Center For Plastic Surgery

"The Eyes Have It"

Mark L. Mathers, D.O., FACOS

"People always ask me if I’m tired."
"My friends say I look depressed or unhappy when I’m not."
"My eyes make me look ten years older than I am."

   More than any other facial feature, the eyes have a great impact on your appearance. They account for a large part of the expression of the human face. They can project a wide array of emotions - happiness, sorrow or fear - yet the eyes themselves are virtually expressionless structures. The contour of the tissue around the eyes, such as the skin, muscle and fat, conveys expression. The eyes are one of the first areas to show signs of aging. The majority of adult Americans consider their eyes to be their favorite facial feature. But for many people, the attractiveness and appearance of their eyes deteriorates significantly with age.
   The skin on eyelids is some of the thinnest skin in the body, has fewer oil glands and gets more exercise than your mouth. These factors in combination with sun damage, heredity, stress and fatigue are the reasons aging around the eyes becomes noticeable. Many people, young and old, can benefit greatly from eyelid surgery.
   Removal of the excess skin and fat in the upper and lower eyelids is called blepharoplasty and can get rid of the bags, restoring a more youthful appearance. Often, the surgery is done in conjunction with a facelift or with a forehead lift which can eliminate forehead creases and raise a sagging eyebrow into a more normal position. Eyelid surgery will not improve crow’s feet or lighten dark circles under the eyes.
   The surgery is done as an outpatient procedure with sedation medication and local anesthesia. Upper eyelid incisions are made in the crease line where the lid folds back. In the lower eyelid the incision lies just under the eyelashes. Through these incisions, the surgeon is able to remove any excess skin and fat. A few stitches close the incision and will be removed in five to seven days. Application of cold packs to the eyes for a few days after surgery will reduce the bruising and swelling. Discomfort is easily controlled with medication. Most patients are up and around in a couple of days and usually take seven to ten days of f work. At that time, any remaining bruising can be readily covered with makeup. Because the eyelid skin is so thin, the scars usually fade nicely and become barely visible.
   After the surgery, the patient has a more alert look. Most people will not know you’ve had eyelid surgery unless you tell them. However, people may remark on your improved appearance and how rested and refreshed you look. It’s amazing that an improvement in your eyes can make such a dramatic change in your appearance, and in your self—confidence as well.