A blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, is a facial plastic surgery procedure used to address cosmetic and/or functional concerns regarding the eyelids. The aging process frequently results in sagging or drooping of the upper or lower eyelids as their skin or internal fat begins to weaken. Patients notice that they may look consistently tired, sometimes with “bags” under the eyes. Additionally, candidates may be experiencing ptosis, where the loose eyelids block their field of vision.

Eyelid Lifts With Dr. Hulsey

If you have noticed these or similar symptoms and are in the St. Louis area, board-eligible plastic surgeon and blepharoplasty expert Dr. Angela Hulsey may be able to help. After considering your current symptoms, full medical record, and aesthetic goals, she will craft an individualized treatment plan for your needs. This will include a discussion on which type of anesthesia is best for your specific case: general or local with intravenous sedation.

Additionally, not every patient needs or wants all four eyelids treated. You and Dr. Hulsey may decide on just an upper eyelid lift, just a lower eyelid lift, or both procedures. There are also two different methods when performing a lower blepharoplasty. All three eyelid surgery techniques are explained below.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Dr. Hulsey begins the upper blepharoplasty procedure by creating an incision in the natural crease between the eyelid and brow. This allows her to remove any extra skin as well as reposition or excise the small underlying fat deposits. The incisions are then closed with surgical tape and sutures, which are removed about a week later.

Transcutaneous Lower Blepharoplasty

The cause of your lower eyelid symptoms will determine which incision strategy is used: transcutaneous or transconjunctival. If your condition is a result of a combination of extra skin as well as extra or misplaced fat, Dr. Hulsey will perform a transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty.

Also known as an outside lower eyelid lift, this variation involves an incision along the outside crease of the lower eyelid. Excess skin is removed, and the fat below is partially removed and/or redraped. Like during an upper blepharoplasty, sutures are used to close the incisions.

Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty

A transconjunctival, or inside, lower eyelid lift can be completed when the bags are caused primarily by fat herniation. In these instances, Dr. Hulsey only needs to make an incision along the inside of the lower eyelid (the conjunctiva). The transconjunctival incision is the preferred route in these instances because it avoids the need for an external incision. The fat can then be removed and/or repositioned. Lastly, the incisions are closed.

Blepharoplasty In St. Louis, Missouri

The eyelid surgery steps described above can certainly sound complex, but rest assured that Dr. Angela Hulsey is highly experienced in these delicate techniques. To learn more about the surgical details behind blepharoplasty and see if you qualify for this treatment, contact us today to set up your initial consultation!