Blepharoplasty/Eyelid Surgery in Memphis
Many people develop the “tired-eyes” look because of age or heredity. Most people refer to this condition as undereye bags or saggy, drooping, or puffy eyelids. Excess skin and bulges of the upper or lower eyelids can cause a person to look tired, angry, and older. Dr. Langsdon can correct “tired-eyes” with eyelid surgery in Memphis, TN.
The medical term for the procedure that will improve puffy eyelids, droopy eyelids, eye bags or baggy eyelids is blepharoplasty. Laypeople call this procedure eyelid surgery, an eye lift, an eyelid lift, cosmetic eyelid surgery, surgery, or treatment for puffy eyelids.
Dr. Langsdon performs blepharoplasty in Germantown, Tennessee, to make the eyelids look more youthful under local and/or twilight anesthesia, in which the patient does not require gas anesthesia in the hospital. In our clinic, the patient usually has no sensation or awareness during the blepharoplasty procedure. In fact, most of our patients tell us that blepharoplasty is a painless process, and that they have no pain after the procedure.
Blepharoplasty of the Upper and Lower Eyelids in Memphis
Upper lid surgery (upper eyelid surgery or upper eyelid blepharoplasty) involves the simple removal of skin and/or fat from the upper eyelids. The doctor also uses the same method for blepharoplasty in the lower lid. Sometimes, Dr. Langsdon treats the lower eyelid with a hidden incision (but not always). Whether the upper, lower, or both eyelids need treatment, blepharoplasty has the potential to improve eyelids that sag, have loose skin, and excess fatty tissue that surrounds them.
The incisions of the upper and lower eyelids will be pink for a while after the blepharoplasty procedure. Eventually, they will begin to soften and lighten in color. Incision scars usually blend nicely with skin creases over time.
There is no “right” age for eyelid surgery. While drooping eyelids can be a result of aging, sagging and excess skin in eyelids can be a problem for young people, too. We see patients of all age ranges for blepharoplasty.
The blepharoplasty procedure takes about an hour to complete. In addition, eyelid surgery is minimally invasive, requires little time off from work, and is easy to perform. Bruising and swelling are usually minimal when blepharoplasty patients follow the Langsdon Clinic post treatment instructions. Dr. Langsdon can address any questions you have regarding your eyelid surgery during your personalized consultation.
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Blepharoplasty with Additional Treatments
A blepharoplasty cannot eliminate fine lines or wrinkles. Further rejuvenation of the eyes may require neuromodulators, such as Botox® and skin creams like the FaceMD™ skin care system, laser treatments or chemical peels. As we age, the skin thins so much that the removal of wrinkles around the lids becomes difficult. This problem is due to the lack of skin thickness, elasticity, or hydration left in the skin.
Age causes a groove to develop below the lower eyelid puffy region near where the eyelid skin abuts the upper cheek skin. This area, located just over the lower eyelid bone, can become sunken in. Doctors call this area the tear trough, nasojugal groove, or the lid-cheek groove or deformity. You might also hear people refer to it as sunken eyes, tired eyes, or dark circles. Dr. Langsdon can improve this area with “tear trough” injections of facial filler, in addition to a blepharoplasty. See our section on tear trough injections. Tear Trough fillers can raise the deep groove under the lower eyelid and improve the dark circles or shadowing below the lower eyelids.
Sometimes, drooping eyebrows can contribute to the excess upper eyelid skin, which may improve with a brow lift.
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Eyelid Surgery Before and After Photos
Memphis Eyelid Surgery FAQ's
The changes to improve the appearance of your eyes with eyelid surgery are permanent, and the excess fat will not come back. However, a blepharoplasty will not halt the normal aging process. Most patients never need another surgery, but some return for a minor touch-up after 10 or 15 years.
Drooping upper eyelids can be the result of excess skin and fat in the eyelids or of sagging eyebrows that push the skin above the eyes down. To get a sense of this, look in the mirror and, with your fingers, gently lift your eyebrows to an attractive position. If this corrects your drooping upper eyelids, a brow lift may be what you need. In your consultation with Dr. Langsdon, he will examine you and explain which procedure will make the change you’re looking for. In some cases, both are necessary.
While recovery from eyelid surgery is relatively brief, you should plan to rest for two or three days while the incisions heal and the initial swelling goes down. After that, you can return to work and activities that don’t involve much physical exertion. Your eyes may look a little puffy for the first week or two, until most of the swelling disappears. After a week or so, you can hide any residual swelling or discoloration with makeup. Your eyes will continue to look even better over time, until you see the final results between three and six months after surgery.
If drooping eyelids are interfering with your vision by restricting your field of view, your insurance provider may deem blepharoplasty a medically necessary procedure. When you have eyelid surgery for purely cosmetic reasons — to approve your appearance — insurance doesn’t cover it. If this is a concern for you, Dr. Langsdon can review the cost and payment options as part of your consultation.