Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is a relatively minor but intricate cosmetic surgery involving the delicate area around the eyes. Before commencing the procedure, the surgeon will carefully assess the patient’s candidacy for blepharoplasty.
Eyelid lift surgery candidates can choose this procedure to eliminate under-eye bags, address puffy upper lids, and restore vision that is hindered by drooping eyelids. But if a patient has specific medical and ophthalmic conditions, it could make them unsuitable for blepharoplasty.
Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides eyelid surgery to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.
Candidacy
Ideal blepharoplasty candidates are healthy adults seeking to mitigate the appearance of signs of aging such as folds and fine lines around the upper and lower lids, upper eyelid puffiness, or under-eye bags. Furthermore, this procedure is suitable for patients with partial vision hindrance because of sagging skin and fat in the upper eyelids.
In order to establish candidacy, the eyelid surgeon will assess the patient’s past medical records and check to see if they suffer from an untreated eye or medical condition which could pose a risk pre and post surgery. Patients with specific ophthalmic conditions may first have to receive treatment for these conditions before being determined suitable for a blepharoplasty procedure.
Eyelid Characteristics
Blepharoplasty plastic surgery is typically undertaken for cosmetic reasons. The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s aesthetic desires and aspirations to understand whether an eyelid surgery can effectively meet these goals. In determining a patient’s candidacy for eyelid surgery, the following aspects will be considered:
Tired Eye Appearance
The eyes can appear tired and old with the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and droopy skin around the eyelids. To rejuvenate the eye appearance in such cases, the surgeon may recommend upper or lower eyelid lift surgery.
Puffy Upper Lid Appearance
Blepharoplasty can mitigate under eye bags and puffiness in the upper eyelids. This offers candidates a more youthful, rejuvenated eyelid appearance.
Drooping Skin in the Upper or Lower Eyelids
Sagging skin in the upper or lower lids can create wrinkles and folds making a person appear old and tired. It can also lead to partial vision obstruction. Eyelid surgery can help correct these issues.
Age and Other Factors
The plastic surgeon will also consider the following attributes in determining the patient’s candidacy for eyelid surgery:
Patient’s Age
Adults over 18 years of age are typically eligible for eyelid surgery. But most candidates are usually over the age of 30 years. A candidate may require treatment earlier in case the sagginess of the eyelids is due to genetic reasons.
Medical Considerations
At times, even patients who seem to be suitable candidates for blepharoplasty may be excluded from the procedure due to certain medical and ophthalmic conditions that may increase the risks associated with this procedure. Two such ophthalmic conditions that can be aggravated by any type of eyelid surgery are dry eye and glaucoma.
Medical conditions that may render blepharoplasty unsuitable for a patient include cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, and diabetes. In case there is a lack of sufficient orbital anatomy or insufficient structure to support the surgery, the surgeon may exclude the patient from eyelid surgery.
Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for eyelid lift surgery.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
