Baggy, drooping eyelids are often a sign of premature aging of the skin and support tissue. This condition affects many adults, but some have found a simple solution in the Myrtle Beach area. Dr. Funcik specializes in blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery or eye lift. This outpatient procedure can correct the appearance of bulging lower lids and wrinkled, sagging upper lids. If you have trouble seeing because your eyes are affected by droopy lids, consider a blepharoplasty. You can take years off your appearance, and your eyelid skin will be healthier.
What Blepharoplasty Involves
Eyelid drooping or sagging is caused by the presence of excess tissue. As we mature, our eyelids become a storage area for fat deposits. Quite often, the thin skin of the eyelids becomes less elastic as we age, and the result is a thin fold or sag because of the force of gravity.
Eyelid surgery is a simple procedure to correct this problem. Thin cuts are made along the natural curve of the upper or lower lid, and excess tissue is removed. In most cases, the results are long-lasting, with no need for a repeat surgical procedure for many years.
Preparing for Blepharoplasty
Patients who contact us for a consultation will be given a complete description of the surgical procedure. No special preparations are required, but the patient will need to have someone come with them to the clinic. Driving for several days after the surgery could be dangerous because of the eye bandages used.
We may give the patient a mild anesthetic, either locally administered or through an IV. The surgical procedure itself takes only about one hour per eyelid.
The Surgery Dr. Funcik Performs
If the upper eyelid is wrinkling because of excess skin, an incision is made in a horizontal direction along the natural curve of the lid. Some of the skin is cut away, and any excess tissue below the skin layer is removed. The lid is then stitched back in place with self-dissolving sutures.
Bagginess in the lower lids may require fat tissue removal as well. Depending on the location of the tissue and the thickness of the lower eyelid skin, the cut may be made on the outside or the inside of the lid. After the fat tissue is scraped away, the lid is stitched back into place.
After the Surgery
Patients will experience some swelling and a slight sensation of pain in the areas where the incisions were made. Specialized eye drops may be prescribed to help keep the eyes moisturized. The bandages need to stay on for a day or two. The stitches themselves will dissolve over the next week or so.
Can Blepharoplasty Help You?
This type of corrective procedure involves no chemical introduction or BOTOX® injections. If you live in the Myrtle Beach area and are looking for a simple, minimally invasive surgical procedure to correct drooping, baggy, or wrinkled eyelids, contact the office of Dr. Thomas Funcik for a consultation. We will be happy to review the procedure and address any concerns before scheduling the procedure.