Because the eyelid skin is thinner than most other facial skin, the areas around the eye are often the first to show signs of aging. As the eyelid skin and underlying muscles begin to sag, the droop may actually interfere with your vision. Soon, the forehead may crease, and patients even tell us their foreheads grow tired from trying to keep their eyes open.

What is blepharoplasty?

Both the upper and lower lids can droop, and the condition affects people at any age, both genders and all ethnicities. Normal aging can result in eyelid sag, and lifestyle factors like sun exposure and smoking can accelerate the tissue breakdown.

Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery designed to restore the eyelid position to a more normal, natural look. The surgeon often tightens the underlying muscles that uplift the eyelid. The surgeon may even reposition or remove excess skin and fat. However, blepharoplasty is just designed for the lid and does not correct vision. While the eyelid may be repaired and lifted out of the way to no longer block your vision, you will still need to wear glasses or contact lenses for any underlying vision problems.

Cataract surgery may be an option for you for vision correction. When you come in for your consultation at Elmquist, we can have a comprehensive conversation with you to discuss all your comprehensive eye care needs.

What is a blepharoplasty evaluation?

At Elmquist, all our potential blepharoplasty surgical candidates undergo an extensive medical and surgical evaluation prior to surgery. We will discuss your reasons for wanting blepharoplasty, determining whether the eyelids are creating a functional issue with vision or whether you want it for cosmetic reasons.

Naturally, we will collect a full medical history and discuss any current medical conditions that might create surgical risk or post-surgery complications. For example, a patient with thyroid disease has increased risk. We will discuss whether you are on blood thinners or have abnormal blood clotting, and we will discuss any history of keloid scar formation that you may have. Of course, we will want to know your history of any allergic reactions you have had so that we can avoid any complications stemming from the medications we use before, during and after the surgery. Therefore, we will need a complete list of all medications you use, including prescriptions, vitamins and any over-the-counter medications.

The evaluation will also include a thorough ophthalmologic evaluation and eye exam, where we will test visual acuity and the visual field, ocular motility, and tear production. We will take current measurements of your brow position and its current distance to the upper lid so that we can create a customized surgical plan to to achieve the desired results.

If you’ve been thinking about having eyelid surgery, come see us at Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers for a blepharoplasty evaluation. Having this procedure can drastically improve your vision. If you are having it for cosmetic reasons, blepharoplasty can give your eyes and thus your face a more refreshed and youthful appearance. What are you waiting for? Contact us today.