Eliminate Excess Skin around the Eyelids with Blepharoplasty

Who Is a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Individuals who have excess skin and fat around the eyelids may qualify for blepharoplasty. This treatment can address:

• Excess skin around the upper eyelids
• Puffy upper eyelids
• Bags under the eyes
• Tired looking eyes
• Droopy upper eyelid skin that impairs vision

Candidates for blepharoplasty should be at least 18 years old and in good general health. Additionally, those pursuing this treatment should have a full understanding of the procedure and realistic expectations of results.

Dr. Atwood understands that each patient is unique. This is why he caters every treatment plan according to the needs of the individual.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery is indicated for patients with sagging skin above the eyes. In addition to delivering a more youthful-looking, refreshed appearance, upper eyelid surgery can also serve a medical purpose. For example, sagging skin around the upper eyelids can impair vision. Therefore, insurance may be able to cover the procedure if performed for this purpose.

How Upper Eyelid Surgery Works

To perform upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Atwood will create tiny incisions along the natural creases of the upper lids. By doing so, post-operative scarring is minimal. Excess tissue is then trimmed away. If necessary, Dr. Atwood will reposition the underlying muscles for an optimal outcome. Finally, the remaining skin is lifted and sutured into place.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

While upper eyelid surgery focuses on eliminating excess skin, the purpose of lower eyelid surgery is also to remove unwanted fat deposits. This helps reduce the appearance of dark under eye circles and creates a firm, smooth, and more youthful look.

How Lower Eyelid Surgery Works

During lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Atwood creates a small incision just beneath the lower lash line. Excess tissue is removed and fat is redistributed or removed as necessary. In some cases, the associated muscles are repositioned, particularly if laxity is an issue. Lastly, the incisions will be closed with small stitches.

Customized Treatment for Optimal Results

Dr. Atwood understands that each patient is unique. This is why he caters every treatment plan according to the needs of the individual. When indicated, he incorporates fat repositioning and fat grafting into blepharoplasty. He finds that this method gives his patients a more youthful look. In addition, the over-resection of fatty tissue around the eye can contribute to an aged appearance. Therefore, he personalizes each surgery for optimal results.

Healing and Recovery

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure. Therefore, patients can expect some degree of discomfort and swelling. However, these side effects are typically short-lived and begin to diminish within a few days. To alleviate soreness, patients can take over-the-counter pain relievers. Cold compresses can also be applied to reduce swelling and inflammation.

After the first couple weeks, the initial side effects will subside. Scarring should improve over time and become virtually invisible. In many cases, blepharoplasty results last a lifetime. However, it is important to note that as the aging process continues, saggy skin may return. To reduce the likelihood of this, some patients elect to undergo a brow lift along with blepharoplasty.

Contact Our Cosmetic Surgery Practice 

To learn more about blepharoplasty, schedule an appointment with Dr. H. Daniel Atwood today. You can call (479) 443-7771 or send our office a message. We look forward to meeting with you about your treatment plan.