Blepharoplasty: Revitalize Those Tired Eyes

J. Clinton Merrick, MD
Plastic & Hand Surgery
Merrick Plastic & Hand Surgery Clinic
Eau Claire

It is often said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Our eyes convey the complexities of human emotion in ways that words cannot. As we age, however, our eyes can convey an unintended message. Even though a good night’s sleep may revitalize the spirit, the loose skin in the upper eyelids and the bags in the lower lids can give the appearance of fatigue and agedness. In addition, severe drooping of upper lid skin may actually affect one's ability to see. Patients seeking remedy for these symptoms have made blepharoplasty one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today.

Prevention

Some inherited diseases result in periodic, severe swelling in the eyelids which causes an acceleration of the drooping skin in the lids. This can occur early in life, even in the twenties. For most men and women, however, a slow progressive change is seen until treatment is sought often in the fourth and fifth decade of life. Excessive alcohol consumption results in nighttime swelling that can stretch the eyelid skin. Sun exposure robs the skin of it’s precious elasticity, accelerating droop. Smoking has a similar effect with early wrinkling and loss of skin elasticity. Good skin care consisting of daily removal of excess makeup, gentle cleansing, and use of good quality eye firming cream is essential. Even under the best circumstances, progression of the ‘tired eyes’ look may occur.

Treatment

In addition to the loss of elasticity our skin develops with age, loss of strength in the internal layers of the eyelids allows the fat compartments in the eye to bulge creating fullness in the upper lids and the bags we see in the lower lids. The options for treatment are individualized based on the exact appearance of the lids. Please schedule a consultation for specific recommendations. The initial consultation provides an opportunity to discuss the primary areas of concern, the patient’s expectations, risks, benefits and expected outcomes.

“Blepharoplasty is very successful at rejuvenating one’s look by giving a brighter, less tired appearance, with minimal scarring, little pain, and a brief recovery.”

Several nonsurgical options exist. Laser resurfacing is an excellent option for some patients. Chemical peels may also be appropriate to tighten and revitalize the skin. In cases where significant skin excess is present or substantial bulging of fat exist, blepharoplasty may be the best option. In some cases, significant skin excess in the upper lid may so severely affect vision that insurance will cover the cost of the procedure. This often requires some type of vision test demonstrating a decrease in visual fields.

Blepharoplasty

Surgery on the eyelids is performed on an outpatient basis in one to two hours. This is often done in a surgery center with a light sedative. Additional local anesthesic provides excellent control of discomfort during the procedure. The upper lids are treated with an appropriate amount of skin excision, followed by contouring of the fat pockets beneath the skin. The skin is sutured along the natural crease in the lid with a small stitch under the skin. A small incision along the margin of the lower lid allows for a conservative skin resection and reshaping of the lower lid fat pads and a small suture is used to close the incision.

Recovery

The eyelids may appear slightly bruised and swollen for up to a week. Generally this subsides quickly allowing patients to return to work between one and two weeks. Most people find that in 8 – 10 days they are socially presentable. Although the eyelids are sensitive areas, there is surprisingly little pain reported by most patients. Typical pain levels are 2 to3 on a scale of 10 postoperatively. After about two weeks, the thin eyelid skin is completely healed with very minimal scarring.

Dr. Merrick – Merrick Plastic & Hand Surgery Clinic
For information or to schedule an appointment:
715-514-2550 | 866-242-3499 | www.oakleafmedical.com
Dr. Merrick sees patients in Eau Claire, Cumberland and Menomonie.