Columbus Lower Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

When our friends and family members say we look tired, in most cases, they are referring to the aging changes they see around our eyes. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure designed to refresh the appearance around the eyes and create a more youthful look.

We all have pockets of protective fat around the eyes. Normally, a barrier holds back this fat. As we age (or in some individuals who inherit the trait), the barrier weakens, allowing the fat to push forward to create a puffy appearance. The mid-facial tissue support also weakens, contributing to the long, tired look of your lower eyelids.

Why have a lower eyelid blepharoplasty?

If you have excess skin in your lower eyelids, a Columbus lower eyelid lift (a lower eyelid blepharoplasty) procedure can remove and tighten it. If you have puffiness beneath your eyes due to fat pushing or herniating forward, we recommend repositioning this fat. Most patients require some combination of skin and fat repositioning to correct the lower eyelid appearance.

Blepharoplasty can remove the excess fat, muscle, and skin from both upper and lower lids. The results can be a refreshed appearance, with a younger, firmer eye area. As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.

Procedure:

In Columbus lower eyelid lift surgery, Dr. Sullivan makes an incision in an inconspicuous site along the lashline and smile creases of the lower lid. He then trims away excess fat, muscle, and skin before closing the incision with fine sutures.

Some patients have puffiness from herniated fat without skin laxity. In these cases, Dr. Sullivan performs a “transconjunectival” blepharoplasty procedure. The incision in this case is made inside the lower eyelid, throuh which Dr. Sullivan repositions or removes the excess fatty material.

Post-Op Results:

A certain degree of swelling and bruising is normal. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, will help your recovery. In most cases, you are able to return to work and resume normal activities after one week. We advise our patients to wear sunglasses in the summer months following surgery in order to protect your eyelids from the sun and to help minimizing scarring.

Associated Procedures:

Dr. Sullivan may recommend some type of skin resurfacing (chemical peels, plasma resurfacing, or CO2 laser) in combination with the lower eyelid procedure to improve your skin texture. Here are other procedures he may recommend:

• Skin Care Treatments—to improve your skin texture
• Facelift—for a more youthful, heart-shaped face
• Browlift—for a smoother brow and a more youthful expression