Eyelid lift plastic surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a relatively minor but intricate procedure that involves the delicate eye area. The surgeon will cautiously determine the patient as a candidate for this procedure before recommending blepharoplasty.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom provides eyelid lift to patients in Chicago, IL, and surrounding communities.
Suitable Candidates
An ideal candidate for eyelid lift surgery will be an adult who is in good overall health and displeased with the appearance of old or tired-looking eyes due to the presence of fine lines and folds around the upper or lower eyelids, under-eye bags, or puffiness in the upper eyelids.
Individuals with partial vision obstruction because of sagging upper eyelid skin and fat can also address it with eyelid lift surgery.
The surgeon will review the patient’s previous health records and ask questions about any underlying medical concerns to determine their candidacy. They will assess whether the patient has any pre-existing eye condition that may interfere with the cosmetic surgery.
These patients may initially have to get the ophthalmic condition addressed before they may be considered a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty.
Eyelid Characteristics
Blepharoplasty is mainly a cosmetic procedure for which the surgeon will assess the personal aesthetic goals of the patient to understand whether an eyelid lift plastic surgery is a suitable procedure to accomplish these goals.
When determining candidacy, the following characteristics should be taken into account:
Tired-Looking Eyes
Sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles around the lids can make the eyes look old and tired. For such candidates, the surgeon may recommend upper or lower eyelid surgery for rejuvenation.
Puffiness in the Upper Eyelids
Blepharoplasty can eliminate puffiness in the upper lids or under-eye bags. An experienced surgeon can restore smoother, more youthful-looking lids.
Droopy Skin in the Upper or Lower Eyelids
Folds and wrinkles or loose skin in the upper or lower eyelids can give the upper face a tired appearance. In addition, some patients may experience partial vision impediments due to sagging lids. Eyelid lift cosmetic surgery can effectively address these issues.
Other Factors
In determining a patient’s candidacy, the cosmetic surgeon will also assess the following:
Patient’s Age
Ideally, the patient should be over the age of 18 years to be considered for this procedure. A majority of candidates will be over 30 years of age. However, if droopy lids have developed due to heredity factors, the candidate may require early treatment.
Reasonable Expectations
An ideal candidate should have a positive mind frame, concise aesthetic goals, and reasonable expectations. The candidate should also understand what eyelid lift surgery can or cannot do for them to appreciate the outcomes better.
Medical Considerations
People experiencing medical or ophthalmic conditions such as dry eye or glaucoma may not be good candidates for this procedure due to the higher possibility of complication development. People suffering from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and hyperthyroidism may also be excluded from undergoing this procedure.
People who do not have proper orbital anatomy or structure to support the procedure may also be excluded from blepharoplasty. The condition on the bone and surrounding support structure may have an effect on the candidate’s suitability for eyelid lift surgery.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom receives patients from Chicago, IL, and nearby areas for eyelid lift.