(636) 399-5590
| 16216 Baxter Road, Suite 250, Chesterfield, MO 63017
16216 Baxter Rd, Suite 250
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 399-5590
| 16216 Baxter Road, Suite 250, Chesterfield, MO 63017
16216 Baxter Rd, Suite 250
Chesterfield, MO 63017
It is said that the eyes are “the window to the soul”. They are also the window to youth and rejuvenation and are one of the most important aspects of cosmetic facial surgery. The eyes can truly make a patient look young, alert and awake; or tired, old and hollow. The upper face frequently ages earlier than the lower face and the eyelids and brow are frequently areas of concern in patients from the age of 35 and above. Younger patients notice skin excess and fat protrusion, while older patients notice the same but have additional brow and periorbital problems. For most patients, blepharoplasty is a matter of cosmetics, although some patients have functional problems such as eyelid ptosis, lid laxity, and visual obstruction.
There are many elements to aesthetic eyelid surgery, and very many different treatment options. It is most important to have a clear idea of what you would like to achieve and find a doctor who can discuss the options with you.
As we age our face loses its elasticity and volume, it then stretches and is pulled downward by gravity. Our range of facial expressions creases our skin to give us the classic deepening wrinkles of an older face. Many of these lines are welcome as they give “character” to our faces. Many, however are less welcome specially, if they make us look older than we feel, or crease the brow to suggest that we are concerned when we feel carefree.
While Botox and fillers remain very useful for fine wrinkles or volume loss, if the skin has stretched too much, or the deeper tissues have been pulled too far downward by gravity, then a surgical approach is required. The upper and lower eyelids can be lifted and tightened with the scars hidden in the upper eyelid crease or the sub-ciliary line. A more contemporary treatment of lower eyelid blepharoplasty is the trans-conjunctival approach which has less complications and no skin incisions.
The upper eyelid lift is a procedure to correct heavy drooping upper lids. Is one of the safest and most reliable of all facial cosmetic surgical procedures, with a very high satisfaction rate. The best candidates are men and women who are physically healthy, psychological stable, and realistic in their expectations. Most patients are 35 or older, but if droopy, baggy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have the eyelid surgery at a younger age.
A few medical conditions make blepharoplasty more to be risky. They include thyroid problems, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disorders and diabetes.
The lower lid lift, or eye-bag removal remains one of the most challenging cosmetic procedures. The reason is that the lower eyelid can not be considered on its own but must be taken in consideration with the whole mid-face. The lower eyelid rests against the eyeball and needs to be in perfect position to protect the eye and carry the tears with each blink into the tear ducts. Any attempt to remove too much skin from under the eyes carries a greater risk of the eyelid hanging away from the eye. This is made worse if there is any underlying lid laxity. This leads to poor cosmetic and functional results.
In a similar fashion the orbital fat that surrounds the eyeball in its socket can bulge forward as we age, and the temptation is to remove all this fat. Removing too much orbital fat however, can lead to a hollow appearing socket, with again a poor cosmetic result.
The factors that age the lower lid and mid-face are volume loss as much as fat prolapse and tissue descent. The steps required to achieve good results from lower blepharoplasty also include replacement of lost volume in the tear trough and cheek as well as tightening the lax lower eyelid.
When eyelid surgery is performed by qualified cosmetic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, and the risks you need to consider are infection, large bruising known as hematoma, dry eye, scar thickening and a theoretical risk of visual loss due to infection or retro-ocular bleeding.
Dr. Ramos performs blepharoplasty in our cosmetic center under local anesthesia and mild sedation. You will be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain. However, you may feel some tugging or occasional discomfort. Removal of excess skin and protruding fat will create a fresh and youthful appearance. Some patients may need to have chemical peel or CO2 laser skin resurfacing in the periorbital area to improve the skin quality and texture. Furthermore, some patient may need brow lift if they have brow ptosis or excessive lateral eyelid hooding.
Contemporary incisional modalities include scalpel, scissors, CO2 laser, electrosurgery or radiofrequency microneedle. Many surgeons prefer scalpel incisions but there can be significant bleeding with their use. Increased bleeding obscure the surgical field, and contributes to increased bruising, swelling, and discomfort, all of which prolongs recovery. We use CO2 laser and Ellman radiofrequency microneedle exclusively, as they are truly bloodless incisional modalities. Besides they do not cause thermal damage to surrounding eyelid tissue as the electrosurgery devices.
We recommend to keep your head elevated for several days, and use ice packs to reduce swelling and bruising. (bruising and swelling varies from person to person and peaks during the first week, and generally lasts 1 to 3 weeks). Most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work in a week to 10 days. By then, depending on your rate of healing, you will probably be able to wear makeup. You may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses and sunblock when you go out.
Keep your activities to a minimum for 5 to 7 days, and avoid strenuous activities for about three weeks. It is especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting and rigorous sports. Minimize alcohol, since it causes fluid retention. Heeling is a gradual process, and your scars may remain slightly pink for a few months. Eventually they will fade to a thin, near invisible white line. You will always be able to find your scar, but I aim for strangers to be unable to see them at 6 weeks, and your friends unable to see them by 3 to 4 months.
Cosmetic eyelid surgery cost will vary based on whether you are getting a lower eyelid lift, upper eyelid lift, or both. As soon as your surgical plan is developed in your initial consultation, Dr Ramos can then discuss cost estimates. Call our office to schedule a free consultation to learn more about eyelid lift.
16216 Baxter Road, Suite 250, Chesterfield, MO 63017