Humans are known to incorrectly perceive situations. Sometimes we simply get our information wrong. It could be taking something a person said the wrong way. It could be reading too much into an offhand email.

Or it could be thinking a person is sad or tired based on your reading of their droopy, hanging eyelids. And that person may be completely rested and having a good day.

Unfortunately, the skin around the eyes is some of the first on the face to show the signs of aging. The skin in this area is among the thinnest on the entire human body. Because of this, sun and environmental damage shows itself all too easily. Plus, fat deposits, loosening skin, and other issues can leave a person with droopy, sagging, puffy, wrinkled skin around the eyes, and with it, a much older appearance.

Blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery, with Dr. Barrera can take years, even a decade, off the appearance of your eyes. Eyelid surgery removes excess skin and fat, and tightens the underlying muscles as needed to return a younger, more rested look to the eyes.

Is eyelid surgery right for me?

Unlike most cosmetic procedures, eyelid surgery is equally popular with both sexes. After all, drooping eyelids, wrinkles, and puffy bags under your eyes show no favoritism by sex — they make everyone look much older. In fact, each year more and more Houston men are having Dr. Barrera perform blepharoplasty to maintain a younger appearance when competing in the workplace.

Eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery can be performed on both eyelids or singly, depending on your personal condition. Because of this, surgery can run anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours.

Blepharoplasty is a delicate surgery that involves small incisions. In upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Barrera makes a small incision in the natural crease of the eyelid. This conceals any scarring. He then removes excess bulging fat pads around the eye or possibly overly developed and bunching muscle tissue. He takes into account the way your upper eyelid folds, as removing too much skin can adversely affect the ability of the eyelid to close properly. He’ll tighten the muscle tissue, reposition fat, and remove excess skin as fits your individual situation. Special attention is paid to the fat because removing too much fat can leave a hollowed-out appearance.

In the lower eyelid, the incision is usually made just below the lower eyelash. An alternative location can be making the incision inside the lower lid. This is usually the case when Dr. Barrera only seeks to remove fat pads. Excess skin is removed to lessen wrinkles, bags, and general puffiness in this area. Sagging lower lid rims with dry or tearing eyes can also be addressed with support procedures to bring the lower lid back into normal position against the eye to improve eye function and comfort.

Recovery

Eyelid surgery does not involve a difficult recovery. After the procedure, your eyelids will likely be covered with light gauze. You will be given an eye lubricant and a cold compress. Bruising and swelling is minor, particularly if you are diligent with the compress. After a week, your stitches are removed and your eyelids generally will look normal, only younger!

Blepharoplasty is a very satisfying procedure for our Houston patients. Tired of your tired eyes? Call Dr. Barrera at (713) 468-5200 to schedule a consultation for eyelid surgery.