From form to function, there are many reasons why eyelid surgery — or blepharoplasty — is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure. In 2022, more than 115,000 blepharoplasties were performed in the United States. Yes, droopy upper eyelids can have a significant cosmetic impact, making you look less vibrant than you feel, but they can also interfere with your vision.
The good news is that one procedure can correct all of the issues that come with droopy eyelids. Here at McHugh Plastic Surgery, Dr. Thomas McHugh is no stranger to eyelid surgery — he routinely helps clients improve their vision and their appearance with this fairly simple surgery.
Let’s take a look at all that we can accomplish with eyelid surgery.
The medical term for drooping eyelids is ptosis, which can strike people at any age, but it’s far more prevalent with advancing age, which is why it’s often referred to as acquired ptosis. This condition occurs due to the natural aging process — muscles in your eyelids begin to weaken and they don’t hold the lid up as well. Also, as your skin ages, it loses collagen and elastin and becomes looser.
While it may be more noticeable in the upper eyelids, the lower lids aren’t immune to the same aging processes. In many people, the lower lids can start to sag and pull away from the eyes, which can lead to cosmetic issues as well as functional issues because the sagging disrupts tear drainage.
Depending upon the degree of the sagging, these eyelids issues can lead to vision problems, including deficits in your peripheral and overall field vision.
When you have droopy eyelids, blepharoplasty is the best way to improve both your appearance and your vision.
During this procedure, Dr. McHugh makes a small incision in the natural creases of your upper eyelids. Once he gains access, he tightens the muscles, trims excess skin, and removes any loose fat, if necessary.
If Dr. McHugh is tackling your lower lids as well, he makes the incision along your lash line to tighten the tissues so that the lids rest more snugly on your eyes again.
Not only is this procedure incredibly effective, but Dr. McHiugh performs eyelid surgery on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day.
During the first week or two of recovery, you can expect some swelling and bruising around your eyelids, which is perfectly normal. Gradually, these postoperative side effects should subside, leaving you with brighter eyes and better vision.
If you’d like to explore how eyelid surgery can not only revitalize your appearance, but also improve your field of vision, please contact our office in The Woodlands, Texas, to schedule a consultation.
