Eyelid Surgery One of the Top-Five Cosmetic Procedures in the U.S.?

When people think about cosmetic surgery the first procedures to come to mind are usually breast augmentation, liposuction and facelifts. This makes sense because these procedures are usually among the top-five most commonly performed in the U.S. every year. But did you know that eyelid surgery also tends to make that annual top-five list?

In fact, eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, was the fourth most common invasive cosmetic procedure performed in 2017, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ annual statistics report. The society reported that 209,000 blepharoplasties were performed during the year, about the same number as 2016. For context, that is over 80,000 more than the 125,000 or so facelift surgeries reported.

So What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is an advanced plastic surgery procedure that treats age-related changes to the skin and fat around the eyes. These changes tend to emerge because the skin loses its elasticity as we age, and fat around the eye tends to protrude into the eyelids. Some patients may simply have a genetic predisposition for these changes.

In particular, eyelid surgery reduces bagginess and bulging around the upper and lower eyelid areas, and treats under-eye bags and sinking eyelids. Drooping eyelids, which is also known as ptosis, can also be addressed during a blepharoplasty.

These changes to the skin over time, generally give an older and more tired appearance, no matter how well rested. A blepharoplasty is specifically tailored for each patient to reduce these conditions, and generally results in a more youthful, well-rested, and dramatically rejuvenated look.

While a blepharoplasty may eliminate some fine wrinkling below the lower eyelid, it will not eliminate crow’s feet or other facial wrinkles, although it may improve under-eye dark circles. Eyelid surgery does not alter your facial structure or alleviate other age-related conditions, so some patients elect to include other procedures, such as forehead lifts, laser resurfacing and filler injections, with their blepharoplasty. When considering eyelid surgery, make sure to discuss all aesthetic goals with your plastic surgeon.

Blepharoplasty Also Performed for Functional Reasons

Sometimes excessive skin builds up on the upper eyelids to the extent in which it causes an extra fold of skin to hang over the eyelashes. This extra fold can impede sight lines and impair vision. While health insurance doesn’t generally cover cosmetic procedures, if you can prove that drooping eyelids or extra folds are affecting your vision, your insurance company may cover it. Visual field testing by an ophthalmologist or optometrist should properly evaluate any impaired vision. Whatever the reasons for considering blepharoplasty, Naples, Florida-based Gardner Plastic Surgery has an excellent track record in successfully performing the procedure. Both Dr. Paul Gardner and Dr. Leo Baccaro are highly competent in these procedures and can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. If you would like to learn more about blepharoplasty and how Gardner Plastic Surgery can help rejuvenate the area around your eyes, and, if needed, improve your vision, contact us today at 239.566.2611 to schedule your initial consultation.