As we age, our skin loses elasticity, resulting in sagging or drooping. The delicate skin around the eyes is especially vulnerable to signs of aging. Fine lines, dark circles, and sagging upper eyelids all can make a person look older than they feel. Fortunately, there are cosmetic surgery procedures that can safely change how the eyelids look.

Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas provides outstanding plastic surgery services for patients in Waco, TX, and the surrounding area. Learn more about upper eyelid surgery from our caring team.

How Does Eyelid Surgery Work?

Upper blepharoplasty is a type of eye modification surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the area above the eyes. This drooping skin can make a person look tired or unhappy. In some cases, drooping eyelids can even affect a patient’s field of vision.

During the procedure, a plastic surgeon makes incisions in the creases of the upper lids and removes excess tissue. Occasionally there will be bulging fat that causes an aging fullness above the eyes that can be removed at the same time. The result is tighter, smoother skin that gives the patient a more youthful, refreshed appearance. The surgeon will base their approach on the patient’s natural face shape and eyebrow placement to create a natural look.

This procedure can be performed in an operating room under general anesthesia or in a plastic surgery office with a local anesthetic and a prescription to help you relax. Bruising and swelling are common afterward but should mostly resolve within two weeks. Stitches can be removed within five to seven days.

The Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

For patients who are unhappy with how their eyelids look, an upper blepharoplasty offers several advantages:

  • Improved appearance: Upper eyelid surgery makes a person look more energized and youthful, which can help them feel more confident in their skin.
  • Fewer forehead wrinkles: If your eyelids droop, a normal compensation method is to raise your eyebrows to see better, creating forehead lines and wrinkles. Eyelid surgery reduces the development of further wrinkles.
  • Better vision: Removing sagging skin around the eyes can eliminate obstruction of the visual field.

Additionally, the effects of an upper blepharoplasty can last for years, unlike other cosmetic procedures that require repeat appointments. And because incisions are made in the natural folds of the eyelids, scarring is typically minimal.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Upper eyelid surgery can be performed on both men and women as early as their 30s. A patient is a good candidate for this procedure if they:

  • Have unwanted excess skin or bulging fat above the eyes
  • Have drooping or sagging eyelids
  • Are generally in good health

Patients with chronic conditions that affect healing, require constant blood thinners or have certain eye conditions that could potential be worsened usually are not good candidates for blepharoplasty. Patients with eye-related issues such as glaucoma or chronic dry eye should talk with their eye doctor before pursuing eyelid surgery.

For individuals who have excess skin or fat below the eyes, a lower blepharoplasty, commonly known as eye bag surgery, is a better fit. This procedure reduces the appearance of eye bags that can make a person look tired or ill.

Choose Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas for Eyelid Surgery

For the latest advancements in cosmetic surgery, turn to the team at Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas. Based in Waco, TX, and serving patients in the surrounding area, we offer innovative treatments for patients who want to get the best care locally without having to travel to Austin or Dallas. Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas is led by Dr. Charles Guy, who is board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology and specializes in all cosmetic and plastic surgery services from the collarbone up. He has extensive experience performing upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures.

Dr. Guy has established a reputation for excellence, taking the time to listen to each patient and walk them through all their options. To learn more about eyelid surgery and other facial rejuvenation treatments, contact us today.