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The “Eyes” are the Window to the Soul

Dr. Miguel DelgadoBy Miguel Delgado, M.D.

Usually, the eyes will be the first part of the face to show aging by droopy upper lids or puffy lower lids. Other factors besides aging that cause eyelids to droop may be heredity and sun damage. It is not surprising since the skin of the eyelids is the most delicate and thinnest skin on our body.

Other than our vision, our eyes communicate our feelings and are what people focus on the most when we interact. Are you tired of looking tired when you are feeling great? Cosmetic eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, offers a refreshed and youthful appearance. Eyelid surgery may be for upper or lower eyes or both and may be combined with a brow lift and/or facelift.

There are different surgical techniques for eyelid surgery depending on a patient’s anatomy and the patient’s goals. For the upper eyelids, the natural crease of the lid hides the incision. Excess fat and skin are removed, and adjustments are made to surrounding muscles. Once healed, the incision is hidden in the fold of the skin. Lower eyelid surgery that removes bags or puffiness can be achieved by making an incision at the edge of the lower lid beneath the lashes. In some cases, the incision may be inside the lower eyelid. Fat is then removed or repositioned to create a smooth contour under the eye and sometimes muscle tightening may be performed.

Eyelid surgery does not remove fine lines and wrinkles, but Botox, a chemical peel or SmartSkin Laser treatment may be done. If only eyelid surgery is done, it can be performed with either local anesthesia or IV sedation. Most patients can return to work after 5 to 7 days.

For some patients, medical insurance may cover eyelid surgery if an exam and a visual field test prove the patient has a visual obstruction.

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