October 2020

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We’re Answering Your Blepharoplasty Questions!

Blepharoplasty is a popular plastic surgery procedure that helps you feel like yourself again. The technique can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids, is performed on an outpatient basis (you go home afterward), and is often the only procedure people have to maintain their sense of confidence and satisfaction with their appearance. If you’ve grown dissatisfied with how your eyes look because of sagging, puffy, heavy eyelids, you may be interested to know what blepharoplasty is all about. Here, we answer three common questions.

  1. Is blepharoplasty just for cosmetic improvement?

We could say yes and no to this question. Yes, blepharoplasty is often performed to improve the appearance of the eyes and face. An additional benefit of having this procedure is that you feel more like yourself again, and that can boost your self-confidence. That certainly isn’t just a cosmetic improvement! Furthermore, there are instances in which blepharoplasty is medically necessary. If the skin is sagging over the eyelashes or is pulling away from the eyeball, surgical repair is necessary to protect the ocular structure.

  1. Will it be obvious that I had eyelid rejuvenation surgery?

Most people who express an interest in plastic surgery want to have their cake and eat it, too. They want to correct cosmetic concerns and still look like themselves. Fortunately, this is entirely possible! After blepharoplasty, you should hear things like “you look so refreshed!”, not “Oh, you’ve had work done!”  Dr. Fante takes care to tighten tissue just enough to correct sagging or puffiness while preserving the patient’s ability to close their eyes fully and look naturally refreshed.

  1. Will blepharoplasty get rid of crow’s feet?

One of the fastest ways to feel dissatisfied after plastic surgery is to misunderstand what it can do. Blepharoplasty is a procedure that smoothes loose, sagging tissue on the upper or lower eyelids. It can correct redundancy on the upper eyelid and puffiness below the eyes. It does not correct crow’s feet. The reason why is that the creases that develop at the outer corners of the eyes actually stems from a drooping brow line. The tissue across the forehead sags, causing it to bunch up at the corners of the eyes. This problem can also make the upper eyelids look heavy because the muscle that holds the brow line is pulling downward.  While not correctable with blepharoplasty, these problems can be resolved with either Botox injections or a brow lift.

Blepharoplasty is one of the leading plastic surgery procedures for several reasons. Find out why! Schedule your consultation at our Denver office by calling (303) 839-1616.

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Eyelid Turning Outward? Here’s What to Do!

We don’t often think about our eyelids other than to moisturize them and complain when they start to loosen and sag. The eyelids fill a crucial role in eye health, too. We just don’t think about that very often, if at all. This part of the eye is responsible for spreading the tear film that keeps the eyes moistened. The eyelids also keep debris from getting into the eye. For this to occur effectively, though, the eyelid must fit well against the eye. Sometimes, this fit is compromised. This is referred to as ectropion.

What is Ectropion of the Eye?

Ectropion is the term that describes an outward turn of the lower eyelid. Tissue doesn’t always turn outward; it is more of a droop that results in the eyelid pulling away from the eyeball. Without good contact between the eyelid and the eye, symptoms such as excessive tearing, chronic dry eye, a burning sensation, and recurrent infections can occur.

Not everyone is at risk for ectropion. There are a few different reasons that this problem may occur. They include:

  • Age-related changes to the eyelid. This is called involutional ectropion and it happens when the connective tissue that holds the eyelid against the force of gravity degrades. Without sufficient structure, which stems from strong collagen and elastin proteins, the eyelid falls outward.
  • Abnormal contractions of the eyelid. This is referred to as cicatricial ectropion. It occurs when the muscle that is used to blink does not contract properly. Usually, abnormal contraction is the result of scar tissue.
  • Nerve damage. People who have had a stroke may develop what is called paralytic ectropion as a result of damage to a facial nerve.
  • A mass on the eyelid. Muscle contractions may also be disrupted by a mass or tumor. This problem is referred to as mechanical ectropion.

Treating Ectropion

Initially, ectropion may be treated by managing symptoms. For example, a doctor may prescribe lubricating eye drops to prevent the problems that occur without good eyelid structure. Management can help but does not prevent ectropion from worsening. In some cases, it is necessary to operate on the lower eyelid to restore proper function. This may involve the gradual stretching of scar tissue if that is causing abnormal contractions. Repair may involve removing a small portion of the eyelid or removing a growth to tighten tissue against the eyeball. Ectropion procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis and patients recover at home over a few weeks.

Your eyelid function is important to appearance as well as eye health. For more information on what to do about an outward turned eyelid, call our Denver office at (303) 839-1616.

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