What To Know About Eyelid Plastic Surgery
The eyes are said to be the window to the soul. With this in mind, no one wants their eyes to look tired, angry or older than necessary. While genetics and age often take their toll on the beauty of this area of the face, there are options available to create an attractive eye (and eyelid) that looks youthful, rested and smooth.
First, it’s important to recognize exactly what makes up an attractive eye. Multiple aspects including the eyebrow position, a well-defined crease of the full upper eyelid, the optimal eyelid position in respect to the colored portion of the eye, and the lower eyelid position, height and contour play significant parts. Skin quality is also a factor.
There’s actually a difference in the perception of an attractive eyebrow among genders. For men, a lower transverse eyebrow can be seen as a more masculine feature. For females the same eyebrow positioning will be perceived as indicating fatigue, anger or age. We now believe that the attractive female eyebrow has only one consistent feature. If one was to divide the brow into an inner, middle and outer third, the highest point is to be at the junction of the middle and outer brow. Shape is more important here than position.
For both genders, when the eyebrow lowers with age the skin of the upper eyelid can be compressed which makes the eyelid look heavy or hooded. This can also compromise one’s field of vision.
The presence of “bags” beneath the eyes also contributes to a tired, older look. With aging or as a consequence of genetics, some individuals have pronounced fat bags under the eyes. These are areas at which point a membrane called the septum, designed to hold the fat that supports and cushions the eye in position, is loose allowing the fat pad under the eye to project forward, or pseudo-herniate.
Skin quality, in particular “crepe paper” or loose skin, can add to the look of aging, as will loss of volume. The latter often results in a deep tear trough. This is the groove that develops below the lower eyelid and separates it from the cheek. As a part of normal aging we lose tissue in this area and it contributes to a look of tiredness. The eyelid appears to be much longer.
The aperture of the eyes, which is the area of the exposed eye including the iris (the colored portion), should be open to the point that all but the top 1 to 2 mm of iris is visible. In addition, the angle between the corner of the eye and the nose and the corner of the eye on the outer aspect should angle upward. The lower eyelid should sit at the bottom level of the iris of the eye when looking straightforward. It should be smooth and short.
So, how can these issues be corrected? Removing redundant, loose skin of the upper eyelid can offer better sight and a younger appearance. Low brows can be elevated with surgery and sometimes with Botox. Undereye bags can also be improved with surgery. A loss of volume in the tear troughs can be corrected through the placement of dermal fillers.
Eyelid surgery is appropriate for anyone who believes that their eyes look older or less attractive than they like as a consequence of genetic factors and aging. If you’re ready to regain a more youthful and rested appearance, eyelid surgery may be for you. Contact our office to schedule an in-person consultation with one of our experienced and board-certified plastic surgeons.
If you are considering eyelid or eyebrow surgery, the best thing you can do is schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and wishes.
If you are interested in learning more about your options regarding any type of lower eyelid, upper eyelid, eyebrow surgery, or other facial surgery, it’s best to receive careful consultation of all options to help determine the appropriate course of treatment. Contact us today to meet with one of our skilled and experienced board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss which procedure may be best for you, or give us a call at 757-491-3535.
