Creepy Eyelid Skin: Don't Turn to Eyelid Surgery Just Yet

 

Skin around the eyes that resembles crepe paper is a common occurrence in aging men and women. Depleting collagen stores are to blame. While some retinol creams can help to add moisture, a visit with a plastic surgeon with advanced training in facial aesthetics can provide superior, lasting results.

If thoughts of eyelid surgery have you shivering in fear, relax. Chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments are often better solutions for crepey skin around the eyes. An eyelid lift is most beneficial when the skin and muscle are starting to sag.

A Brief Anatomy of the Eyelid 

The role of the eyelid is to protect the eyes from excessive light and injury. At the same time, the eyelids help to distribute moisture over the cornea. The top of the eyelid is the visible skin, but below that skin is subcutaneous tissue and muscle. Within the tissue is collagen that helps keep the skin plump and youthful-looking.

Comparing Laser Resurfacing, Chemical Peels and Ulthera

A chemical peel involves the application of a chemical solution over the problem skin around the eyes. There are different solutions ranging from light to deep. A light peel removes the outer layer of the skin to reveal fresher, younger skin below. A deeper peel removes wrinkles. The procedure starts with a thorough cleaning of the face and then protective measures are taken to keep the solution from getting into the eyes. Once the peel has been on the skin for the correct amount of time, the solution is removed. Most people need a day to two weeks to recover depending on the depth of the peel.

Laser resurfacing is a little trickier. It is a process in which the laser ablates the upper skin layers. Complications may include deep burns which can lead to scarring or hypopigmentation, so it is essential to choose a plastic surgeon who is skilled in laser resurfacing. With a qualified plastic surgeon, the treatment revitalizes the skin's texture and color.

Lastly, Ulthera with a 1.5mm depth can make very nice improvements in the lower eyelid.  This FDA-approved, non-surgical, non-invasive procedure uses ultrasound energy to tighten loose skin. The procedure takes just 60 to 90 minutes in the office setting and there is no downtime.

When is Eyelid Surgery Recommended? 

As collagen stores deplete and skin loses elasticity, the skin starts to sag and wrinkle. Skin that resembles crepe paper is one of the common signs of aging. On the eyelids, that upper eyelid skin may sag so much that it obstructs vision. When the eyelids obstruct vision, clearly you need to see a plastic surgeon. Crepey skin alone doesn't require an eyelid lift, but if the skin is sagging and making you look or feel older while also making it hard to see, surgery is the better option.

The Lowdown on Eyelid Surgery 

During an eyelid surgery, incisions are made in the natural creases or eyelash line on your upper and/or lower eyelid. Once the skin is tightened and the excess fat is removed or reshaped, the incisions are sewn or glued shut, depending on your surgeon's preferences. Ointment is placed in the eyes to keep them lubricated.

For the next week, your eye may feel dry and itchy. Bruising and swelling is normal, too. You can minimize the swelling by keeping your head elevated while resting and using ice packs. You'll be back to light activities within three days. Stitches are removed within the first week. You'll be back to strenuous activities after four weeks.

View the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery's video on laser skin resurfacing. Your eyelid needs could be as quick and easy as a non-surgical procedure. Talk to Dr. Robert Kessler to discuss your concerns over crepe paper eyelids and discuss if non-surgical treatments are right for you. Call the Newport Beach plastic surgeon at (949) 644-6544.

Tight, Toned Arms: Plastic Surgeons See Increase in Brachioplasty

Many women dream of toned arms that they don't have to hide in longer sleeves, but many struggle to get their arms to cooperate with those dreams. You see toned arms mentioned in magazines ranging from Self to Shape and give the exercises a shot. Many times, you end up with muscle, but that flabby skin and fatty tissue doesn't go away without surgical removal.

Between 2011 and 2012, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports the number of upper arm lifts increased by 4,260. That same surgery saw an increase of more than 812 percent between 1997 and 2012, according to the same report. Brachioplasty, also known as an upper arm lift, isn't meant to replace diet and exercise, but it does help tone arms when other measures fail.

What to Expect During a Consultation

One of the things your plastic surgeon needs to check is how much excess skin and fatty tissue are present. Where the sagging skin is minimal, a mini brachioplasty may be all you need, otherwise a full brachioplasty is necessary. The benefit to a mini brachioplasty is that the incision is much smaller. For a full brachioplasty, the incision can run from your armpit to your elbow.

You will need to discuss any current or past health issues and surgeries. Your plastic surgeon must know everything about you to prevent complications during or after the surgery. Make sure you are honest about your alcohol intake, smoking, medications, and any vitamins or herbal supplements you take. If you've had past reactions to anesthesia, that is also important information for your surgeon.

Steps Taken During an Arm Lift Surgery

Brachioplasty is performed in either a surgical suite, outpatient surgery center or hospital. Your doctor will use one of two anesthesia methods: general anesthesia or IV sedation and local anesthesia. After you are asleep, an incision is made in the predetermined place on the underarm. If there is excess underarm fat, liposuction is used to remove that first.

During the surgery, the plastic surgeon trims and shapes the underlying tissue. Excess skin is excised and then the incision is closed. If drains are necessary to collect excess fluids, they are placed. Dressings are put in place to cover the incisions, and compression garments are added to minimize swelling and support the arms as they adapt to their newly toned shape. Plan for the surgery to take upwards of two hours, and then you'll stay in recovery for a short while before being released.

Healing After Arm Lift Surgery

Expect some mild discomfort for the first few days. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe prescription pain relief to keep you comfortable. Plan to return to your surgeon to have the drains removed and ensure things are healing properly. Many plastic surgeons use dissolving stitches, but if your surgeon used regular stitches you will return to have them removed in one or two weeks. Swelling takes up to two weeks to fade.

Provided that you're healing well, you will be able to return to work after five days of rest. It takes about 14 days before you can get back to exercise routines.

Are your sagging arms embarrassing you? Do you hide them behind long sleeves, even in warmer weather? You're not alone. Watch this video from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to see how arm lift surgeries are on the rise. Dr. Kessler specializes in Newport Beach arm lifts. Schedule a consultation with his office to find out how you can feel comfortable in sleeveless shirts again. Call (949) 644-6544 or complete Dr. Kessler's online contact form.