The Ins & Outs of Blepharoplasty In Scottsdale

Aging can be a difficult process for some individuals. Sagging or loose skin around the eyes can exaggerate the appearance of aging, causing them to look tired or older than they actually are. In some cases, the sagging tissue can even obstruct their vision.

As aging occurs, natural collagen production decreases, resulting in tissue that doesn’t follow the natural contour of the brow bone. The thin tissue becomes more lax and muscles weaken, causing the skin to sag. Fat deposits around the eye, used to cushion the eye within the cranium, shift toward the surface, creating a puffy appearance. This bag-like fullness of the skin can occur on both eyelids or either the lower lid or upper lid separately.

Sagging eyelid skin can occur for many reasons. Often it is due to aging, though it may even occur as early as the twenties due to hereditary factors. For some patients who experience significant weight loss, the fat pads may appear more prominent as the face loses volume while the orbital fat pads remain unaffected by weight change. For individuals suffering with sagging eyelid skin, a procedure known as blepharoplasty may be recommended.

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, more commonly referred to as eyelid surgery, is a procedure to tone the appearance of the tissue surrounding the eyes so that they more naturally shape to the contours of the brow bone. Patients will meet with Dr. Henderson for a consultation, at which time the face will be gently examined and options will be discussed.

Am I good candidate for blepharoplasty?

If you have loose skin around the eyes and are over the age of 35, you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery. The surgery is recommended to those that are in good health that may experience benefits in addition to cosmetic enhancement, such as improved vision, from the surgery.

How is the eyelid surgery performed?

Blepharoplasty in Scottsdale can occur on the lower eyelid, upper eyelid, or both depending on the patient’s needs. Individuals undergoing upper and lower lid surgery will undergo IV sedation. Those only undergoing upper eye may only undergo local anesthesia but may be given extra medication to aid in relaxation.

For lower lid surgery, an incision is made just below the lash line, combined with an inner lid incision to avoid damaging eyelid muscles and promote good muscle tone. Fat deposits will be adjusted to create a more natural shape while preventing a hollowing effect. Upper lid surgery consists of making an incision that follows the natural eyelid crease and removes excess skin and muscle to improve the shape of the eye.