Learn how Eyelid Aesthetic Common Procedures improve eye contour for a brighter, balanced look

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Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty focuses on the excision of redundant skin and the sculpting of underlying fat in the upper eyelid. The procedure addresses the heavy, hooded appearance that can make the eyes look smaller and the patient appear drowsy. It is the most common intervention for rejuvenating the upper face.

The surgeon designs an incision that hides within the natural supratarsal crease. Through this access point, a crescent of excess skin is removed. A conservative amount of the orbicularis muscle may also be trimmed to redefine the eyelid platform.

  • Excision of dermatochalasis or loose skin
  • Removal or repositioning of the nasal fat pad
  • Definition of the upper eyelid crease
  • Reduction of lateral hooding
  • Creation of a more open eye aperture

This procedure can be customized to address specific anatomical concerns. For patients with a heavy brow, the skin removal is conservative to avoid further pulling the brow down. In cases of significant asymmetry, different amounts of skin and fat are removed from each side to achieve balance.

The result is a crisp, defined upper eyelid that allows for more straightforward application of makeup and a brighter overall expression. It is a powerful procedure with a high satisfaction rate due to its impact on the central facial aesthetic.

  • Customization for brow position
  • Correction of eyelid asymmetry
  • Enhancement of the makeup platform
  • Restoration of a youthful eyelid contour
  • High impact on facial brightness
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Lower Blepharoplasty

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Lower blepharoplasty targets the area beneath the eye, specifically addressing eye bags, puffiness, and excess skin. There are two primary approaches: the transconjunctival approach (inside the eyelid) and the subciliary approach (just below the lashes).

The transconjunctival approach is ideal for patients with excess fat but good skin elasticity. The incision is made inside the lower lid, leaving no external scar. Fat is removed or repositioned to smooth the contour without disrupting the skin or underlying muscles.

  • Removal of herniated orbital fat pads
  • Internal incision with no visible scarring
  • Preservation of the orbicularis muscle
  • Ideal for younger patients with good skin tone
  • Reduction of lower lid puffiness

The subciliary approach allows removal of excess skin, as well as fat management. The incision runs just beneath the lower lash line. This is necessary for older patients with significant skin laxity and wrinkles that will not retract on their own.

Surgeons may also perform a muscle suspension or “pinch” during this procedure to tighten the lower lid and prevent it from pulling away from the eye. This comprehensive approach addresses all layers of lower lid aging.

  • Excision of redundant lower lid skin
  • Tightening of the orbicularis oculi muscle
  • External incision concealed in the lash line
  • Comprehensive treatment of skin and fat
  • Prevention of lower lid malposition
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Fat Repositioning

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Fat repositioning is a specialized technique used during lower blepharoplasty to treat the tear trough deformity. Instead of removing the bulging fat pads, the surgeon releases the arcus marginalis ligament that creates the hollow groove.

The fat is then draped over the orbital rim and secured in place. This acts as a living filler, smoothing the transition between the eyelid and the cheek. It effectively treats the “double convexity” deformity, where a hollow follows a bulge.

  • Release of the tear trough ligament
  • Preservation of orbital volume
  • Transposition of fat pedicles
  • Smoothing of the lid cheek junction
  • Long-term correction of dark circles

This technique yields superior, longer-lasting results compared to fat removal alone. By masking the bony orbital rim, it restores the soft, convex contours of a youthful midface. It avoids the hollowed-out appearance that can occur with aggressive fat excision.

  • Prevention of superior sulcus hollowing
  • Restoration of midface continuity
  • Avoidance of the cadaveric look
  • Utilization of autologous tissue
  • Enhancement of the cheek profile

Canthoplasty and Canthopexy

Canthoplasty and canthopexy are procedures designed to tighten or reposition the lateral canthus, the outer corner of the eye. As we age, the tendons that support the lower eyelid can stretch, leading to a round, sad-eye appearance or ectropion.

Canthopexy is a suspension technique that reinforces the tendon without cutting it. It is often used as a preventative measure during blepharoplasty to support the lower lid. It provides a subtle lift and ensures the lid remains tight against the eyeball.

  • Reinforcement of the lateral canthal tendon
  • Support of the lower eyelid margin
  • Prevention of postoperative retraction
  • Subtle elevation of the outer corner
  • Maintenance of eye shape

Canthoplasty is a more reconstructive procedure where the tendon is cut, shortened, and reattached to the orbital rim. This is used for significant laxity or to change the eye’s tilt (creating an almond shape). It provides a more dramatic and permanent change to the eye architecture.

  • Surgical shortening of the canthal tendon
  • Correction of significant lid laxity
  • Alteration of the canthal tilt
  • Creation of an almond eye shape
  • Reconstructive correction of ectropion
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Ptosis Repair

Ptosis repair corrects a drooping upper eyelid caused by weakness or detachment of the levator muscle. Unlike dermatochalasis (excess skin), ptosis involves the actual eyelid margin falling too low, covering part of the pupil, and obstructing vision.

The procedure involves tightening the levator muscle or its aponeurosis to lift the eyelid margin. This can be done through the same incision as an upper blepharoplasty. It is a functional repair that restores the vertical height of the eye aperture.

  • Tightening of the levator palpebrae superioris
  • Elevation of the eyelid margin
  • Clearance of the visual axis
  • Restoration of symmetry between the eyes
  • Correction of the sleepy eye appearance

There are also internal approaches (such as Muller’s muscle resection) for milder cases. Accurate diagnosis is crucial, as performing a blepharoplasty on a patient with unrecognized ptosis will not solve the problem and may make the droop more apparent.

  • Internal approach for mild ptosis
  • Differentiating ptosis from pseudo ptosis
  • Customization based on muscle function
  • Testing with phenylephrine drops
  • Concurrent performance with blepharoplasty

Asian Blepharoplasty (Double Eyelid Surgery)

Asian blepharoplasty is a specialized procedure that creates a supratarsal crease in the upper eyelid for patients who lack one (monolids). The goal is not to Westernize the eye but to create a defined crease that enhances eye opening and facilitates makeup application.

Techniques range from non-incisional suture methods to full incision methods. The suture method uses buried stitches to tether the skin to the underlying muscle, creating a fold. It is less invasive but may have a higher recurrence rate.

  • Creation of a supratarsal fold
  • Non-incisional suture techniques
  • Full incision for a permanent crease
  • Removal of preaponeurotic fat
  • Enhancement of vertical eye dimension

The incision method allows the removal of excess skin and fat, providing a permanent, crisp crease. The height and shape of the crease (tapered vs. parallel) are customized to the patient’s preference and anatomical structure.

  • Customization of crease height
  • Selection of tapered or parallel shape
  • Permanent structural modification
  • Management of the epicanthal fold
  • Respect for ethnic anatomical features

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Skin Pinch Excision

The skin pinch is a minimally invasive technique for the lower eyelids. It is designed for patients who have loose skin but no significant fat bulging or muscle laxity. The surgeon pinches the excess skin and excises it without opening the orbital septum or muscle.

This preserves the eye’s natural shape and carries a very low risk of complications, such as retraction.

It is often combined with laser resurfacing or chemical peels to tighten the remaining skin further.

  • Conservative removal of skin only
  • Preservation of the underlying muscle and fat
  • Low risk of lower lid malposition
  • Ideal for crepey skin texture
  • Rapid recovery timeline

Laser Resurfacing Adjunct

Laser resurfacing is frequently performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery to improve the quality of the skin. While surgery removes excess skin, it does not remove fine lines or improve texture. A CO2 or Erbium laser can smooth wrinkles and tighten the collagen matrix.

This is particularly effective for the lower eyelids and crow’s feet area. The laser creates controlled thermal injury, stimulating the body to produce new, healthy skin. It polishes the final result of the surgical intervention.

  • Improvement of skin texture and tone
  • Smoothing of static wrinkles and crow’s feet
  • Stimulation of neocollagenesis
  • Tightening of the dermal matrix
  • Polishing of the surgical outcome

Festoon Treatment

Festoons, or malar mounds, are fluid-filled swellings on the upper cheek, distinct from standard eye bags. They are notoriously difficult to treat and often persist after standard blepharoplasty. Direct excision or laser treatments are usually required.

Direct excision involves cutting out the festoon, leaving a small scar. Laser treatments aim to tighten the skin and reduce fluid accumulation. Managing festoons requires managing patient expectations, as they are a complex structural issue involving the cheek anatomy.

  • Identification of malar mounds vs eye bags
  • Direct excision of redundant tissue
  • Laser ablation for fluid reduction
  • Management of complex cheek anatomy
  • Differentiation from standard lower lid aging
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between blepharoplasty and ptosis repair?

Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat. Ptosis repair tightens the muscle that lifts the eyelid. If your eyelid edge covers your pupil, you likely need ptosis repair. If you have baggy skin, you need blepharoplasty.

No. The pinch technique only removes a small strip of loose skin. It does not address the fat pads that cause bags. It is best for patients who have wrinkled skin but a flat contour under the eyes.

Yes, the suture method creates a crease by burying threads in the eyelid. It does not involve cutting the skin. However, it is best suited for younger patients with thin skin and no excess fat.

Standard lower lid surgery should not change the shape. However, if you have canthoplasty (tightening of the corner), the eye may look slightly more almond-shaped or tilted upwards, which is often a desired aesthetic goal.

Dark circles caused by shadows (tear troughs) are treated with fat repositioning or fillers. Dark circles caused by pigment (skin color) are treated with lasers or creams. Blepharoplasty primarily fixes the shadow type.

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