Blepharoplasty

Results in Younger Looking & Better Functioning Eyes

– By Gregory M. Casey –

Got tired eyes or bags under the eyes? You might want to consider eyelid surgery, also referred to as an eye lift. This procedure, called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and removes excess skin from the upper eyelids.

The procedure involves the removal of excess skin, muscle, and underlying fatty tissue. While it is primarily a cosmetic procedure, an eye lift is also an effective method for improving sight in older patients whose sagging upper eyelids obstruct their vision.

Blepharoplasty will not eliminate dark circles under the eyes, remove crow’s feet, or other facial wrinkles. It is often performed in conjunction with other procedures such as laser resurfacing or forehead lifts.

If you are considering an upper eyelid blepharoplasty for cosmetic of functional reasons, read on to learn more why some other people choose this cosmetic procedure for various upper eyelid corrections.

1. The primary functional reason people choose to undergo upper eyelid blepharoplasty is trying to correct sagging eyelids that appear with age or due to hereditary features that might be present even in younger patients. Sagging eyelids that in extreme cases may actually lie directly on the eyelashes may significantly affect an individual’s peripheral vision and might be a medical necessity to improve a patient’s quality of life.
2. Another very common reason for upper eyelid blepharoplasty is desire to create a more pronounced eyelid crease and definition to the shape of the eyelids. This upper blepharoplasty procedure is called double eyelid surgery and is focused on reshaping the single upper eyelid into two, separated by an obvious eyelid fold.
3. Brow ptosis or sagging of the brow line is also corrected with the help of upper eyelid blepharoplasty combined with the brow lift surgery to give eyes a more defined and visually appealing look. If a patient experiences significant under eye bags, lower blepharoplasty might also be performed at this time to dissect extra folds of skin and excess fatty tissues underneath the bottom eyelids.
4. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty might also carry non-functional cosmetic reasons to create a more alert and youthful look on the face by tightening and reshaping upper eyelids and decreasing the appearance of crow’s feet around the eyes.
5. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty may also be indicated for patients with congenital or post-traumatic eyelid deformities to improve a patient’s look and elevate his levels of self-esteem.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
The best candidates for an eye lift are individuals with good physical and mental health who have realistic expectations. Most are 35 years or older, but if baggy eyelids or droopy eyelids are hereditary, you may decide to have the surgery at a younger age.

Eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and help build your confidence. However, it may not result in your ideal look or cause people to treat you any differently. An eye lift will not alter your facial structure. It is important to know your face well before you decide to have surgery. Think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

Does Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery?
An insurance carrier may only agree to cover this surgery if the patient’s eyelids are drooping to a level that impairs his or her vision. Vision tests are required before surgery to confirm the problem. Otherwise, the procedure is considered cosmetic and not medically necessary.

No matter what your specific reasons for upper eyelid blepharoplasty are, discussing them with your cosmetic surgeon will help you gain a more realistic perspective on the blepharoplasty before and after facts.

Dr. Gregory M. Casey
Dr. Casey is board certified by the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and is fellowship trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He received his DDS from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, and his MD from the University of Health Sciences School of Medicine. Dr. Casey has privileges in Facial Plastic Surgery at Physician’s Regional Medical Center in Naples, FL.  

Call (239) 947-6637 today to schedule a consultation or visit:
www.CASEYSURGICALARTS.net.