Plastic surgery can be a delicate, subtle art. Minor alterations to a patient’s skin, especially on the face, can often have dramatic effects; the skin is all interconnected, and the human eye can detect remarkably tiny changes in another person’s face. Therefore, procedures that address some of the most common signs of facial aging, like sagging eyelids or heavy bags underneath the eyes, tend to yield significant results with only minor tweaks. Also known as blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. This is likely because of its ability to achieve substantial yet natural-looking results through nearly imperceptible changes.
Genetic and environmental factors can cause the skin to gradually to lose its elasticity over time. As a result, the constant shifting and stretching from the forming of facial expressions, along with the pull of gravity, can make the skin sag and droop. The upper and lower eyelids often accumulate excess skin, resulting in wrinkles, bulges, and extra folds of skin. Furthermore, as we age, the fat that cushions the eyeballs in the skull begins to bulge in the upper and lower lids. All this excess skin and fat can make the eyes look small and tired, the net effect being a worn-out, older-looking face.
By removing excess fat and skin and tightening underlying muscles through tiny incisions in the natural lines of the eyelids, I’m able to give the eyes a more youthful and revitalized appearance. Sometimes, external scarring can be avoided altogether using a transconjunctival approach, a technique wherein I make an incision within the internal portion of the lower eyelid. As a plastic surgeon with over 20 years of successful experience, my focus is achieving striking results with only the smallest of incisions, minimizing the appearance of any scarring that may result.
Patients are often surprised with the ease and simplicity of undergoing this procedure, especially considering the profound yet subtle aesthetic outcomes it achieves. Individual healing times for eyelid surgery vary from patient to patient, but most healing is resolved in one-to-two weeks. However, it may be several weeks before swelling totally subsides and everything is back to normal. Cold compresses, ointment, and/or medication are usually sufficient to control any swelling, bruising, dry eyes, irritation, and/or discomfort that may occur after your surgery. During the recovery period, patients should practice diligent sun protection and wear darkly tinted glasses and wide-brim hats to protect their eyes.
If you’re interested in learning about how I can help you alleviate signs of facial aging, or if you want to learn about the many other cosmetic procedures I perform, contact me, Dr. Jim Namnoum, to schedule a consultation today. Don’t forget to connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more plastic surgery news and updates.
