Eye Lift

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Eye lift or Blepharoplasty

Eye lift surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, corrects sagging eyelids and excess fat under the eyes.

Doctors originally pioneered eye lift surgery to correct drooping eyelids that obscured the vision of older patients. However, the same techniques are now used to correct aging eyelids to return them to a youthful state. Eye lift surgery is common and used for both functional and cosmetic purposes.

If you are interested in learning more about blepharoplasty, we invite you to use our site to learn more about the procedure, techniques, costs and precautions. Our doctor locator can help you find an eye lift doctor in your area. Our goal is to provide you with information and education on eye lift surgery and connect you with the best surgeons in your area.

What is Eye Lift Surgery?

Eye lift surgery modifies the eyelid by repositioning skin, removing excess fat and sometimes adding support to related tendons and muscles.

Also called blepharoplasty, the eye lift procedure is used both for functional and cosmetic reasons, though cosmetic purposes are most common.

As a person ages, the eyelids begin to stretch out and supporting muscles begin to weaken. Extra fat then gathers both above and below the eyelids. This excess fat causes the eyelids to droop, eyebrows to hang and bags to form under the eyes. These features cause a person to look older, but they can also impair peripheral vision needed for driving and reading. Eye lift surgery can correct both the very practical problems of droopy eyelids and the aesthetic appearance of aging.

Incisions from an eye lift can be made on the inside or outside of the eye. Incisions made on the outside of the eyelid are most common for eyelift surgery and follow natural lines of the eye to obscure the resulting scars. Eyelift surgery recipients with darker skin tones can experience more visible scars, but they are easily covered with makeup. Another method of blepharoplasty makes incisions on the inside of the eyelid and is called transconjuctival blepharoplasty. Though less common, it leaves no visible scars.

The History of Eye Lift Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Modern blepharoplasty is almost 200 years old and the first techniques were pioneered by a German surgeon in 1818. The original purpose was to remove cancers from the eyelids, but evolved to contemporary eye lift procedures. Even the ancient Greeks and Egyptians wrote down procedures for cosmetic surgery. Contemporary eye lift surgery benefits from the learning and wisdom of many surgical pioneers of the past.

When You Should Consult a Physician

While people pursue eye lift surgery because they don't like the look of bags under their eyes, bags themselves are usually not a medical concern. In some cases, though, bags may require the attention of a doctor. You should talk to a doctor if:

• The swelling under your eyes is continuous and severe.
• The swelling is affecting other parts of your body. For example, your legs are also swollen.
• The swelling includes pain, itching or redness.

Infections, allergies or problems with the kidney or thyroid can be exhibiting themselves in these cases and your doctor will be able to evaluate this more clearly.

Eye Lift Costs

Eye lifts surgery costs vary by surgeon and location. According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of eye lift surgery in 2007 in the United States was $3,134.

Beyond the cost for the eye lift surgery, one must also consider the related costs. These include the cost for prescribed medications, surgery location fees, travel and possible lodging costs, childcare costs during recovery and costs in time away from work.

Every person's situation will be unique to them. A consultation with a surgeon is where you can learn the exact dollar amount based on your exact needs. The physician directory on this site can help you locate a doctor and set up a consultation.

Eye Lift Risks

An eye lift surgery, like all surgeries, is not without its risks and these should be taken into account when weighing whether the procedure is for you. Your initial consultation with an eye lift surgeon is the time to ask serious questions about risks and learn what the surgery entails. The prospect of enhancing your appearance can be an exciting one, but don't let this drive you to over look the gravity of surgery. An eye lift should be pursued with sober reflection and a clear head.

Eye Lift Results

The results of eye lift surgery vary based on patient, the procedures being done and the skill of the eye lift surgeon.

With that said, eye lift surgery can provide the following benefits:

• Remove fatty deposits that cause the eyelids to sag and look older.
• Remove extra skin that hangs low or obscures vision.
• Improve the appearance of under eye bags.
• Strengthen and support the muscles and ligaments that allow the eyelids to droop and sag with age.

If you pursue an eye lift you will see results after the several weeks of healing. After the first six months to a year, eye lift incision lines take on their final appearance.

EyeLiftGuide.com

This site is your guide to learning about eye lift surgery, costs, risks and benefits. Included is a directory of eye lift surgeons, so you may browse for doctors in your area if you are interested in a consultation to find out if eye lift surgery is right for you.