Cosmetic Procedures

Solutions for Baggy Eyelids

Also known as Dermatochalasis, this describes excess skin or fat in the upper or lower eyelids. Apart from seeming unattractive, baggy eyelids can result in obstruction of your visual field and eye fatigue which can make daily tasks like reading or driving challenging.

How AEI repairs baggy eyelids

Correcting dermatochalasis is a done via blepharoplasty, which is commonly referred to as an “eye lift.” This surgery involves removing excess skin, muscle and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Upper blepharoplasties are usually performed through incisions made in natural creases in the eye socket so as to minimize their appearance, whereas lower eyelid incisions are often made along the inner surface of the lower lid, leaving no visible scar.

A blepharoplasty usually takes from one to three hours to perform. Post-op swelling and bruising will take two to three weeks to resolve and the final results will become apparent after several months. 

Solutions for droopy eyelids

Also known as Ptosis (pronounced TOE-sis), this describes drooping of the upper eyelids, which not only makes you look sad or tired, but also can affect your line of sight. If they’re not hereditary, droopy eyelids can occur at any age and can be caused by long term contact use, or by an underlying disease like myasthenia gravis or Horner’s Syndrome. Ptosis can also be due to damage of the nerves responsible for elevating your eyelids following trauma or surgery.

How AEI repairs droopy eyelids

Ptosis surgery involves shortening or reattaching stretched out muscles responsible for elevating the eyelid. This is done during same day surgery and recovery is fairly quick. In fact, most people are able to return to work within a few days.

Solutions for eyelids turning inward or outward

Eyelids must be normally aligned in order to properly protect your eye, to ensure good tear production for eye lubrication, to facilitate adequate tear drainage and to allow you to close your eyes properly with every blink. When your eyelid is turned abnormally out or in, this can result in constant irritation, tearing, pain and discharge. 

Eyelids turning inward (known as Entropion) usually involves the lower lid and results from aging or weakening of certain tendons and muscles, although it can result from neurologic conditions, trauma, scarring or prior surgery. Entropion can cause corneal scarring and even vision loss due to constant rubbing of the eyelashes against the eye.

How AEI repairs eyelids turning inward

Fixing eyelids turning inward involves removing excess skin on the outer eyelid that is causing the lid to turn in. Surgery is usually performed on an out-patient basis with light anesthesia.

Eyelids turning outward (known as Ectropion) usually involve the lower lid turning out, exposing the inner portion of the lid to air. This results in red, tired burning eyes that tear, and may have a gritty sensation, crusting and discharge. If not hereditary, ectropion can be due to nerve damage from strokes, a facial nerve palsy (Bell’s Palsy) or even from some anti-cancer drugs. Untreated ectropion can lead to corneal damage due to exposure.

How AEI repairs eyelids turning outwards

Ectropion repair usually involves shortening lax tendons and muscles and, in some cases, might require a small skin graft with skin taken from behind your ear.

Why ophthalmologists are the best choice for cosmetic eye surgery

When considering having cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of your eyes, you can choose to have your surgery performed by an oculofacial plastic surgeon, a facial plastic surgeon or a general plastic surgeon. Let’s review the difference between these three specialists keeping in mind that certain conditions can benefit from the care of two or more of them.

Oculofacial plastic surgeons are ophthalmologists trained in surgery of the delicate tissues surrounding the eye. This includes the eye socket, eyelids, eye brows and forehead. Facial plastic surgeons are actually a subspecialty of Ear, Nose and Throat physicians with expertise in the nose, lower face and neck. General plastic surgeons are trained to treat cosmetic conditions involving the entire body, including the face.

At the Assil Eye Institute, our oculoplastic team treats conditions involving the eye socket, eyelids, the lacrimal system (your tear glands and ducts) and the lower forehead. Whether you wish to refresh and rejuvenate your appearance, correct anatomical problems affecting your vision, or have suffered an eye or facial injury, we can help.

AEI, your best choice for cosmetic eye surgery

Assil Eye Institute’s dedication to providing the best eye care available is what motivates us to strive for the highest standards of excellence when it comes to performing eye surgery on our patients. Because of this, we offer some of the best trained ophthalmic surgery specialists in the nation.

Contact us today to arrange for a personal evaluation and consultation.