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blepharoplasty Atlanta

Look Younger Again with the Help of Eyelid Surgery

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Who doesn’t want to look younger? After all, many people believe the key to feeling young is looking young. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over 35 years of experience performing cosmetic procedures, I have seen first-hand the amazing effect cosmetic surgery can have on a patient’s appearance and self-esteem. And when trying to achieve a more youthful appearance, there is often no better place to begin with than the eyes.

As we age, a number of changes may occur including sagging skin above the eyes, fat build-up that give some people “bags” or puffiness under their eyes, or loose muscles around the eyelids that can make the eyes look older and more tired. Eyelid surgery (known as blepharoplasty) can correct these issues to create a more rested, younger-looking appearance for the eyes. While eyelid surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, it is an outpatient procedure and patients are typically able to get back into their normal daily routine within a few days of their procedure.

If you are interested in learning more about eyelid surgery and how it can be an amazing step towards facial rejuvenation, please check out the video below in which I explain the various details and benefits of the procedure:

Keep in mind that eyelid surgery is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. For instance, you must first determine whether you are a candidate for upper or lower eyelid blepharoplasty (or both). That’s why it’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific needs and goals before making any hasty decisions. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery tips, news, and more.

Eyelid Surgery 101

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Our eyes are a small but powerful part of the facial appearance. They’re what others see during every conversation we have, and they’re a large part of what makes us look lively or tired, friendly or unhappy, and refreshed or aged. And yet, the eyes often age faster than other areas because the skin around them is particularly thin and because the skin and muscles are constantly moving and creasing with our facial expressions. That’s why blepharoplasty, or cosmetic eyelid surgery, is such a popular procedure, and the facts below offer a helpful snapshot to introduce you to the surgery.

Eyelid Surgery 101 Facts About BlepharoplastyWhat blepharoplasty does: Aging can affect the eyes in two major ways: causing the skin of the upper eyelid to sag, creating a “hooded” appearance for the eyes, and forming “bags under the eyes,” which occur when the natural fat deposits below the eye become more prominent. Blepharoplasty can be performed to improve one or both of these concerns.

How blepharoplasty works: Whether or not they’re performed at the same time, upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery are two different procedures. Upper blepharoplasty removes a strip of excess skin from the upper eyelid area, providing a youthful lift for the eyelid. Lower eyelid plastic surgery, on the other hand, may involve removing the fat deposits under the eyes, removing excess skin under the eyes and restoring firmness to the area, or a combination of both.

What blepharoplasty scars look like: The incisions for eyelid surgery will depend on the unique details of your procedure. For upper blepharoplasty, the incision is made along the natural folds of the upper eyelid, so the remaining scar is thin and discrete. During lower eyelid surgery, the incision may be made along the lower lash line, especially if you are having excess skin removed. However, if your surgery only involves removing the fat deposits, the incision may be limited to the inside of the eyelid, leaving no visible scar in your plastic surgery results.

Considerations to weigh before blepharoplasty: During your cosmetic surgery consultation, be sure to be open and honest about your medical history, including any vitamins, supplements, and medications you’re taking and any issues you may have with your eyes (like dry eyes, glaucoma, etc.), because it could impact the way your surgery is performed and the way your eyes feel after surgery. In the case of upper blepharoplasty, you should also discuss whether your vision has been impacted by the sagging skin, because this problem can often be resolved with the procedure.

How long blepharoplasty recovery takes: Every patient is unique, so your recovery will vary based on the extensiveness of your procedure and your body’s natural healing process. In general, most patients see their bruising and swelling diminish around a week after the procedure, and are able to return to work or their other daily activities around seven to ten days after surgery. Most exercise regimens can be resumed after about two to three weeks, but your activity limitations will be discussed in more detail in your plastic surgery consultation, as well as your post-surgical follow-up appointments.

For the right patients, eyelid surgery can restore their appearance to one with more youth, energy, and brightness. But the key is determining whether blepharoplasty is truly the best option for your needs or whether your aesthetic concerns would actually be addressed more effectively with a brow lift or a short scar facelift. To get started and learn about the procedures you may be a candidate for, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like me. Or, to stay up-to-date on more plastic surgery facts and other helpful information, follow me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Addressing Signs of Aging with Brow Lift

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While facelift surgery is a great option for certain individuals to address overall sagging of the face, it is sometimes unnecessary for those who are only looking to relieve a drooping appearance in the upper area of the face. In these particular cases, a better option is often a forehead lift, also known as a brow lift.  These terms are frequently used interchangeably and can provide patients with a natural, more energetic appearance. As a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, I like to educate patients on the various procedures I can use to address specific facial aging concerns.

Male plastic surgery Atlanta GAThe brow lift works by lifting drooping brows and eliminating frown lines and deep creases across the forehead. During the actual procedure, I make very small incisions within the hairline or natural creases of the face to allow the tissue and muscle to be repositioned without noticeable scars. Once finished, I use Quill™ knotless sutures to promote safe healing and further minimize any perceptible scarring. It’s advanced techniques like this that help reduce recovery time, providing patients with less of an invasive procedure and the natural looking results they desire.

In general, patients who benefit the most from brow lift are those seeking to restore a younger, more rested appearance without addressing the entire face and undergoing a more invasive procedure, though that is sometimes required. By targeting expression lines and signs of aging, I am ever-so-slightly opening the eyes and tightening the face, lending to a refreshed appearance reminiscent of youth.

Other facial rejuvenation procedures that may be performed in conjunction with brow lift (often at the same time) include blepharoplasty (eyelid), mid facelift, and lower facelift surgery.  To learn more about brow lift surgery or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office. Connect with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic and reconstructive news and information.

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