Blepharoplasty
One of the primary places that age is shown is around the eye area. Over time, the tautness of the skin near the upper eyelid diminishes and fatty tissue becomes more prominent, giving a puffy appearance. Conversely, the fatty tissue below the eyes sometimes recedes and gravity takes over, causing the skin around the eyes to droop or sag and appear sunken, which can give the appearance of being sad or tired. These signs of aging can make men look depressed or aged beyond their years and can even interfere with peripheral vision, causing impairment. In spite of this, men are less likely to pursue corrective action for drooping eyelids than women.
Doctors at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology understand these concerns and how they can impact daily life. Our Pittsburgh surgeon, Dr. Heil, offers cosmetic eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, to restore firmness to eyelids and smoother skin around the eyes, creating a more youthful appearance and providing clearer vision. A private consultation with our Pittsburgh cosmetic surgeon will allow you to discuss your concerns and, together, determine the best solution for your individual concerns.
WHAT IS BLEPHAROPLASTY?
Blepharoplasty, or cosmetic eyelid surgery, is a procedure performed in Pittsburgh by our surgeon at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology that improves both the appearance and function of the eyelids (American Society of Plastic Surgery, U.S. National Library of Medicine). The procedure involves removing excess skin, muscle, or fat from around the eyes to tighten sagging eyelids (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic). Surgery can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids.
In some men, the muscles around the eyes weaken and the skin stretches with age. If excess fat accumulates either above or below the eyes, an unhealthy appearance of puffiness, excessive wrinkling, drooping upper eyelids, or bags under the eyes results (Mayo Clinic). In otherwise healthy men, these symptoms may cause them to appear sad, sullen, or older than they actually are. When severely sagging skin around the eyes affects vision, it is usually of the upper and outer areas in the vision field (Mayo Clinic). Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, restores the natural contour of the eyelid, improving appearance and eliminating vision difficulties. Both puffiness and bags are reduced or eliminated (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, U.S. National Library of Medicine).
WHO SHOULD UNDERGO BLEPHAROPLASTY?
Candidates in Pittsburgh for blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, are healthy individuals who experience difficulties due to drooping eyelids, excess skin on their eyelids, or bags beneath the eyes and want to remedy their condition (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic). Drooping upper eyelids interfere with being able to fully open the eyes and sagging lower lids may expose the white of the eye below the iris. Sagging eyelids sometimes interfere with full range of vision (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic). If you desire a firmer eye area that gives a more alert appearance and improvement of your vision, blepharoplasty at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Pittsburgh is an option for you (Mayo Clinic).
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH YOUR BLEPHAROPLASTY?
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is usually performed in an outpatient setting by our Pittsburgh surgeon and is completed within a few hours. Incisions are made along the fold of the eyelids so that the resultant scars are concealed in the natural contours of the eyelids (American Society of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic). The upper eyelid incision is made along the natural crease of the eyelid through which excess fat, muscle, and skin are either removed or repositioned. The lower eyelid receives an incision either just below the lash line along the natural crease of the eye or on the inside of the lower eyelid. Through this incision, excess fat, muscle, and sagging skin can be removed or redistributed. (American Society of Plastic Surgery)
After the blepharoplasty procedure, patients spend time in a recovery room and are monitored by Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology professionals for any complications. After a recuperation period, patients are able to go home on the same day. Post-operative effects are temporary and may include watery eyes, minor swelling, light sensitivity, numb eyelids, bruising and some discomfort, all of which typically disappear within two weeks (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic).
Click here for more information on blepharoplasty at Premier Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS INVOLVED?
With any cosmetic surgery, there are risks along with the benefits involved. A thorough consultation with Dr. Heil will allow you to weigh the benefits and risks as they apply to your individual condition. A private discussion with our Pittsburgh cosmetic surgeon covering the details of Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology eyelid surgery will help to determine if blepharoplasty is right for you.
BOTTOM LINE
Aging can be a harmonious experience for men, as well as women. Patients experiencing excessive drooping of the skin around their eyes and looking to restore their youthful appearance or improve vision affected by their condition may elect to undergo blepharoplasty. To see if Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology eyelid surgery is right for you, please schedule a consultation with our board-certified Pittsburgh surgeon Dr. Brian V. Heil by contacting us at 724-264-3608 or sending us an email.
