Eyelid surgery rejuvenates facial appearance
Information provided by William P. Mack, MD

It is often said that the eyes are a window to the soul,” observes William P. Mack, MD, who is board-certified in ophthalmology and fellowship trained in eyelid and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, “but a person’s eyelids can send a host of wrong signals, making people think they are tired, angry, or disinterested, when just the opposite might be true.”

Dr. Mack notes that people with heavy, overhanging, or bulging eyelids have grown accustomed to inquiries as to why they look so tired or if they are upset about something — all because their eyelids make them look fatigued, bored, or irritated. “Folds and bags of excess skin form when the connective tissue beneath the eyelids is too weak to hold the protective layer of fat in place around the eye and allows the tissue to bulge forward. As the skin loses its tone and elasticity, the condition worsens.”

The condition afflicts both men and women,” says Dr. Mack, “and though it is often hereditary and becomes more pronounced with age, exposure to the sun, wind, and other extreme weather conditions can make the problem worse for patients of any age.”

Eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, is a safe, effective, and cosmetically appealing option for removing excess tissue from the eyelids. “With our specialized training, oculoplastic surgeons can often anticipate and forestall the eye problems that can result from these surgeries,” he reminds. Outpatient surgery on either the upper eyelids or lower eyelids can be performed with local anesthetic during a procedure that takes about an hour. Any apparent swelling typically recedes within the next few weeks, at which time patients are pleased to look in the mirror and discover eyes that look rejuvenated with a youthful, refreshed appearance.