Avon Center for Aesthetic Surgery - David A. Novotny, MD
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What Is Eye Lid Surgery?
 Cosmetic eyelid surgery, technically called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Specifically, eyelid surgery can treat:

  • Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or hides the natural contour of the upper eyelid
  • Excess skin that hangs down from the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
  • Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids
  • Bags under the eyes
  • Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris
  • Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid

These conditions typically appear as part of the natural aging process, or due to heredity. Where they are the result of heredity, individuals as young as their 20s and 30s may achieve a marked improvement in the appearance of their eyes through eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery removes the excess skin, eliminates bags and restores firmness to the area surrounding the eye, making you look more rested and alert.

The Best Candidates For Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. Most are 35 or older, but if droopy, baggy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.

A few medical conditions make blepharoplasty more risky. They include thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and Graves' disease, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. A detached retina or glaucoma is also reason for caution; check with your ophthalmologist before you have surgery.

 Where Do I Begin?
A consultation with Dr. Novotny is the first step to learn how eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of the eye and surrounding area. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about eyelid surgery in a non-pressured environment, and will include:

  • A discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your individual case
  • The options available in eyelid surgery
  • The likely outcomes of eyelid surgery and any risks or potential complications
  • The course of treatment recommended by Dr. Novotny
  • Dr. Novotny will also answer any of your questions

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As people age, the eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and fat accumulates around the eyes, causing "bags" above and below
The surgeon closes the incisions with fine sutures, which will leave nearly invisible scars.
Before surgery, the surgeon marks the incision sites, following the natural lines and creases of the upper and lower eyelids.
Underlying fat, along with excess skin and muscle, can be removed during the operation.
In a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, a tiny incision is made inside the lower eyelid and fat is removed with fine forceps. No skin is removed, and the incision is closed with dissolving sutures.
After surgery, the upper eyelids no longer droop and the skin under the eyes is smooth and firm.

 
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