07 Nov Achieve A Younger, Fresher Look: Eyelid Surgery & Blepharoplasty
What Is The Difference Between Eyelid Surgery And Blepharoplasty?
The terms blepharoplasty and eyelid surgery are often used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion. Both terms refer to surgery on the eyes. A blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgery performed on the eyes primarily for cosmetic reasons. However, blepharoplasties can also have medical benefits. Similarly, the term eyelid surgery can be used to refer to surgeries for cosmetic or medical purposes like ptosis repair. These surgeries correct a health issue but can also improve a person’s appearance by helping patients achieve a fresher look.
Ptosis and the impact on the eyelid
Ptosis is the medical term for a droopy, sagging eyelid. Ptosis is the result of failing eye muscles, specifically the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. As part of the upper eyelid, the levator muscle lifts the eyelid and helps with blinking. With acquired ptosis, over time, the muscle stops working properly, and the eyelid skin drops down into the eye, causing vision and cosmetic issues. Congenital ptosis occurs at birth, and this condition can prevent the development of the levator muscle, which impairs the child’s vision and affects appearance.
Ptosis repair and the benefits of eyelid surgery
Untreated ptosis can lead to vision impairments like astigmatism and amblyopia. Ptosis repair surgery requires surgeons to make an incision at the upper eyelid. Once doctors identify the appropriate eye muscles, the muscle is repositioned, cut back, or reattached to another tissue. The procedure the surgeon uses depends on the muscle function. After the muscle is repaired, the incision is closed. The result is improved vision and a natural-looking eyelift.
Understanding upper and lower lid blepharoplasty
During an upper blepharoplasty, surgeons focus on the eyelid skin, orbital septum, excess fat, and ptosis. Once doctors make the upper eye incision, surgeons will tighten the muscles, trim excess skin or fat, or remove part of the muscles. Lower blepharoplasty procedures include different techniques. Surgeons may trim away excess skin or fat, reposition fat, or transfer fat to the area to add volume. Lower blepharoplasty can remove undereye bags and reduce puffiness. Fat transfers to the region fill in hollow undereye areas. Doctors can perform both upper and lower blepharoplasty during the same surgery.
Looking young and fresh with a blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery
The type of surgery the patient gets, and the techniques used depend on the person’s eye issues. For medical eyelid surgeries, the doctor’s top priority is correcting the patient’s vision. Any cosmetic benefits are an added plus. For cosmetic surgeries, doctors want to improve the patient’s appearance with a younger, fresher look. The goal is to correct sagging, cut away excess fat and skin, and reduce undereye swelling. Both surgeries can drastically improve a person’s looks and improve overall appearance.
Consulting a surgeon
People with questions regarding eyelid surgery and blepharoplasties should consult a cosmetic surgeon. A surgeon may also refer patients to an eye care specialist like an ophthalmologist to examine the eyes and diagnose a patient with ptosis, if necessary.