It has been stated that the eyes are the windows to the soul.  Unfortunately, your eyes are also one of the first areas of the face to reveal signs of aging.  Regardless of how youthful and energetic you may feel, an aging eyelid gives the impression that you are tired and aging.  Several surgical and non-surgical a interventions to rejuvenate the eyelid are currently available.  During your consultation with Dr. Schoenfeld, he will discuss the areas of the eyelids that need attention, and explain to you in detail which technique will provide you with the best possible outcome.  No single procedure is right for all patients and Dr. Schoenfeld practices the latest surgical and minimally invasive techniques so the treatment you receive is right for you.

Upper Lid Blepharoplasty

As we age, skin of the upper eyelid becomes stretched and lax.  This process leads to loss of the natural contour of the upper lid.  The process is not unique to men or women, but is often the result of a hereditary predisposition in combination with exposure to harsh environmental elements over a lifetime.  One thing is certain, excess skin and aging of the upper eyelid eventually occurs in everyone.  In addition to excess skin, the fatty tissue which is responsible for supporting the eyes begins to protrude from its normal position, which causes the eyes to appear puffy.

The Procedure

Upper eyelid surgery can be performed under local anesthesia but is generally supplemented with I.V. sedation or general anesthesia when other procedures are also performed.  An incision is made in the natural upper lid skin crease (about 1cm above the eyelashes) and the appropriate amount of skin, fat, and muscle will be removed. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the wound.  Bruising is minimal and a light cover of makeup may be applied after the first week to help camouflage the incision during the early recovery period.

Lower Lid Blepharoplasty

No area of the face has been reevaluated more critically in recent years than the lower eyelid and cheek complex.  Changes which occur to the lower eyelid and cheek are somewhat different than what we see in the upper eyelid.  You may present to our office complaining of the “bags” under your eyes, and that you always appear poorly rested.  This may be a hereditary predisposition or familial trait and can occur quite early in life.  In most individuals, this is a normal aging process.  In the past, the surgeon would simply remove the bulging fat of the lower lid and if necessary, remove excess lower lid skin.  Unfortunately, as we age, we loose fat around the eyes as part of the normal aging process.  Patients who had this fat removed surgically would eventually develop a hollow looking eye without any sign of the full lower lid and smooth cheek that is so attractive in youthful faces.

Suring your consultation with Dr. Schoenfeld he will discuss with you the various approaches to rejuvenate your lower eyelid and cheek.  He will discuss the concept of fat repositioning to fill the hollows of your lower eyelid.  Dr. Schoenfeld will determine the need for removal of excess skin and muscle of the lower eyelid or whether laser resurfacing or chemical peels of the skin would be a better alternative.

(301) 652-RENU (7368) • moreinfo@renudc.com