If you’re thinking about having blepharoplasty in Denver, which is surgery performed on either the upper or lower eyelids, you should know a little bit each of these types of eyelid surgeries and how and why they’re performed. Dr. Robert Fante at the Fante Eye & Face Center, serving Denver and surrounding areas, has been performing blepharoplasty in Denver for a number of years and has helped hundreds of patients have better eyesight, more attractive eyelids, less excess skin around the eyes and less droopy eyelids. If you’d like to learn a little bit about the differences between upper and lower eyelid surgery, please read on, and then feel free to contact the Fante Eye & Face Centre to schedule an initial consultation with cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Robert Fante.
Undergoing any surgery, whether it’s elective or necessary, can be a very scary experience. You may have some anxiety about the procedure itself, or you may have some concerns about the recovery process and how long it will take to see the amazing results of your cosmetic surgery. Dr. Fante actually specializes in laser eyelid surgery, complex reconstruction around the eye, and facial cosmetic surgery, so you can rest assured knowing you’re in the most capable hands in Denver.
Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty is a fairly simple procedure that can take years off the appearance of the eyes/face. Upper eyelid surgery may benefit those patients whose upper lids have sagged low enough to reduce their field of vision while lower eyelid lift surgery can help patients with saggy or puffy lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery involves the removal of excess tissue and fat to produce a more refreshed, youthful facial appearance. Some patients may undergo upper and lower eyelid surgery under local anesthesia, but general anesthesia may be used if requested.
While upper eyelid surgery primarily involves the removal of sagging skin, lower eyelid surgery also involves the removal of fat deposits, which are more prevalent under the eye. Also, lower eyelid surgery allows Dr. Fante to transfer fat or dermal fillers to hollowed areas under the eye, leading to plump, healthy-looking skin.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery will correct puffiness, bags, and fine wrinkles in the lower eyelids, and while upper eyelid surgery is performed in a similar fashion in most patients, lower eyelid surgery can be performed in many different ways. The reason for that is the anatomy of the lower eyelids and the changes brought about by aging present challenges that are truly unique.
Lower eyelids may have looseness (laxity) or be pulled down away from the eye (retraction). The very thin eyelid skin may become finely wrinkled, and the cheek fat pads that we have when we’re young will lose fat and volume as we grow older. The results? A longer lower eyelid and the appearance of a natural valley in the lower eyelid near the nose, giving a shadow and what looks like dark circles to the lower eyelid. Also, the fat underneath the eye can bulge forward causing the appearance of puffy eyes. While some patients may have fat removed during lower eyelid surgery, others will have fat transferred from other parts of the body in order to restore the volume (of fat) that the cheeks—blending with the lower eyelids—once had.
To perform lower eyelid surgery, an incision is made below the lower eyelashes; the incision is made carefully in a discreet place. Excess fat, skin, and muscle are removed, and sometimes, the fat is redistributed in order to minimize puffiness and uneven swelling. The incision for eyelid lift surgery heals quickly among the eyelid’s surrounding natural creases.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid lift surgery allows Dr. Fante to remove excess skin and fatty tissue that create the appearance of droopy, inflated eyelids. While the fat deposits, loose skin, and drooping of the eyelids typically occur due to the natural aging process, this wonderful procedure can reverse the hands of time to restore a youthful, refreshed appearance. Also, fat underneath the skin can protrude, which causes abnormal puffiness of the upper eyelid, and this can happen as early as your late 20’s or early 30’s.
Upper eyelid surgery removes the extra skin and fat in the upper eyelid, and it removes skin and fat through an incision hidden in the upper eyelid crease that becomes practically invisible after the healing process is complete. Every patient’s surgery is different due to factors such as age, sex, race, the severity of the problems, and other factors the medical team at the Fante Eye & Face Centre must consider.
During upper eyelid surgery, incision lines are made in the natural creases of the upper lids so no scars will be visible. Any excess skin that is obstructing vision or contributing to a droopy or tired appearance will be trimmed away, and in some cases, the muscles are re-positioned. The remaining skin is lifted and reattached for a more youthful look. The goal of upper eyelid surgery is to leave the patient looking refreshed, and most experienced surgeons are able to avoid the unnatural “wide awake” look that comes from overcorrection.
Schedule a Blepharoplasty Consultation today
If you’re interested in blepharoplasty in Denver, please contact the Fante Eye & Face Centre today by calling (303) 839-1616 to schedule an appointment.
