Blepharoplasty is the medical term used to describe eyelid surgery. Individuals may choose to have the procedure done for cosmetic reasons, medical reasons or both. As you age, the body’s ability to hold the eyelid in place lessens. This can lead to droopy eyelids and, consequently, the need or desire to have something done about them.
As you grow older, the body produces less elastin in the skin. This is a protein that helps to give the skin elasticity. Normally, when the skin is pulled or stretched, it will retract back to its former size and position. Elastin is what gives it the ability to do this. When the eyelids lose their ability to return to where they were, sagging of the skin can develop. In the case of the skin around the eyes, this means droopy eyelids.
The lower layers of the skin also produce another important protein: collagen. This is the substance that makes the skin look full and tight. Just like with elastin, less collagen is made naturally as you begin to age. Lines and wrinkles are usually the result. When you combine the effects caused by less collagen and elasticity with the gravitational pull, the eyelids can easily begin to droop. The upper eyelids can start to drop down over the front of the eye. The lower eyelids can pull away from the eyeball and expose more of the white part.
Other factors that can contribute to droopy eyelids include weaker muscles. As these muscles weaken, their ability to hold the eyelids up is reduced. Pockets of fat that are in place to provide a cushion between the eyeball and the skull can move forward into the eyelids with age. This is due to the weakening of a membrane that holds the fat pocket in place.
All of these factors combined can take their toll on the appearance of the eyelids. For this reason, many individuals seek treatment in the form of blepharoplasty in order to regain some of that look they had during their younger days.
The appearance issues caused by sagging eyelids are not the only reasons to consider blepharoplasty. At times, the procedure can be medically necessary. If the eyelids sag far enough, they can reach the point at which they start to block vision. Some of the peripheral vision can be lost. This can make tasks like driving not only more difficult, but also downright dangerous. If you are impacted by eyelids that are causing these types of issues with your vision, you should look at the procedure as something you need, not just something you want.
If you are dealing with one or more of the problems that drooping eyelids can cause, you should seek help from Dr. Pacheco at Adoro Medical Spa in Severna Park. Dr. Pacheco specializes in eyelid surgery, so you can be sure you are in good hands with her as your guide. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for blepharoplasty.
