Eyelid skin is very thin and often one of the first areas in the body to show signs of aging. While changes in the eyelid tissues and surrounding skin are common, they can affect the way you see yourself and the world around you. Healthy Aging Month in September serves as a timely opportunity to address what treatment options are available to correct these visible signs of aging.
Over time, the skin and muscles of your eyelids start to lose their elasticity and sag. Many influencing factors may contribute to this, including smoking, sun damage, genetics as well as wear and tear from blinking and rubbing. Beyond the cosmetic impact, these changes in our bodies can also result in impaired vision as they begin to affect the contour of the eyelid and block peripheral vision.
“While aging eyelids typically result in cosmetic concerns for patients, treatment may be required when the field of vision becomes obstructed,” said Dr. Yasaira Rodriguez, an ophthalmologist for Elmquist Eye Group who specializes in cosmetic and surgical eye procedures. “Surgical and non-surgical eyelid treatments can help correct sagging eyelids as well as restore a more rested and youthful appearance.”
For those heavily plagued with undereye bags and droopy lids, eyelid surgery offers a long-term solution.
“Patients are often frustrated by the appearance of droopy eyelids and when they can’t seem to keep their eyes all the way open,” Rodriguez said. “This is when eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, can make a difference by helping remove excess skin and permanently restore the eyelid’s natural contour while restoring peripheral vision.”
Blepharoplasty is a type of eyelid surgery that can enhance the positioning of upper eyelids by removing loose skin and excess fat.
Blepharoplasty is usually done in an outpatient setting. Patients are given intravenous medication to help them relax while a local numbing medicine is placed in the eyelids. Most people return to normal activities after seven to 10 days following surgery.
For those who prefer methods that do not involve surgery, cosmetic procedures like fillers and Botox offer a safe and effective method of reversing visible signs of aging.
Dermal fillers and Botox injections can help patients by improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, poor skin texture and lost facial volume. Non-surgical injection procedures like fillers and Botox are minimally invasive and require a short time for recovery. Patients can resume most all of their normal, everyday activities immediately following the treatment session, making it a convenient treatment option for people with busy schedules and active lifestyles.
Fillers, Botox and eyelid surgery are a safe and effective method of reversing the visible signs of aging. Many people express satisfaction with the results such as a more rested and youthful appearance and more self-confidence. An ophthalmologist specializing in these procedures can help you determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs and how they may be used to restore signs of aging.
There are risks associated with any medical procedure. It is important to speak to your ophthalmologist about the best options for your individual needs, what to expect for treatment and how to ensure a smooth recovery process.
To learn if you are a candidate for eyelid surgery or cosmetic options, contact Elmquist Eye Group at 239-936-2020 or stop by an Optical Boutique in Fort Myers or Cape Coral.
Yasaira Rodriguez, MD
With more than 25 years of service to the Southwest Florida community, Elmquist Eye Group offers experienced doctors who are dedicated to patient care. Dr. E. Trevor Elmquist, Dr. Kate Wagner, Dr. Sarah Eccles-Brown, Dr. Nina Burt and Dr. Yasaira Rodriguez of Elmquist Eye Group are available to answer your questions. With three U.S. military veterans leading the practice, Elmquist Eye Group’s team stands ready to serve you right here in Southwest Florida. For more information, visit www.Elmquist.com, call 239-936-2020 or stop by an Optical Boutique location in Fort Myers or Cape Coral.
ELMQUIST EYE GROUP
239-936-2020
www.elmquist.com
FORT MYERS
7970 Summerlin Lakes Dr.
CAPE CORAL
2336 Surfside Blvd., Suite 121