Have you noticed the aging process starting to catch up with you, specifically in the skin around your eyelids? At MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center in Milford, PA, we offer a routine cosmetic surgery, blepharoplasty, as an effective way of addressing the signs of aging that affect the eyes.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin. These proteins give our skin its strength and resilience. Combine a lowered production of these essential proteins with the constant wrinkling that we all do to the skin around our eyes every time we smile, frown, and make other important facial expressions for a lifetime, and the skin over and around our eyes can start to not just wrinkle but also begin to droop. Wrinkles can often be addressed with treatments like dermal fillers, but it’s not possible to get rid of drooping skin with treatments of this type.
Over time, the muscles in this area also weaken and stretched eyelid skin can no longer bounce back as it once did. Blepharoplasty, also known as an eye lift, can remove baggy skin and fat from under the eyes and get rid of sagging skin on the eyelids while tightening up muscles. The result of this procedure is a more energized appearance. You will look younger and more like your old self, and you will no longer have people wondering if you are tired, angry, or bored when you’re not.
What Happens During Blepharoplasty?
This procedure is carried out by a skilled surgeon, and usually, a local anesthetic is used. Occasionally, a general anesthetic may be better, and in this case, the surgery usually lasts a little longer. There are differences because there are three larger types of this procedure. Upper eyelid surgery focuses on tightening up the skin between the eyebrows and the upper eyelashes. Some people want only lower eyelid surgery. This corrects drooping skin under the eyes as well as eye bags. Others need double eyelid surgery, which combines the benefits of both upper and lower eyelid surgery.
This surgery starts with a very small incision cut along natural lines in the fold of the eye. This means that there will be no visible scarring after your surgery. Through this tiny incision, the surgeon will remove extra fat and then skin and will tighten up the muscles as needed. The incision will then be closed up. A skilled and qualified surgeon like Dr. Richard E. Buckley here at MilfordMD has the combination of experience, qualification, and aesthetic sense to reshape the look of your eyes to provide you with a younger, well-rested appearance that is still completely natural. You will still look just like you: only fresher.
Benefits
The benefits of this procedure vary by individual and depend on your reason for having treatment. For some people, the main concern is to restore a younger look. This is done by removing the extra skin and eliminating eye bags. For those seeking this treatment primarily for aesthetic reasons, eyelid surgery can have enormous self-esteem and body image benefits.
For others, sagging skin around the eyes can actually interfere with vision, particularly peripheral vision. An eye lift can eliminate vision problems of this type and can be done as a standalone treatment or combined with other cosmetic surgeries, injectables, or skin resurfacing treatments for the best final results.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for this surgery are in generally good health and understand what the surgery can and cannot do. They have sagging skin around the eyes due to the natural aging process, genetic and hereditary conditions, or even conditions like edema or allergies. Good candidates should not be smokers, and if they do smoke, they will need to cease smoking entirely for a month before surgery and be able to refrain from smoking for at least a month afterward. This is because smoking seriously interferes with your body’s ability to heal itself properly.
This surgery is appropriate for both men and women and there is no real age limit, though candidates tend to be over the age of 50. While this treatment is suitable for anyone, this is one of the more common cosmetic surgeries sought by men.
How Do I Get Started?
Choose a Qualified Surgeon
Dr. Richard E. Buckley is the medical director of MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center. Dr. Buckley has a BS in Biology from California State University, San Diego, an MD from St. Georges University, and extensive training at affiliates of New York Medical College, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, where he completed Chief Resident rotations.
He is also Board Certified in Laser Medicine and Surgery and has other positions and affiliations, including:
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
- President of the Wayne-Pike County Medical Society
- Member and Delegate of the Pennsylvania Medical Society
- Member and Fellow of the American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS)
- Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS)
Dr. Buckley has held a medical degree since 1982 and has a wealth of experience in providing these surgeries. You can rest assured you’ll be in good, experienced hands.
Consultation
After deciding which surgeon to go with, you will schedule a consultation to discuss your cosmetic goals and the best way to meet them. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions, and your surgeon will thoroughly examine your eyes from a number of different angles in order to decide the best way to give you a natural look.
During the consultation, you will also go through your medical history to decide if this procedure is right for you and your circumstances and will be able to create an overall treatment plan that addresses all of your aesthetic concerns. You’ll also learn details about how to prepare for your surgery, what to expect, and what recovery will be like.
Preparing
As mentioned, you will have lots of details during your consultation, but there are a few things worth knowing now as you consider blepharoplasty. First, you will be asked to stop smoking. You will also need to stop using things that can thin your blood and thus increase the risk of bleeding. This includes some prescribed medications but also over-the-counter medication and supplements like aspirin and St. John’s wort wart.
You’ll also need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your procedure and to stay with you for the first 24 hours. It’s also wise to prepare meals in advance to make it easy on yourself as you recover and to arrange for help with children or pets as needed.
Recovery
You will be given a timeline of recovery that includes scheduled follow-up appointments. Some things may be specific to you and your concerns, but in general, you’ll be wanting to sleep with your head raised for a few days, get plenty of rest, avoid over-exercising, and always wear dark sunglasses whenever you go outside. In about one to two weeks you should be able to return to most of your activities.
During this time, you will want to eat healthy meals and stay well hydrated in order to support your body for a balanced and quick process of healing. Avoid drinking alcohol and be sure to enjoy lots of healthy protein and fresh vegetables and fruit. Avoid processed food during this time, particularly sugars and refined starches.
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