Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can offer many benefits to those bothered by an aging appearance around the eyes. As the eyes age, the skin of the eyelids can lose elasticity and sag. The eyes may also appear puffy due to excess fat or the redistribution of fat over time. Dark circles under the eyes may also develop or increase in severity as we age. Blepharoplasty is a procedure in which excess skin and fat can be removed, rejuvenating the appearance of the eyes for a brighter, more youthful and alert appearance.
While blepharoplasty offers many benefits, there are a number of myths which have developed about the procedure. These often cloud many patients’ understanding of the benefits of the procedure. In order to achieve maximal patient satisfaction, it is important to clarify what a blepharoplasty will and will not achieve.
Myth #1: Blepharoplasty will correct all wrinkling around the eyes.
Unfortunately, this is not really the case. Often, people imagine that blepharoplasty will remove crow’s feet lines around the eyes, but these lines are caused by the repeated use of muscles around the eyes and are generally not affected by eyelid surgery. These wrinkles are better treated with Botox injections. Resurfacing procedures and injectable fillers may also be effective in treating some lines around the eyes.
Myth #2: Blepharoplasty is only for women.
Although it is true that most blepharoplasty patients are women, men account for about 20% of procedures. Blepharoplasty is just as effective at improving sagging and puffiness experienced by men.
Myth #3: Blepharoplasty will correct sagging eyebrows.
Sagging of the eyebrows will not be improved by blepharoplasty. This condition must be treated with a brow lift procedure. It is not uncommon for patients to combine the two procedures, and they can be very effective at renewing the upper face when used in tandem.
Myth #4: Blepharoplasty involves a lot of pain.
Generally, this is not the case. For most patients, side effects include mild swelling and bruising and mild pain or discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. These effects are typically not debilitating, and patients can usually return to normal activity within a week.
If you are interested in learning the truth about blepharoplasty surgery and how it can benefit you, contact with facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sheldon Kabaker of Oakland, California, at 800-914-4247.