Many of us aren’t exactly excited about getting older. Sure, we amass many happy memories over the years. We also gain wisdom and perspective that help us navigate life with a little more panache. It isn’t these aspects of aging we wish to avoid, it’s the signs of aging like lines and wrinkles and sad or angry-looking eyes that we could do without. The desire to look refreshed and friendly is reflected in the popularity of blepharoplasty, the cosmetic procedure that focuses on rejuvenating the skin around the eyes. If you’ve wondered about the value of rejuvenating your eyes, you probably have some questions. Here, we offer a few answers.

Who is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is considered a type of lift because this procedure trims and adjusts tissue. Excess is removed carefully to reveal tighter, smoother eyelids. Because of this, many people wonder if they are the right age to get blepharoplasty. The answer to this question is that there is no exactly-right age for blepharoplasty. This procedure is sought by people in their forties and by people in their seventies. The question a plastic surgeon asks is “what is the skin like?” Skin that is loose and saggy but that still has a bit of elasticity to it (usually during our 40s) often fairs the best with blepharoplasty. Younger patients often schedule blepharoplasty as an independent procedure, whereas older patients often add blepharoplasty on to other procedures such as a facelift or brow lift.

What about Scars?

Blepharoplasty is performed through small incisions so, yes, there will be scars. This can be a point of concern for many patients. If the eyelids are being made smooth and tight, won’t scars be visible? No. Upper blepharoplasty scars lie in the natural crease where, when the eyes are open, they are hidden. Furthermore, because the skin on the eyelids is so thin, resultant scars are very fine. They are all but invisible unless you were to point them out on purpose.  As for lower blepharoplasty scars, these are hidden just inside the lower eyelids.

Is Blepharoplasty the Right Procedure?

This is the question your plastic surgeon may explore. Many people think they need an eyelid lift when, really, their upper eyelids are heavy because their forehead and eyebrow region is declining. Gravity can pull the tissue of the upper face downward, eventually causing the upper eyelids to look puffy or saggy. Sometimes, a brow lift is what is needed to improve the appearance of the eyes.

Discover how a simple, streamlined procedure can refresh your eyes for many years to come. Schedule a visit to our St. Louis office at 314.475.3700.