Eyelid Surgery
As the skin ages, it gradually loses its elasticity. This lack of elasticity and the pull of gravity cause excessive skin to collect on the upper and lower eyelids.
Excess skin on the lower eyelid leads to wrinkles and bulges. On the upper eyelids, an excess skin hangs over the eyelashes and can obstruct vision.
Eyelid surgery (also called an eye lift or blepharoplasty), helps to decrease bagginess from lower eyelids and remove excess skin from the upper eyelids.
This procedure is typically done for cosmetic reasons. However, it can also be an effective way to improve sight in older people whose sagging upper eyelids are obstructing their vision.
An eye lift does not work by itself for eliminating dark circles under the eyes, crow's feet, or other facial wrinkles. Often, it is done alongside other procedures such as laser resurfacing, filler injections, or forehead lifts.
Procedure
Dr. Toriumi will examine your eyes and take into consideration what your specific requests or concerns. He will look for puffiness in the skin around the eyes and the creases along your eyelids. In upper eyelid surgery, he will make a small, undetectable incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision is made along the lash line and smile lines. After incisions are made, Dr. Toriumi removes the excess fat and skin and re-contours the underlying muscle. Finally, he will carefully close the incision so that the scar is not visible.
