Dr. Gowda Cosmetic Surgery Solutions - Eye Lift

The goal of eyelid surgery, technically known as blepharoplasty, is to restore a fresh appearance to this area of the face. In some individuals, this may be the only sign of aging noticeable on the face. Many times this is caused by heredity. The changes around the eye that occur include the brow, excess skin in the upper lid and fat pouches in the lower lid. In order to correct these issues with eyelid surgery, a blepharoplasty is needed. Typically, one removes the skin and fat to contour and shape the eye and to correct the puffiness under the eyes which often makes one appear old and tired. Occasionally, the upper lid skin may hang over the eye to interfere with vision in this case the surgery becomes functional. In regard to eyelid surgery, it is my philosophy to create a more youthful appearance and not to remove too much tissue. In many instances we add tissue, reposition fat or add fat through fat grafting to the lateral or tail portion of the brow. Correction of the tear trough (the circle that goes between the cheek and lower lids) is also helpful in restoring a youthful appearance in this area. This area is very difficult to correct with simple skin removal techniques. This correction creates a very smooth cheek/lid junction and adds a youthfulness and vigor to the eyes.

I personally object to taking out too much tissue. In the beginning this may look nice; however rather quickly one may begin to look older with a sunken eye type of appearance. Therefore, this should be discouraged.

Basically, I address the problem that I see. For instance if there is excess fat, I remove the fat but not all of it. I often reposition some of the fat to correct any depressions in the area, especially in the lower lids. In the upper lids, close to the nose, it is often necessary to remove a small amount of fat. Very rarely is the muscle or other fat compartment removed. Some of the fine lines and crêpe like skin may not be corrected completely however, eyelid surgery will improve this significantly.

If there are advanced or severe signs of aging and sun damage, I often suggest a laser treatment or a chemical peel, like a TCA peel, to smooth the area. This will often help diminish the laugh lines or crow’s feet as well. Botox treatments are often used for maintenance in this area.

The majority of the time, some kind of canthal support is used as a preventative measure and to maintain the shape of the eye, this is known as canthopexy. Also, in severe cases the muscle will be loosened to prevent the fat bags from pushing the muscle up, basically like a tummy tuck, tightening the muscle will help support the eyelid.

When the upper lids appear hooded, it is very important to determine if this is due to sagging of the eyebrows and whether one needs to reposition the eyebrows or remove more eyelid skin. If one were to remove more skin in the upper lids to correct this, the eyes may look different and may not appear youthful. Therefore, this concern may need to be addressed with a brow lift by endoscopy or another brow lift technique (please refer to brow lift).

When eyelid surgery is done, to give a more youthful appearance, it is often necessary to add a certain amount of fat, either in the lower lids or the brow. Unfortunately, fat grafting is not predictable and a touch up may be necessary. I believe however this offers a significant improvement to the traditional eye surgery.

In a blepharoplasty the skin incisions are made within the natural crease of the eyelids and usually not visible when the eyes are open. These are all permanent scars but typically it is very difficult to recognize them once they are healed completely. The lower lid incision is made very close to the lash line and also often concealed within one of the laugh lines. Occasionally, one could perform lower lid surgery without a scar on the skin, which is known as a transconjunctival approach. When this type of surgery is done it is important the patient have good skin and muscle tone in the lower lids and have no excess skin present. Otherwise the transconjunctival approach is not a good option.

In individuals where the lower lid is weak, tear production is altered with known and unknown eye irritation or when chronic dry eye problems are present one must be quite conservative when removing excess skin. Occasionally, the upper and lower lid surgery may be done separately to achieve maximum safety.

The Procedure

Ideally, this eyelid surgery is done in the office surgery center on the hospital campus. It is done under local anesthesia with IV sedation. Occasionally, upper eyelid surgery can be done without any sedation whatsoever. In select patients, lower lid surgery may also be done without sedation, however the majority of these surgeries are done under IV sedation as an outpatient procedure.

Typically, it takes an hour and a half to complete all four lids, this often depends on the severity of the case and how much must be done to ensure optimal outcome. There are a lot of little things that can be done to the best possible outcome for the patient. On some occasions, it has been necessary to take up to three hours to complete all four lids, depending on whether procedures like muscle redraping, fat repositioning, fat grafting and canthopexy are also necessary.

Recovery

The sutures are removed five to seven days after surgery. Swelling and discoloration is expected following surgery and usually resolves within two weeks. Light cover up makeup may be applied after the sutures are removed. Occasionally, when laser or chemical peel is performed, it may take up to two weeks for this to resolve.

Dr. Gowda is board certified in Plastic Surgery and is a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as a member of The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery he would be happy to discuss your options if you are contemplating Eye Lift surgery.

For more information on the procedure and Dr. Gowda please feel free to contact either of our convenient locations.

Schedule a Consultation by contacting our office today.

 

Dr. Mune Gowda has been providing exceptional cosmetic surgery to patients from all around the country for many years. He has been featured as one of the Top Doctors in Michigan by HOUR Magazine and is regarded as one of Michigan’s finest aesthetic plastic surgeons. Dr. Gowda will help you reach your cosmetic goals, as well as your reconstructive needs. Contact his office to schedule a consultation.

Dr. Mune Gowda M.D. F.A.C.S.

Novi Surgical Center
26850 Providence Parkway
Suite 125
Novi MI 48374
248-305-8400

Troy Office
3270 West Big Beaver
Suite 415
Troy, MI 48084
800-979-9858