Cosmetic Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, the surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance of the eyelids, gives the eyes a more youthful look by removing excess skin, bulging fat, and/or lax muscle from the upper or lower lids. If the sagging skin obstructs peripheral vision, blepharoplasty can eliminate the obstruction and expand the visual field.
Excess skin, muscle and/or fat arc removed from the upper lid through an incision hidden in the natural eyelid crease. If the upper lid is droopy, the muscle that raises the lid can be tightened. The incision is then closed with fine sutures. Many patients opt for special procedures to tighten their skin or to improve their eyefold positions.
Fat in the lower lid can be removed or repositioned through an incision hidden on the inner surface of the lid (transconjunctival blepharoplasty). If desired, laser resurfacing can be performed simultaneously to smooth and tighten the lower lid skin. Should here be excessive skin in the lower lid, the incision is made just below the lashes. Fat can be removed or repositioned through this incision, and the excess skin is removed. The incision is then closed with fine sutures.
Cosmetic Asian Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid surgery is frequently requested by our Asian patients to enhance the upper eyelid fold and create a smooth but natural double eyelid. There is no single “correct” appearance of the eyelids. At your consultation, Dr. Levin will consider any pre-existing crease or fold, the amount of skin in your upper eyelids, the position of your eyebrows, and your feelings of what makes eyes attractive and natural. Lower eyelid surgery is most commonly performed to smooth out the lower eyelid bags that expand with age. Lower eyelid surgery may be performed without a visible incision (transconjunctival blepharoplasty) in many Asian patients.
Special Blepharoplasty Techniques
Some patients benefit from transfer of the bulging lower eyelid fat into areas of relative depression around the eyes. (Fat Transfer). Other patients benefit from surgical elevation of their cheeks or cheek fat pads. (Midface or SOOF Lift). Dr. Levin will discuss special techniques beyond traditional blepharoplasty that might improve your appearance.
Male Blepharoplasty
Men should look rested, attentive and energetic. The eyes can make a man look tired and elderly. In general, the goal of upper eyelid surgery in men is to lift the eyelid skin off the lashes, without leaving the eyes looking hollow or feminized. In the lower eyelid, many men desire reduction of the bags and smoothing of the line between the eyelid and the cheek. These concerns are particularly common among active and working men who are often interacting with men and women years or even decades their junior. Dr. Levin will discuss your particular features and possibilities with you.
Corrective Blepharoplasty
Dr. Levin sees many patients who have had previous eyelid surgery. Some have had complications from previous surgery and require corrective procedures. Others were pleased with their results, but the effects of surgery have faded with time. It is rarely possible to predict what you might require without a face-to-face consultation with Dr. Levin.
