When considering blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), it is important to remember that the brow and the upper eyelid affect one another, so they need to be considered together. Even if you just need one of these procedures, you need to be aware that each of these approaches affects both of these areas afterward, sometimes in surprising ways.
Upper Eyelids
If the skin of the upper eyelids is loose and hangs down, the patient may unconsciously hold his/her brows permanently elevated to keep the loose skin off the upper lids. In this case, correction of the excess upper eyelid skin can eliminate the need for forehead elevation, relax the forehead and reduce the forehead creases without the need for a brow lift.
Lower Eyelids
In addition to visible fat pockets and the loose skin that appears with aging, the shape of the opening of the eye, the orbital fissure, can also change. The eye opening becomes shorter, the almond shape becomes rounder, and the lower eyelid seems to lose its elasticity. What has actually occurred is that the attachment of the lower eyelid has stretched out, causing these changes. An additional procedure called a canthopexy is performed along with the blepharoplasty, reattaching the lower eyelid in its youthful position and correcting these changes in shape that occur with aging.
The links below provide authoritative sources for additional information on eyelid surgery. There is a lot of information here, and it is reliable. Please contact our office for any further information and assistance. You can email Dr. Friedenthal at drfriedenthal.com or phone him at 1-415-752-2066 for further information and assistance.
Eyelid Surgery (ASPS) – With Animation Videos
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (CSAPS)