The presence of excess skin, bulging fat, and increasingly loose muscles in and near the eye area may give way to an older, tired, or perpetually upset appearance. The appearance of wrinkles, folds, and fine lines have always been associated with genetics, aging, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, nutrition, and sun exposure. However, a recent study in Netherlands just revealed that there are actually specific risk factors that may influence one’s likelihood of having sagging eyelids.

Here’s an excerpt of the study’s results:

Among the group of Dutch Europeans, 17.8 percent had moderate to severe sagging eyelids. Risk factors for sagging eyelids included age, being male, having lighter skin color and a higher BMI. Current smoking also may have some association. Among the twin pairs, heritability of sagging eyelids was estimated at about 61 percent.

Sagging Eyelid Correction Surgery

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery revealed that eyelid surgery was the third most frequently performed procedure last year, up by 5.4 percent from 2012. The procedure, also known as blepharoplasty, reduces the appearance of the following:

• puffiness in the upper eyelids
• sagging or loose skin in the upper eyelids which may impair vision
• droopiness of the lower eyelids
• under eye bags

Blepharoplasty may be done separately or in combination on the upper and lower eyelids, depending on the patient’s cosmetic needs and preferences. In some cases, a brow lift may also be done in combination with eyelid surgery to improve the appearance of the brows and restore their naturally elevated position. Non-surgical alternatives such as Botox and dermal fillers may also be done as a finishing touch to eyelid surgery.

Can anyone have eyelid surgery?

Not everyone can have eyelid surgery. Generally, you are an ideal candidate for eyelid surgery if you are in excellent physical health and has realistic expectations of the procedure. In addition, you should be free (or well-controlled) of the following conditions:

• high blood pressure
• any type of cardiovascular disease
• glaucoma
• diabetes
• thyroid problems such as Graves’ disease and hypothyroidism
• dry eye syndrome

Furthermore, your existing facial anatomy such as bone structure may also influence your candidacy for sagging eyelid correction surgery.

Your Personalized Sagging Eyelid Correction Plan by Dr. Mosser

Dr. Mosser does more than perform eyelid surgery here at our San Francisco plastic surgery practice. A personalized sagging eyelid correction plan will also be created before surgery to ensure that desired outcomes will be achieved. Call us at 415.398.7778 or fill out this contact form today to schedule an appointment today.

It looks like 2013 may also be the year the eyelid lift made it to mainstream popularity, alongside the equally popular Brazilian butt lift.  First, it soared 5 percent higher than that of 2012, going a notch higher to 3rd place from its 4th place position last year in the top 5 surgical cosmetic procedures in 2013.

In addition, the admission of popular news anchor and host Julie Chen that she had eyelid surgery when she was 25 (and after being told that she will never become an anchor because she looked too Chinese)  to look more Westernized has made it more well-known amongst the public.

This year, the eyelid lift does more than give you that Westernized look. Below are 5 ways an eyelid lift can make you look naturally younger (and finally make that decision to have the surgery in 2014):

1. An eyelid lift can remove sagging and loose skin that hangs over the eyes. Aside from rejuvenating the face, it can also help improve peripheral vision if the excess skin has been a cause of vision troubles.

2. An eyelid lift can also remove (and redistribute it) excess fat around the eyes which contributes to the dreaded puffiness.

3. The appearance of unappealing eye bags can also be improved with an eyelid lift.

4. In some cases, the lower eyelids may droop just below the iris, resulting to the “white part” of your eye taking over the colored portion. This can be corrected by an eyelid lift, too. 

5. Lastly, an eyelid lift can restore overall definition of the eyes resulting to a more youthful look on your end.

 What an Eyelift Cannot Do

Not all aging problems in the eye area can be improved with an eyelid lift though. By and large, the following cosmetic woes may need to be treated with other treatments or procedures: 

• Crow’s feet (wrinkles around the eyes) – This is best treated with non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox and skin resurfacing treatments.

• Dark circles around the eyes – Dark circles, by and large, don’t have as much to do with aging but rather genetics, lack of sleep, and diet. Eye creams and non-surgical treatments may work for this cosmetic problem. However, when bags in the lower eyelids contribute to the shadows of dark circles, often a lower eye lift can at least improve the circles. 

• Sagging eyebrows – An eyelid lift alone may not provide the optimum results. Rather, a brow lift may done alone or in conjunction with an eyelid lift for maximum aesthetic results. 

Complete Eye Rejuvenation by Dr. Mosser

Our San Francisco plastic surgery practice offers skin resurfacing procedures that can further improve the tone and surface to the skin surrounding the eye. These procedures are typically done after your eyelid lift surgery. Oftentimes, an eyelid surgery may also be combined with a face lift to create an overall refreshed look. 

Call us at 415.398.7778 or fill out this contact form to schedule an appointment. San Francisco plastic surgeon Dr. Mosser does more than perform the procedure of your choice, he also aims to provide you with personalized treatments and/or treatment combinations to help restore and reveal your natural beauty!