Lower lid Blepharoplasty
           
Lower lid dermatochalasis: Redundancy of the lower eyelid skin often associated with fat protrusion.  Many people have significant lower eyelid laxity and fat pad prolapse.  This is what cause “circles” or “bags” under the eyes.  If left uncorrected, this condition can lead to droopy lower eyelids, lagophthalmos(inability to close the eyes completely), and significantly dry eyes.

Why does this occur?
As we age, the structures that hold back the fat pads loosen and become lax.  This allows that fat pads to protrude forward giving the extra fullness, or “bags” under the eyes.

What can be done?
A procedure called a lower lid blepharoplasty, can be performed to return the eye lid to its more youthful, awake, and relaxed appearance.

How is this procedure performed?

An incision is made with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser just under the lashes in an eye lid crease or on the inside of the eyelid to hide the scars.  The CO2 laser greatly decreases bruising and bleeding and accelerates recovery.  The extra fat and skin are removed.  The orbital septum is strengthened and the incision is closed.

What can I expect?
Usually there is some very mild bruising that usually lasts from 2 – 7 days.  One can often return to work in to work in 3 days and normal activity shortly there after.  There is usually very little other discomfort, other than occasional itching, or crusting of the wound.

Upper lid Blepharoplasty

Dermatochalasis: Redundancy of the upper or lower eyelid skin often associated with fat protrusion.  Many people have redundant eyelid skin, often to the point that it begins to obscure vision The skin may also sit heavily upon the eyelashes, pushing the eyelashes downward and affecting ocular health.  The sagging eyelid skin can also affect ones appearance so that one appears tired or angry.  If any of these situations are occurring then you are a candidate for upper eyelid surgery.

Why does this occur?
We are constantly using our eyelids through out the day.  The average person blinks roughly every 3-4 seconds.  This constant movement, coupled with time can loosen skin structures, allowing skin to become redundant and lax.  Furthermore, the structure which holds the normal fat pads found in the eyelid, together with an increase in the fat pads themselves causes the fat to protrude, exacerbating the condition.

What can be done?
A procedure called an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, can be performed to return the eye lid to its more youthful, awake, and relaxed appearance.

How is this procedure performed?
An incision is made with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in the upper eye lid crease, to hide the scar. The CO2 laser greatly decreases bruising and bleeding and accelerates recovery.  The extra skin and muscle are removed, as well as the extra fat.  The orbital septum is strengthened and the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures.

What can I expect?
Usually there is some very mild bruising that usually lasts from 2 – 7 days.  One can often return to work in to work in 3 days and normal activity shortly there after.  There is usually very little other discomfort, other than occasional itching, or crusting of the wound.