Joel L. Pelavin, MD, PC
As we age, the delicate skin around the eyes can appear puffy or saggy. Eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and the normal deposits of protective fat around the eye bulge. This is known as dermatochalasis. The surgical procedure to remove excess eyelid tissues (skin, muscle, or fat) is called blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. The surgery is performed for either cosmetic or functional reasons. Sometimes excess upper eyelid tissue obstructs the upper visual field or can weigh down the eyelid and produce tired-feeling eyes. Most often, people choose blepharoplasty to improve their appearance by making the area around their eyes firmer. When blepharoplasty is performed to improve vision or alleviate fatigue, rather than for cosmetic reasons only, it may be covered by insurance.
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Redundant, droopy upper and lower eyelids (top). After upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty (bottom). |
Drooping upper and sagging lower eyelid (top). After upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty (bottom). |