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Choosing eyelid surgery

Choosing eyelid surgery

Plastic and reconstructive surgeon W. Bryan Rogers, M.D., says facelifts - the go-to procedure when you think of plastic surgery - are not common in our area. “We can do them, but most patients don’t request them.”

Dr. Rogers says patients are asking for plastic surgery help in one particular area, though: the eyes. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, blepharoplasty—or eyelid surgery—can be on the upper or lower eyelids, or both. The reasons for having the procedure can be purely cosmetic or functional. Both Dr. Rogers and fellow plastic and reconstructive surgeon Peter Andolina, D.O., perform the procedure at King’s Daughters.

Sometimes loose skin can create folds above the eyelids and can impair someone’s vision, according to Dr. Andolina. “As we get older, this can become an issue, especially when driving,” Andolina said. “The thing to know is, blepharoplasty can absolutely help. You’ll not only improve your appearance, you’ll improve your ability to see.”

At times, the upper eyelid muscle becomes stretched out and may cause a drooping eyelid, called “eyelid ptosis.” This is different and requires a separate surgical procedure.

Many people opt for the blepharoplasty to improve their appearance. Reasons for pursuing this procedure include:

  • puffiness
  • “bags” under the eyes
  • drooping eyelids that show white below the iris
  • excess skin and fine wrinkles

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis. Patients usually return home the same day, and use good sun protection and tinted sunglasses until they are fully healed. Our surgeons recommend about a week at home due to swelling and bruising.