Cosmetic Eye Surgery

One of the most popular surgical procedures in the modern world is cosmetic eye surgery. Whether patients are looking to fix a drooping eyelid, a fresh crop of crow’s feet, ptosis, or any other of a wide variety of problems, cosmetic eye surgery offers a host of solutions suitable for nearly anyone. Unfortunately, even people who want a procedure don’t always know the details of what it is they’re seeking out. As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s important for patients to know all of the facts first.

WHAT IS COSMETIC EYE SURGERY?

Cosmetic eye surgery is the correction and repair of any changes around the eyes and the brows to enhance the appearance of the patient. One of the great things about cosmetic eye surgery is that any person at any age can be a prospective patient—patients range from children to the elderly, so long as they’re in good enough health to withstand a couple hours of surgery. (People who smoke or suffer from diabetes may want to consult their doctor before embarking on any surgical procedures.)

Much of the complexity of eye surgery comes from determining what the root of the patient’s concern is, as well as working with the facial structure to create a harmonious and balanced appearance. But lifting the skin isn’t as simple as a quick nip and tuck—it’s a much more delicate procedure than many patients realize. The skin is pulled away from the face, and the surgeon places stitches in the layer of muscle known as the SMAS. In the process the surgeon must make sure the face is properly supported in order to prevent collapse or undue stress on the skin.

WHAT TO KNOW FIRST

When a patient is interested in cosmetic eye surgery, it’s particularly important that they know exactly what they want done—even before the first consultation. Insurance will sometimes cover the costs of blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) depending on whether the procedure is functional or purely cosmetic. However, procedures are oftentimes more complex than simply fixing the eyelids—many times, the cheek or brow will need to be fixed as well, in order to properly support the patient’s facial structure. This, of course, varies on a patient-by-patient basis, and is something that, again, should be discussed with the chosen surgeon. Another thing patients need to realize is that surgery isn’t magic—surgeons can do wonderful things for patients, but they should still set their expectations appropriately. The best surgeons in the world can’t make an elderly patient a teenager again, but they can improve realistically upon the patient’s appearance.

RISKS

Just like any surgical procedure, cosmetic eye surgery has its risks. The patient will be put to sleep one way or another—be it through an IV infusion or general anesthesia—so the standard risks associated with that need to be taken into account. On top of that, there are the standard risks that come with opening up the skin. There will be scarring wherever the incision is made, which surgeons do try to minimize with their sutures, but is still an inevitable result of surgery. Many patients complain about the little lumps at the end of the sutures where the suture tracks come out, but those usually go away after a month or so, with proper care. Additionally, any patients on medications that may cause excess bleeding (like blood thinners) need to be extremely cautious when undergoing any sort of surgical procedure, but particularly so when dealing with the sensitive skin near the eyes—if the patient is not careful, this could result in vision loss. (This result is extremely rare, occurring in as few as one in 15,000 cases, but is still something patients should be aware of.) As important as appearance is, safety is any legitimate surgeon’s ultimate concern.

CONCLUSION

Cosmetic eye surgery is a great way for patients to regain confidence, improve self-esteem, and improve quality of life. However, just like any surgery, it is not something to be taken lightly or undergone casually. A patient should always prepare and consider his or her many options before deciding on a doctor or procedure. But, with the right amount of research and a board-certified, experienced surgeon, any patient can achieve a wonderful result.

Written by Cosmetic Town Editorial Team based on an exclusive interview provided by Dr. Christopher Lyon of Lyon Eye Cosmetic in Newport Beach, CA.