Next to botox and facelifts, most people consider blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to remove and tighten excess skin causing the appearance of droopy lids. By providing a less obstructed field of view, blepharoplasty can also inadvertently improve your vision. In some cases, you may only need skin removed as opposed to the entire muscle—but when do you know that blepharoplasty is right for you?
What is Cosmetic Blepharoplasty?
A surgical procedure that isn’t medically necessary, eyelid surgery is undergone primarily to improve one’s appearance. As you age, eyelids and eyebrows tend to sag or become droopy. Though not medically alarming, muscles in the eyelid weaken over time, with fat pockets becoming more prominent as they bulge.
Sometimes, this condition is hereditary and can create an older and more tired appearance. To reverse this, you can tap the best plastic surgeon in Torrance CA.
When Do You Need Blepharoplasty?
In comparison to cosmetic blepharoplasty, functional blepharoplasty is necessary when your upper eyelid droops low enough to impair your vision. This can prevent you from performing tasks such as driving or cooking and even make it difficult to wear contact lenses or glasses.
Alternatively, you might also seek the surgery if you’re experiencing irritation from the excess folds in your eyelids. As you strain to lift sagging skin around the eyelid area, you might also experience forehead discomfort.
Unlike cosmetic blepharoplasty, functional blepharoplasty is often covered by health insurance.
Ptosis and Eyelid Surgery
Ptosis refers to the drooping of the upper eyelid, which is a condition that can affect one or both eyes. This occurs when the edge of the upper eyelid falls from its normal position. In the majority of cases of ptosis, the condition is simply a result of aging. When experienced shortly after birth, this is known as congenital ptosis.
When surgically corrected, the stretched tendon that helps lift the eyelid is repaired. Sometimes, patients may experience droopy eyelids after another type of eye surgery such as cataract surgery, which involves the manipulation and stretching of the eyelid. Other causes of ptosis are stroke and trauma.
The Best Candidates for Eyelid Surgery
As we mentioned above, plastic surgeons will specialize in either cosmetic or functional blepharoplasty. If you aren’t sure what type of blepharoplasty you need, visit your eye doctor or book a consultation directly with your plastic surgeon. They will then determine your specific condition and discover what you need.
If you feel your droopy eyelids are more exaggerated than normal, this can be caused by allergies or edema, which can be easily treated without surgery. If you are of Asian descent, the so-called double eyelid surgery will create an upper eyelid crease giving the patient a double eyelid.
Conclusion
Blepharoplasty can be performed on virtually anyone, on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both at the same time.
For reconstructive and cosmetic procedures in Torrance, CA, that employ cutting-edge strategies, Peninsula Plastic Surgery is the place to be. Cosmetic surgery consultations are free. We’re affordable and safe, call us up to start working on the new you!
