When most of us think of eye health, we think of the parts of the eye that have a direct impact on the “science” of vision — like the cornea, the lens, or the retina. But the eyelids also have an impact on our eyes, both cosmetically and in terms of our vision.
The good news: Soheila Rostami, MD, and the team at Sanctuary Cosmetic Center offer eyelid surgery that can help with both concerns. Here’s how eyelid surgery could help you improve the way your eyes look and the way they see.
Our eyelids play a critical role in eye health. Rimmed by oil glands and bracketed by tear ducts, the lids help distribute tears across the eye surface, washing away debris and irritants to prevent irritation, physical damage, and infection.
Like the rest of our skin, our eyelids are prone to the effects of time and aging. As we get older, it’s not uncommon to develop under-eye bags or drooping lids as our skin loses some of its natural elasticity and firmness.
Sometimes, drooping and sagging is a cosmetic problem, making us look tired, worn out, and older. Other times, the drooping and sagging are so severe, they can wind up interfering with our vision. In both these instances, eyelid surgery can help by eliminating excess, droopy skin and restoring the natural contours of our lids.
Also called blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery is the second most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States (nose reshaping is first). Dr. Rostami is skilled in both upper lid and lower lid procedures, performing each individually or together in a single surgery session, depending on your goals and needs.
Upper eyelid surgery helps correct drooping lids, or ptosis. Sagging upper lids can make you look perpetually drowsy — not necessarily a look that’s going to help you get ahead in a competitive workplace.
But if your lids sag a lot, it’s not just cosmetics that are involved. Those droopy lids can start to cover your pupils, making it harder to see.
In upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Rostami typically makes a small incision in your upper lid folds, then removes the extra skin. The incision is hidden in the folds, where it’s unnoticeable to other people.
Lower eyelid surgery gets rid of baggy under-eye skin and fatty deposits, and it can also help tighten skin that’s drooping so far, it’s revealing more of the white of your eyes. Typically, lower lid surgery is only appropriate when bagging skin can’t be relieved with hydration or a good night’s sleep.
Eyelid surgery is also helpful for people with TED, a chronic disease that’s associated with bulging eyes. When your eyes protrude, your lids may not close all the way. Eyelid surgery can help correct your lids, so you can close your eyes completely (and avoid dry eye symptoms, too).
With locations in Dulles and McLean, Virginia, Sanctuary Cosmetic Center offers cutting-edge medical treatment for women and men who want to improve their self-confidence, their appearance, and their wellness. To find out more about eyelid surgery and whether it’s a good choice for you, book an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Rostami today.
