Our eyes are capable of expressing the nuanced complexities of human emotion. With subtle motions and shifts of eyelid tone we provide visual cues to those who interact with us. For some of us, changes associated with the aging process can rob our eyes of their meaning. As the eyelids lose their tone, contour and natural expressive motion, the face can take on a mask-like quality.
At its best, the lower blepharoplasty operation can rescue the expressive qualities of the face. At its worst, lower eyelid surgery can distort the facial architecture and make the eyelids less mobile and expressive. Every surgeon who operates on the lower eyelid must keep five goals in mind:
1. Maintain support of the lower eyelid margin.
2. Improve the tone of the eyelid structures.
3. Maintain or enhance eyelid function and motion.
4. Correct bulges without creating a hollow eye.
5. Address the contour of neighboring areas, the tear trough, and the upper cheek.
I will address each of these goals in a separate blog.
For now I will leave you with one important thought: Eyelid surgery is complex. Please choose a surgeon who is highly credentialed, has extensive experience in eyelid surgery, and has a mature artistic vision.