Droopy Eyelid Surgery
Do your upper eyelids seem droopy? Do you have extra skin covering your lashes and blocking your view? You may have a condition called dermatochalasis. If this extra skin is bothersome, you should seek out an experienced surgeon at Elmquist Eye Group to diagnose your condition and potentially perform a surgery, otherwise known as blepharoplasty, to make your eyes look younger.
Elmquist Eye Group has been serving Southwest Florida for 25 years. Ophthalmologist Yasaira Rodriguez, MD, along with optometrists Kate Wagner, OD and Nina Burt, OD offer wide-ranging expertise in eyelid surgery and the most up-to-date eyecare treatments.
If you would like to give your eyes a more refreshed and youthful look, learn more about blepharoplasty surgery below from the highly qualified Yasaira Rodriguez, MD.
Eyelids and Aging
Eyes and the thin skin around them are very susceptible to the effects of aging and gravity. Each time we smile or frown, the movements create fine lines and wrinkles above and below the eyes. Under-eye bags are caused by a combination of loose skin and pockets of fat that push through the lower eye muscle, creating a pocket of fat or a “bag.” These are just a few of the things that make us look tired, sad or angry.
How Do Doctors Treat the Condition?
Depending on the underlying cause and the severity of your droopy eyelids, the doctor may recommend surgical correction called blepharoplasty, also called an eyelid lift.
This surgical procedure removes skin and possibly removes fat from the eyelids. To minimize visible scarring, tiny incisions are made along the natural skin lines of the eyelids.
Blepharoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the U.S. today and can be done to improve:
- Drooping eyelids
- Eyelids that sag into your field of vision
- Lines and wrinkles
- Puffiness in the lower eyelid area
- Tired appearance
- Poor vision (in some cases)
What is Blepharoplasty Surgery Like?
Blepharoplasty is most often performed under local anesthesia in the ambulatory surgery center. Dr. Rodriguez marks the incision sites by following the natural creases of your eyelids. Excess fat is removed as needed, and sagging skin and muscle is carefully trimmed. The incisions are closed with very fine stitches, and any resulting scars will fade away over time.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort after eyelid surgery. There may be some swelling and/or bruising that lasts for 7 to 10 days. Most patients return to work within one week and are back to full activities after 10 days. It is wise to avoid strenuous exercise and activities for two to three weeks.
The majority of patients who undergo blepharoplasty enjoy long-lasting results. You will notice immediate improvements after surgery, but your skin may continue to tighten for a full year after the procedure.
Despite being quite safe, blepharoplasty, like all surgery, has its share of risks. If you suffer from insufficient tear production, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease or thyroid disease, you may not be a good candidate for upper eyelid surgery.
Trust in Elmquist
If you are having upper eyelid issues and think you may need surgery, you can trust the professionals at Elmquist Eye Group to do a thorough exam and provide the best possible droopy eyelid treatment for your condition. Call us today at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment.