Blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid surgery, sometimes referred to as an eyelid lift as well. It can be done to improve the vision whenever the eyelids have started to droop far enough to interfere with the way light enters the eye. Much of the time, however, it is done as a way to achieve a younger appearance. When you are having a conversation with another individual, the first thing he or she may notice is your eyes. The reason is that it is natural to make eye contact during meaningful discussions. For this reason, a blepharoplasty may be among the first treatments you consider when you want to treat the signs of aging.
As you age, your skin will become loose and start to sag. The skin loosens because it does not contain as much collagen as it once did. The body produces less of it as the years roll by. Collagen is a substance that supplies fullness to the skin. As a result, it helps to keep the skin tight. When the skin around the eyes gets loose, the upper eyelids can begin to droop over the eyes. The lower eyelids can start to pull away from the eyes. This exposes more of the white part of the eye.
In addition to loose skin, there are other factors that contribute to drooping eyelids as well. There is a layer of fat around the eyes that serve the purpose of providing a cushion between the eyeball and the skull. This tissue is held in place by a membrane that can weaken with age. As it does, the fatty tissue can drift forward into the eyelids and cause a drooping effect.
Another thing that contributes to drooping eyelids is weakened muscles. Over time, it becomes more difficult for the muscles to overcome the pull of gravity in order to keep the eyelids in their uppermost position. This causes the eyelids to fall to the point of covering the eye and giving an appearance that the eye is partially closed.
Blepharoplasty procedures are normally outpatient procedures, meaning patients return home following the surgery. If you are noticing that drooping eyelids are starting to make you look older than you would like, you might consider making an appointment with our provider at Nuance Cosmetic Surgery to discuss ways that you may benefit from blepharoplasty. Located in Folsom, CA and serving men and women in the Sacramento, CA area, we would be happy to help you with your cosmetic goals and remove signs of aging caused by loose skin. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!