.
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Fine lines, wrinkles, or loose skin around the lower eyelids.
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A desire to improve their overall facial appearance and reduce signs of aging.
Downtime
The downtime for upper and lower lid blepharoplasty can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the surgery and the individual's healing process. However, in general, patients can expect a recovery period of about 1-2 weeks for upper lid blepharoplasty and 2-4 weeks for lower lid blepharoplasty.
During the initial recovery period, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the eyes. This can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses. It is important to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over during this time to allow for proper healing.
After about a week, patients may return to work or resume their normal daily activities, but should still avoid any activities that could strain the eyes or cause further swelling. Strenuous exercise and contact sports should be avoided for at least four weeks after the surgery.
The final results of blepharoplasty may take several months to fully develop as the swelling continues to subside and the tissues settle into their new position. Patients should follow their surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Alternative Treatments
There are several alternative treatments to blepharoplasty that can help to address issues with the eyelids and under-eye area. These include:
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Injectables: Dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid and collagen can be used to add volume to the under-eye area and reduce the appearance of dark circles and hollows. Botox injections can also be used to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
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Plexer Plasma Pen: The device can be used for a non-surgical "blepharoplasty," but the results may not be as dramatic as those achieved through traditional surgery and may require multiple treatments.
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Fotona Smooth Eye: A laser treatment that uses a unique combination of two laser wavelengths to address a range of concerns around the eye area, including wrinkles, fine lines, and bags under the eyes.
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Morpheus 8 Prime: A non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment that combines microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) energy to improve skin texture, tone, and firmness. It is important to note that Morpheus 8 Prime may not provide the same level of improvement as surgical blepharoplasty for those with significant excess skin or fat in the eye area. Several treatments are required.
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PDO threads: Threads can be used to address a range of concerns, including sagging skin around the eyes. The procedure can be used to create a "cat-eye" lift, which involves lifting the outer corners of the eyes to create a more youthful and alert appearance.
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​It is important to note that these alternative treatments may not provide the same dramatic results as blepharoplasty and may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired outcome.