The skin around the eyes is some of the most delicate skin on the body. As we age, our facial fat shifts and deteriorates, and the thin skin around the eyes becomes particularly susceptible to wrinkling, folding, and drooping. Because our eyes communicate so much, these droops and wrinkles often make us look weary, tired and aged beyond our years. Eyelid surgery, clinically known as blepharoplasty, is designed to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, and the area surrounding the eyes. Patients in the Huntersville and Davidson areas emerge from blepharoplasty surgery looking more alert, youthful, and rejuvenated.

What is the blepharoplasty procedure like?

Blepharoplasty surgery can address several different areas of concern, including the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. The specific procedure will depend on individual anatomy and surgical goals.  Some patients who undergo eyelid surgery may only seek correction of a specific area, others may seek a more extensive surgery to correct multiple problem areas.

Upper eyelid surgery addresses heavy and drooping upper eyelids. Loose or sagging skin becomes more pronounced with age. The resulting skin folds can obscure the natural contour of the upper eyelids conveying a tired or sad look. In some cases, these folds may become so pronounced that they obscure the vision, especially with upward gaze.  An upper blepharoplasty procedure can remove excess fat and skin from the area. An upper eyelid lift works well on its own or in conjunction with a brow lift procedure which elevates the eyebrows and further enhances the overall appearance.

Lower eyelid surgery corrects the excess fat and skin that accumulates beneath the eye that comes with age. Drooping under eye “bags” prematurely age the face and can make patients look sad or tired even when they are happy and energized. To correct this condition, the extra fat is directly removed through a small incision.  Conservative skin resection can also be done.   The result is a smoother and firmer under eye appearance.

Patients in our North Charlotte practice who only require fat removal to reduce under eye puffiness might be good candidates for a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. During this procedure a small incision is made on the interior of the lower eyelid rendering the scar invisible.

Eyelid surgery is routinely performed by Dr. Erik Miles at our Lake Norman offices. Patients tolerate the procedure very well with only light sedation followed by injection of a small amount of local anesthesia. Patients who desire general anesthesia have that option as well.  The recovery time is short, with most of patients returning to normal activity after just one or two weeks. Mild swelling and bruising related to the surgery is to be expected and will resolve with time.

Am I a good candidate for blepharoplasty?

If you feel that the area around your eyes looks tired or makes you look older than you feel, an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty might be the right procedure for you. Good candidates for the procedure are in generally good health and possess good skin tone.

Set-up a consultation at our North Charlotte office to discuss your options.  Complementary procedures like face lifts and brow lifts, as well as minimally invasive alternatives like Botox and dermal fillers can also be discussed.  During the consultation with Dr. Erik Miles you will discuss your goals for surgery and will have the opportunity to learn and ask any questions you may have about the procedure.

Our eyelid lift patients enjoy a rejuvenated look as a result of surgery. If you are interested in learning more about blepharoplasty, give us a call today toll free at: (877) 896-5556.