Do Your Eyelids Sag?

Published on April 7, 2017

Do your eyes mirror your soul or just show your age? Sagging, puffy, wrinkled eyelids can cause a person to look older and constantly exhausted. Why do the eyelids develop these issues?

Eyelid issues can occur due to a wide variety of reasons, including:
• The natural process of aging
• Loss of collagen and elastin
• Sun damage
• Certain medical conditions
• Medications
• Smoking
• Free radical damage

The skin contains two proteins called collagen and elastin. The texture, volume, and smoothness of the skin on the face are maintained by these two proteins. Sun exposure, certain medications, and aging can result in a decline in the production of these two proteins.

Pollution, bad diet, free radical damage from smoking, alcohol consumption, and medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, or HIV can also lessen skin elasticity.

When skin elasticity declines, this leads to sagging. The subcutaneous fat – the fat underneath the skin – can also begin to sag over time, creating bulging in the eyelids.

The good news is you do not have to live with sagging eyelids. Blepharoplasty is a procedure that can lift up those drooping lids!

Blepharoplasty Surgery: The Consultation

Scheduling an appointment with your plastic surgeon will help you understand the procedure and the precautions to be taken before and after the surgery. The following will be evaluated by your surgeon at this appointment:

Overall Health: The surgeon will review your overall health and your history of previous surgeries or health conditions, if any. Conditions such as thyroid problems, diabetes, allergies, and eye problems including glaucoma or cataracts will all be reviewed by the surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty.

Medication History: Your surgeon will ask questions to understand if you use any herbal or other health supplements or if you use blood-thinning medications like aspirin. You will be asked to stop these medications before the surgery so that your body’s blood-clotting mechanism is not affected during the surgery.

Smoking History: Smoking is known to create more free radical damage and increase inflammation. The healing process can be affected by tobacco use. Because of these issues, your doctor will advise you to stop smoking.

Your doctor may order additional labs if needed. A thorough examination of your eyes, the skin texture, and the extent of the sagging will be performed by the surgeon. Your vision will be tested, and photographs will be taken to compare the before and after looks of the eyelids.

Blepharoplasty Surgery: The Procedure

This surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient facility. The upper eyelids are corrected by first making an incision on the upper crease of the lids. A similar incision is made on the lower eyelid, often below the lash line.

Excess fat is then repositioned or removed as needed, and the skin is trimmed to tighten up the folds. Muscle tissue may also be altered. The incisions are sutured closed with very small sutures, which are often dissolvable and will not need to be removed.

The procedure can take between one to two hours. You can go home the same day after spending a few hours in the recovery room. After the incisions have healed and any bruising and swelling have ameliorated, you’ll be able to see younger-looking eyes that can last a lifetime!

Schedule a Helpful Blepharoplasty Consultation

For more on blepharoplasty and sagging eyelids from a skilled medical professional, arrange a consultation with Dr. Leo Keegan by contacting our office. Dr. Keegan, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon, will be available to help you achieve the youthful looks you desire.

LEO KEEGAN, M.D.