Aging around the eyes can show up in several ways. Some people notice extra skin along the upper lids, while others see lower lid laxity, puffiness, or a more hollow appearance. At McKinnon Plastic Surgery, Dr. McKay McKinnon performs blepharoplasty for patients in Chicago, IL and Coral Gables, FL. Dr. McKinnon is a board-certified plastic surgeon whose training included Harvard Surgical Service, a plastic surgery residency at the University of Miami, and advanced craniofacial training in Paris.
What Upper Eyelid Surgery Can Improve
Upper blepharoplasty is commonly used when excess skin has collected above the eye. The incision follows the natural crease of the upper lid, allowing carefully measured skin to be removed.
Removing the right amount of tissue matters because the lid still needs to close normally while maintaining a natural contour. Upper and lower blepharoplasty do not always need to be performed together. Treatment can be limited to the area where aging changes are actually present.
Heaviness above the eyes does not always originate in the eyelids. A lowered brow can contribute to a similar appearance, so a brow lift may be considered instead of or alongside upper eyelid surgery.
How Lower Eyelid Surgery Is Different
The lower lids involve several layers of tissue, including skin, muscle, fascia, and fat. Treatment therefore requires more than simply removing tissue.
Dr. McKinnon takes a conservative approach to lower eyelid fat because orbital volume naturally decreases with age. A puffy appearance is not always the result of too much fat, and removing volume from an area that is already becoming hollow can work against the desired result.
Depending on the anatomy involved, lower blepharoplasty can include measured skin or muscle removal, tissue tightening or repositioning, and correction of contour irregularities. True excess fat can also be treated when it is present.
When Another Concern May Be Contributing
Not every visible change around the eyes comes from loose skin. Ptosis, inward or outward turning of the lower lid, volume loss, brow descent, and changes in eyelid position require individual evaluation.
An assessment of the surrounding anatomy can show whether the eyelid itself is the main source of the problem or whether another area is contributing. Our broader facial surgery options may be relevant when aging also affects the cheeks, jawline, or neck. For some patients, a facelift is discussed alongside eyelid surgery.
Recovery varies with the procedure performed. Our patient information resources can help you understand general postoperative care, while your personal instructions will reflect your surgical plan.
Discuss Your Eyelid Concerns With Our Team
If you are unsure whether upper lid skin, lower lid changes, brow descent, or another issue is affecting the appearance of your eyes, an examination can clarify what is contributing. To discuss blepharoplasty with Dr. McKay McKinnon at McKinnon Plastic Surgery, contact us in Chicago, IL at 312-335-9566 or Coral Gables, FL at 305-753-1400.
