The Women's Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, Eye Lift, A refreshing change

Eye Lift: A Refreshing Change

by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S

For most of us, aging is a fact of life. As we grow older, the effects of aging become more and more apparent. One of the most obvious places we age is around our eyes. The skin surrounding the eyes is one of the most sensitive parts of the body and is usually the first to show signs of aging. So, while many of us remain young at heart, our eyes may sometimes cause us to look older beyond our years. Bags or wrinkled skin folds over the eyelids, signaling the aging process, can be altered to give you a fresher, younger appearance.

"Blepharoplasty," or an eye lift removes excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids resulting in a more youthful appearance.

The visual signs of aging are different for every woman. Women with animated faces or who have had a lot of sun exposure may show signs of aging earlier. Women with deep-set eyes, however, tend not to show signs of loose skin as quickly.

Women requesting aesthetic eyelid surgery range in age from about 25 years and older, due to the vast differences in how women age around the eyes. Most women are interested in a way to make their eyes appear more youthful and bright.

Although this procedure is performed primarily for aesthetic reasons, in some cases loose eyelid skin draping over the upper lids may compromise vision. In these situations, eyelid surgery will improve vision and may be covered by insurance.

Whatever the reason for choosing the procedure, aesthetic eyelid surgery may be an answer for women who want to change how they look.

Aesthetic eyelid surgery creates a more visually-appealing, rested appearance, free of puffy pouches and droopy eyelid skin. The procedure improves fine lines and wrinkles below the eyelids, but cannot completely remove "crow's feet" or laugh lines.

Botox injections can help to soften these lines, as well as the deep wrinkles that may develop between the eyebrows.

You should learn as much about the actual procedure as possible. Aesthetic eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper and lower lids simultaneously, depending on the patient's needs. The surgeon makes incisions in the upper and lower eyelids following the eye's natural lines and creases. The underlying fatty tissue and muscle is separated from the skin, and excess fat and skin is removed directly from the open incisions. Eyelid skin is then closed with fine sutures.

The procedure lasts approximately one-and-a-half to two hours and can be performed in an outpatient facility. As with all types of surgery, it is extremely important to follow your doctor's post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing.

After aesthetic eyelid surgery, a patient will usually be instructed to apply a cool gel pad over the eyes for the first 24 to 48 hours. This helps reduce swelling and bruising. You should also keep your head elevated for several days.

Bruising and swelling may be expected for the first seven to 10 days after aesthetic eyelid surgery. The lower lids tend to stay bruised longer than the upper lids. This is a result of gravity, and the procedure usually being more extensive on the lower lids. Since skin around the eyes is thin, the healing time is quick, and scars usually fade in six to eight weeks.

Aesthetic eyelid surgery is one of the easiest facial cosmetic procedures from which to recover and can be very rewarding for patients desiring a more youthful appearance.

Before you decide on any surgery always be sure to get all of the facts first. Discuss your questions and concerns with your surgeon prior to the surgery. Then, you will be better prepared to make a decision about aesthetic eyelid surgery.

Diane Gibby, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S Licensed in Texas, Dr. Diane Gibby is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the founder of The Women's Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. She is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), American Medical Association (AMA), Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons (TSPS), Dallas County Medical Society (DCMS) and the Board Certified Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons of Dallas. She is also a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.). Dr. Gibby's office is located at Medical City Dallas, Building C, Suite 820, (972) 566-6323. Individuals interested in brochures or names of qualified plastic surgeons in their area may call the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at 1-800-635-0635.