Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) is one of the most gratifying procedures for both the patient and surgeon. Patients complain that they always look more tired and older than they feel. A common complaint is that they are starting to look like their mother or father. This is not surprising because this is an inherited condition.

Eyelids and the Aging Process

The signs of facial aging are usually first noticeable in the eyelids as the skin relaxes, the fat bulges forward, wrinkles develop, and a crease forms along the orbital rim, defining it and demarcating it from the cheek. This "lid-cheek junction" is not to be found on models. In youth, the lower lid blends imperceptibly into the cheek .

Often men and women who have never considered plastic surgery before come to see me about their eyelids. Many are in the forties but can be much younger. Occasionally, I treat patients who are still in their twenties.

Eyelid Rejuvenation: Cosmetic and Functional

Patients usually come in with primarily cosmetic concerns and are pleased to learn that there may be functional benefits as well. Older patients may find that the extra skin fold of the upper lid is starting to restrict their vision. They find themselves subconsciously lifting their eyebrows not only to see, but to appear to be awake! They don't want to give the impression that they are not alert, which is obviously socially undesirable.

Fortunately, this condition is very treatable, and surgery can produce dramatic results. The upper lids may be treated alone or in combination with the lower lids. The lower lids may be treated alone, but usually all four lids are treated at the same time.

Complete Rejuvenation: Wrinkle Treatments

In addition to eyelid rejuvenation, patients may choose to treat wrinkles around the eyes, "crow's feet" and wrinkles located over the bridge of the nose. Eyelid surgery, on its own, will not treat crow's feet because these lines extend off to the side, beyond the end of the eyelid incisions which are used to tighten the skin.

Often Botox^® Cosmetic is used to soften crow's feet by relaxing the underlying muscles which are compressing the skin and forming the wrinkles in the first place.

Laser resurfacing may be performed simultaneously to treat fine wrinkles of the lower lids and to smooth crow's feet.