Several factors such as aging, sun damage, smoking, stretching and obesity can cause the eyelids to droop and sag as the supporting tissues deteriorate. This area is often one of the first to deteriorate, as the skin of the eyelid is thinner than the rest of the face. Eyelids that droop or bulge can cause people to appear much older or fatigued than they actually are.
Blepharoplasty can rejuvenate puffy, sagging or tired-looking eyes by removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It may be performed for cosmetic reasons or to improve sight by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient’s field of vision. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper and lower eyelids, depending on each patient’s individual condition and goals for surgery.
The procedure can be performed in the office, but most people are more comfortable in the operating room where they can receive extra sedation and narcotics during the surgery. Incisions are made along the eyelid crease for the upper lids and just below the lashes on the lower lids. Dr. Mabry removes excess tissue through these incisions and then dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions. The sutures dissolve in approximately one week. Most people experience bruising and swelling which can last for several weeks. Fortunately, the surgery is not painful and most people resume their normal activities within a few days.