If your eyelids are causing you problems with either your appearance or your eyesight, you may be able to benefit from eyelid surgery. Commonly referred to as an eyelid lift, the procedure can give you a younger appearance. In those cases where the eyelids are drooping over the eyes far enough to block the vision, the procedure may be considered medically necessary.
Eyelid surgery can be used to tighten the skin around the eyes. As you grow older, your skin will loosen because of a lack of adequate amounts of collagen to keep it tight. Collagen is naturally produced by the body and is found in the dermis. This is the layer of skin immediately below the outer layer, or epidermis. Collagen is a protein that serves the purpose of holding tissue together and providing fullness and tightness to the skin.
The body produces more collagen in the younger years with the growth rate of the substance dropping as you age. With less collagen present to keep the skin tight, it will naturally loosen. For the skin around the eyes, this means the eyelids will begin to droop. The condition is a common sign of aging for which many people undergo surgery to reverse.
Another contributing factor to drooping eyelids is a weakening of the muscles that work them. Over time, as these muscles weaken with age, gravity will begin to overcome the muscles’ ability to hold the eyelids completely open. The results are eyelids that fall down partially over the eyes.
There is a layer of fat between the eyes and the skull to provide a cushion for the eyeballs. Over time, this fatty tissue can make its way forward into the eyelids. It does so because the membranes that hold the fat in place begin to deteriorate. The problem caused by weakened muscles can even be compounded due to the added weight of the eyelids at that point.
Drooping eyelids can reach the point of putting an individual in danger during activities like driving when they reduce the field of vision. In these cases, the surgery can give persons who are afraid to drive more freedom to move about on their own.
Eyelid surgery can be done on both the upper and lower eyelids. When the lower eyelids droop, they will pull away from the lower part of the eye and expose more of the white part. Fixing this problem will make individuals look years younger.
Eyelid surgery is done by removing excess skin and fat from the area. The remaining skin is then pulled tight. It normally does not require a hospital stay, but you should plan on about a week for recovery.
If you think you could benefit from eyelid surgery, consult with our skilled plastic surgeon at Adoro Medical Spa. Dr. Pacheco serves Annapolis, Severna Park and Columbia with cosmetic procedures customized for every patient. It could be your answer to a younger appearance as well as an improved field of vision. Contact us today to find out if this procedure is right for you.
