Every year, thousands of adults have eyelid surgery (a.k.a., blepharoplasty) to restore a youthful appearance to the eye area. But despite how common eyelid surgery is, there are still myths and misinformation circulating about the procedure. In this post, Denver facial plastic surgeon Michael McCracken dispels the top five myths about eyelid surgery.
1. Eyelid surgery stops the aging process.
Eyelid surgery doesn’t stop the aging process; rather, it turns back the clock on aging. Patients continue to age after surgery, although their eyes look more youthful and rested than they did before surgery.
2. Eyelid surgery leaves noticeable scarring.
Upper and lower eyelid surgery rarely leave noticeable scarring. The incisions for upper eyelid surgery can be created in the natural creases of the lid, so any scarring blends in with the skin folds. The incisions for lower eyelid surgery are created just below the lower lashline or inside the lower lid, so scarring is not conspicuous.
The location and pattern of the surgical incisions and the likelihood of noticeable scarring will be discussed during the pre-operative consultation with Dr. McCracken.
3. Eyelid surgery always removes dark circles under the eyes.
Eyelid surgery may remove some, but not all dark circles under the eyes. Whether or not it can help depends on the cause of the dark circles.
Some dark circles are caused by displaced fat pads, which create hollows and shadows that look like dark circles. Lower eyelid surgery can reduce their prominence by repositioning the fat.
Dark circles also can be caused by vascular problems, allergies and other factors; eyelid surgery may not have any positive effect on these circles. Some dark circles may benefit from laser skin resurfacing at the time of eyelid surgery or from topical treatment after surgery.
4. The results always look artificial.
An eyelid surgery gone wrong can create a surprised or frozen expression. The key to attractive, natural-looking results is selecting an experienced facial plastic surgeon, like Dr. McCracken, who understands how to make subtle modifications to achieve the desired improvements. Truly great eyelid surgeons also understand the importance of delivering the best results possible for the individual patient and his or her unique anatomy and goals.
5. People who have blepharoplasty and other facial plastic surgery procedures are vain.
People are living longer and healthier lives than ever, and there can be a disconnect between a person’s tired or aged appearance and their active, energetic spirit. By giving the eyes a youthful and rested expression, blepharoplasty bridges the gap between how a patient looks and how he or she feels.
Also, eyelid surgery is sometimes performed for functional reasons. With age, the eyelid skin can stretch and sag, sometimes drooping over the upper lashline and obstructing vision. Eyelid surgery trims this skin and tightens the remaining eyelid skin to remove the obstruction and clear the line of sight.
Book an Eyelid Surgery Consultation
To learn more about eyelid surgery, we welcome you to contact McCracken Eye and Face Institute today.
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