Falvey article # 5 / 02/27/06

I recently noticed sagginess and puffiness in my eyelids making me look tired. Is there a simple procedure that can improve this problem without surgery?

The appearance of the eyes is one the most important components of overall appearance. When the eyes look saggy or puffy it gives the appearance of tiredness or aging and these are both undesirable expressions for many people. Unfortunately, there is no simple treatment for aging eyelids; however, the blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) is an excellent treatment in many cases. This is a procedure that makes incisions in the upper and lower eyelids and removes excessive skin and fat or repositions the skin and fat in an effort to give the person a younger appearance. Occasionally, a person will have significant sag of the eyebrows as well, and a brow lift may be needed to reduce the amount of hooding of the brow. In any event, these procedures are performed by most plastic surgeons and have a high degree of satisfaction with scars that are quite inconspicuous.

For younger people, less invasive treatments such as Botox or laser resurfacing may be indicated for mild wrinkling; however, these treatments are temporary and cannot produce the lasting results of a surgical procedure. Also, Restylane and collagen are occasionally used for certain types of wrinkles around the eyes. But remember, if significant wrinkling or puffiness is present, only surgical correction will give the desired improvement.

Michael P. Falvey, M.D.

Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.