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What Age Should I Consider Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery awakens and restores youth and vitality to aging eyes. Since the eyes are known as the windows to the soul, no one wants to see themselves with droopy lids, protruding bags, or wrinkles radiating from skin creases.

Unfortunately, the eyes age at a quicker rate than many other facial features and are often the first to require cosmetic attention.

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When the eyes begin to show age, the upper lids tend to grow weak and drop down over the eyelids and may even cause your vision to become obstructed. The lower eyelids become puffy, swollen, and wrinkled, contributing to a tired and saddened appearance.

Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids (or both) to trim excess skin and remove unwanted pockets of fat. This enhancement is conducted through inconspicuous incisions along the creases of the eyelids, concealing any post-operative scarring.

Why Do the Eyes Age so Quickly?

Because of collagen and elastin loss, sun damage, and the impact of repetitive movement, all skin will eventually weaken and age. The skin on and around the eyelids is the thinnest on the body, making it prone to premature aging.

Collagen and elastin are naturally produced proteins that give skin its structure and strength. There are many explanations for aging changes. For instance, when the body produces an abundant amount of collagen, as it does when you are young, your skin is able to bounce back and remain taut with minimal effort.

Unfortunately, as the production of collagen and elasticity decreases with age, the skin is no longer able to maintain its youthfulness. The tissues weaken and loosen to reveal wrinkles and puffiness. This process is compounded by sun damage; overexposure to UV light causes the rapid breakdown of skin as well as actinic skin damage.

Another reason the skin around the eyes ages so quickly is that it receives constant strain and trauma from blinking, squinting, and other facial movements. The thinness of the eyelid skin is not strong enough to maintain its firmness as long as other parts of the body.

When Is the Ideal Age?

Most blepharoplasty patients consider this procedure during or after the age of 40, but there is no hard age requirement for this procedure since facial aging has little to do with your actual age.

Genetics, heredity, lifestyle, and dedication to facial maintenance all play a much more significant role than your age. The right time to consider blepharoplasty is when the extent of skin laxity on the upper or lower eyelid starts to become noticeable to you and affects your confidence and self-image.

If you are bothered by the changes happening to the skin around your eyes, then you are likely at an ideal stage to undergo blepharoplasty.

Are There Additional Procedures That Can Help?

Eyelid surgery focuses on the upper and lower eyelids. Upper blepharoplasty may also address unwanted crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes; however, this procedure may not eliminate all of them.

If you are experiencing additional aging above the eyes or in the crow’s feet area, a forehead lift or BOTOX® Cosmetic may be combined with blepharoplasty for a full facial rejuvenation.

How Can You Protect Your Eyes?

Sadly, you cannot prevent the breakdown of tissues and skin around your eyes, but you may be able to delay the deterioration process by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing sunglasses or hats that shield the eyes, keeping the skin around the eyes moisturized and hydrated, being consistent with a routine Botox preventative program and following a healthy lifestyle.

 

For more information about eyelid surgery, contact Dr. Alexander by calling (702) 242-6776 or by filling out our online contact form.

Dr. Alexander's Office

A top Plastic Surgeon, Dr. George Alexander, serving more happy patients in Las Vegas, the United States and Internationally.

Dr. Alexander & Co

1725 Village Center Circle, Suite 150
Las Vegas, Nevada USA | (702) 242-6776

"Dr. Alexander and his staff are all accommodating and friendly. Dr. Alexander takes time to really address your concerns and questions. He is an awesome doctor. We highly recommend him to anyone in need of cosmetic surgery.” five star rating

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