For many women and men, the first noticeable signs of getting older appear around the eyes. People see more wrinkles or fine lines when they look in the mirror, and sometimes are told they look tired even when they are well-rested. The delicate and naturally thin skin around the eyes is extremely susceptible to the aging process and may show noticeable static wrinkles, while the upper eyelid creases may become saggy as the skin loses elasticity. Cosmetic eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is an effective way to give your eyes a whole new look.

The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, offer this cosmetic — or in some cases, medically necessary — procedure to remove excess upper eyelid skin. Eyelid surgery is quite common, especially for older patients, and can rejuvenate the eye area to help men and women look years younger. If you think blepharoplasty may be right for you, here are some details about what eyelid surgery can do.

The facts about blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift, is a cosmetic procedure that can correct various conditions around the eyes, age-related droopiness and loose skin in particular. Each procedure is customized to meet a patient’s specific needs or aesthetic goals, but here are some basic facts about eyelid surgery:

  • Upper eyelid surgery: An upper blepharoplasty removes excess eyelid skin, and in some cases, fat from the upper eyelid. It provides a more “open” appearance to the eyes and can medically help men and women struggling with a sagging upper eyelid crease of skin that is impeding their vision.

  • Lower eyelid surgery: Lower blepharoplasty is highly effective in treating dropping skin underneath the eyes or in reducing puffiness. Lower eyelid surgery may be deemed a medical or functional blepharoplasty when the patient can’t wear eyeglasses due to excessive puffiness, rendering surgical intervention the only solution.

Benefits of eyelid surgery

Some individuals need surgical reduction of the eyelids for medical reasons — for instance, if their line of sight is impeded by sagging, excess upper eyelid skin. In some instances, the surgery may be covered by insurance if the upper eyelids are interfering with a patient’s vision. However, more women and men are looking into this procedure for cosmetic help. As we age, the skin around the eyes becomes puffy, wrinkled, and less plump, so eyes may appear hooded. The experts at The Peer Group have helped numerous New Jersey patients eliminate dark circles, under-eye bags, and fine lines by removing excess eyelid skin. For women, removing excess upper eyelid skin can make it easier to apply makeup since there are fewer creases in the eyelid. Ultimately, a blepharoplasty procedure can make anyone look more alert and refreshed.

The qualified experts at The Peer Group will personalize each blepharoplasty to achieve the right results. Injectable fillers like Juvéderm® can be incorporated into the procedure to add volume to the skin around the eyes and decrease the “sunken” look. Depending on the scope of the procedure, New Jersey patients can generally expect surgery to last 1 – 3 hours, during which they will be under twilight or general anesthesia.

Blepharoplasty aftercare and results

Blepharoplasty is considered one of the easiest cosmetic procedures to recover from, and it also produces immediate results. Patients who need this procedure for medical reasons due to excess upper eyelid skin will get instant benefits. After the procedure, patients will experience mild tenderness, slight bruising, and swelling, all of which will dissipate over the next few days. Keep your head elevated at night for the first few weeks and use cold compresses to minimize any discomfort. It’s important to wear sunglasses when you’re outside to protect your eyes. Most patients choose to take 4 – 5 days off from work or social events, and wearing makeup or contacts should be avoided for at least 10 – 14 days. The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group will give each patient detailed post-operative care instructions and recommendations to help minimize discomfort.

Many common signs of aging around the eyes include both lower eyelid puffiness and excess upper eyelid skin. Correcting one or both of these issues can make a person look dramatically more awake and even years younger. This outpatient procedure provides minimal scarring and can be aesthetically pleasing for both women and men. Surgical reduction of the eyelid skin or eyelid surgery has never been more straightforward.

Greater New Jersey-area patients can contact The Peer Group to schedule a consultation with one of their board-certified, experienced plastic surgeons. Call today for more information so you can decide if blepharoplasty can address your excess eyelid skin and help you attain your cosmetic goals.