Blepharoplasty

An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, can dramatically improve an aged appearance, or tired, sad or angry-appearing face, or correct a disorder of the eyelid. For patients with excess skin, drooping eyelids, or bags under the eyes, tissue from around the eyes is removed to reveal a natural and more youthful appearance. It is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures performed in the United States.
Drooping eyelids can affect vision and cause fatigue and headache. If there is a significant degree of visual obstruction, a blepharoplasty may be considered medically necessary and covered by insurance. The eyelid lift procedure also helps patients suffering from Ptosis, a condition affecting the muscle that lifts the eyelid, resulting in eyelid drooping and vision problems. There are many causes of eyelid ptosis including age, congenital issues, muscle or nerve disorders, and injury. Ptosis can be caused by the age-related stretch of the muscle, trauma, neurologic problems, or at birth.

Eyebrow Ptosis

Patients occasionally seek surgery for baggy or drooping eyelids only to discover that a brow lift is more appropriate. It can be easy to overlook this underlying condition, as problems with the eyebrow may be most noticeable in their effect on the eyelid. With age, ligaments suspending our brow can relax and stretch, causing it to sag. Our surgeons at PCVI are specially trained and experienced in identifying the correct cause and treatment in these cases. We perform direct browplasty surgery to surgically lift the brows. This surgery involves cutting across the skin directly above the brow.

Lower Eyelid Disorder (Ectropion)

Ectropion is a condition in which the lower eyelid sags or turns outward. Often this causes significant discomfort because the affected eye is exposed and dry. The eyelids may crust with excess mucus or appear red along the edge. The patient may have eye pain, be sensitive to light, and have blurred vision. The most common cause is normal aging, but it may also result from injury, stroke, Bell’s Palsy, or tumor. Left untreated, severe ectropion can result in permanent eye damage due to chronic dry eyes leading to infection and corneal scarring, and may even lead to loss of the eye. Treatment involves the use of artificial tears and ointments to lubricate the eye, followed by corrective surgery. The results of surgery are usually permanent and recurrence is rare.

Lower Eyelid Disorder (Entropion)

Entropion is a condition in which the lower eyelid and lashes turn or roll inward and rub against the eye, causing redness, irritation, and sensitivity to light and wind. Entropion may be caused by age, disease, inflammation, scarring, trauma, tumor, or occur at birth. Entropion is a serious condition that requires treatment. The most common symptom of entropion is chronic eye irritation which may lead to excessive tearing, infection, corneal damage, impaired vision, or even loss of the eye. The condition can be diagnosed with a routine eye examination, and special tests are not necessary.

Blepharospasm

Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) is a rare condition that causes the eyelids to spasm or uncontrollably close or blink from muscle contraction. BEB is, as its name suggests, a benign condition, because it does not damage the eyes, but patients may be blinded because of the inability to keep the eyelids open. The exact cause of BEB remains unknown. It usually occurs in both eyes and often worsens over time. Blepharospasm can be difficult to distinguish from other conditions and an accurate diagnosis often requires imaging of the brain. There is no cure for blepharospasm, but treatments are available to alleviate the symptoms. Botulinum (Botox) injections are the most effective treatment, though ongoing injections are needed to maintain relief. Other treatment options include oral medication or surgery of the eyelids or brain. Treatment can also be aimed at reducing eyelid irritation, fatigue or other underlying conditions.

Trauma

Pacific ClearVision Institute has effectively treated serious eye trauma for a number of patients in the community.

Blepharoplasty Surgery Photos: Before and After (Click to Enlarge)

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