Eyes can communicate so much about our emotions and inner thoughts. They’re windows to our soul, as they say, and as much as windows go, you would want to keep them clear and free of any obstruction that hinders the view to and from your beautiful personality. A good pair of eyes can make you stand out and exude confidence that attracts positive vibes and draws people in.
However, due to reasons most of which we can’t control, eyelids tend to darken, droop, and fold in the wrong place. If you’re facing these conditions, different eyelid surgeries and procedures are available to get rid of any unwanted formation and restore health in your eyes.
Who can undergo eyelid surgeries?
Blepharoplasty, or the removal of excess eyelid tissues, and other surgeries are performed for various reasons. A person with baggy and darkened eyelids might get surgery to minimise or remove bothersome flaps and discoloration. The reason is sometimes more than just aesthetic. Excess skin may block the patient’s vision and rub against the eyes, causing irritation and infection. Surgeries are also carried out to treat benign and malignant tumours that pose serious health issues.
Undergoing blepharoplasty at the same time as other cosmetic procedures such as brow lift and face-lift is usually harmless. But to be safe, make sure to communicate your plans and surgical history with your healthcare provider.
Anyone who’s at least 18 years old can get eyelid surgeries, but those over the age of 30 and have no eye diseases are the most suitable candidates for such operations, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Eye diseases like glaucoma, detached retina, and dry eyes may make the surgery more complex. Just give your doctor your full honesty about any health condition before going through any of the various kinds of eyelid surgeries.
Different Kinds of Eyelid Surgery
Addressing various types of undesirable shapes, flaps, and discolouration, each eyelid surgery involves different procedures and focuses on specific tissues and neighbouring sections of the eyelid.
- Blepharoplasty
This procedure takes away excess eyelid skin by cutting a portion of the eyelid’s natural crease, including extra muscles and fats. The remaining skin will then be stitched together to showcase a more defined shape around the eyes. The eyelid stretches and retracts every time we blink, which causes it to wear over time. This leaves the eyelid droopy with overstretched skin, which makes the face look tired. Blepharoplasty can help reverse this condition and it has three types.
First, upper blepharoplasty, as the name suggests, removes extra skin from the natural crease of the upper eyelids to address droopiness and wrinkling at the top of the eyes. Second is lower blepharoplasty where the surgeon makes an incision below the lower eyelashes to take away excess skin, muscle, and fat that make the area puffy. Lastly, combined blepharoplasty solves both issues within the upper and lower eyelids by getting the first two types of blepharoplasty at the same time.
- Ptosis surgery
Ptosis is a condition where one or both the upper eyelid droops over the eye, which may, in some cases, block the pupil and hinder vision. This is caused by weak levator muscles, which are supposed to support and lift the eyelid. The condition may be acquired congenitally or at birth, but it may also arise later in life. Ptosis correction is a surgery where the muscles responsible for moving the eyelids are strengthened by shrinking them. Stronger muscles allow the eyelid to retract completely and improve the patient’s vision.
- Ectropion and entropion surgery
Ectropion is characterised by a lower eyelid that sags and turns outward, exposing more sensitive parts of the eyeballs. With less protection, the eye becomes very dry and sensitive to light and wind. Conversely, entropion is the folding of the lower eyelid inward or toward the eyeball. This causes the skin and eyelashes to painfully rub against the eye, which results in irritation, redness, and, worse, infection. Ectropion and entropion surgery repositions the eyelids to the correct state by removing tissues, tightening tendons, and grafting, depending on the condition’s cause.
- Double Eyelid Surgery
Persons with monolids or eyelids that don’t have a crease get this surgery to make their eyes look bigger and more prominent. Double eyelid surgery is also called “Asian eyelid surgery” for its widespread practice, especially in East Asia. People from this region typically have lovely monolids, but for those who prefer double lids, they undergo this procedure to achieve a tantalising eyelid shape that gives them a more confident and distinctive look.
Eyelid Surgeries for Aesthetic and Health
Eyes are one of the features that leave a lasting impression on the people you meet. They communicate emotion, sincerity, and confidence. Eyelid surgeries serve aesthetic and health purposes. They can improve the appearance of your eyes as well as keep your vision free of obstructions and your eyes free of pain. Eyelid surgeries restore your expression into a youthful look and promote your eyes’ health that clearly shows on the outside.