When people think of eyelid surgery, they generally picture cosmetic procedures like double eyelid surgery. However, many middle-aged and older individuals undergo eyelid surgeries addressing medical concerns. If these surgeries go wrong, they can lead to both functional and visible issues. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately assess the condition of one’s eyes before undergoing surgery.
The medical community noted on Sunday that the skin around the eyes is thinner and more mobile than other areas. As skin ages and muscle elasticity decreases, drooping eyelids can obstruct vision and cause issues like hollowness under the eyes and skin irritation, leading to discomfort in daily life.
Dr. Yoo Young Cheon, a plastic surgeon at Kangdong Kyunghee University Hospital, noted that drooping under the eyes makes a person look older and affects vision. He emphasized the importance of correcting this through lower eyelid surgery, which restores fat to its normal position. Upper and lower eyelid surgeries are the most common eyelid surgeries for middle-aged individuals.
Upper eyelid surgery improves sagging eyelids caused by aging and can enhance the function of the eyelid lifting muscle when necessary, resulting in clearer eye contours. Normally, the upper eyelid should slightly cover about 1 to 2 millimeters of the black iris.
However, if the eyelids droop, they can obstruct the pupil, leading to vision obstruction and conjunctival congestion. The surgeon removes excess skin from the drooping eyelid and sutures it during surgery. This makes the upper eyelid appear firmer and lighter, creating a vibrant and clear impression.
Lower eyelid surgery can address sagging lower eyelids. As people age, their skin stretches and wrinkles develop. The pockets of fat under the eyes weaken, causing them to bulge, which can make a person appear older or more severe than they are.
Lower eyelid surgery allows surgeons to remove excessive, wrinkled skin, reposition protruding fat, and fill in hollow areas below the cheekbone, resulting in a smoother lower eyelid.
Lower eyelid surgery can be performed as either non-incisional or incisional. Non-incisional surgery is an option for men who don’t wear makeup or who want to avoid scars. This procedure involves spreading the fat pockets without cutting the skin and restoring the septum in a double-layered fashion.
Since this method does not involve skin incisions, it helps restore skin elasticity and muscle strength without causing scars or eyelid inversion. The surgery takes about 30 minutes under sedation, requires no stitch removal, and allows patients to return to their daily activities the next day.
Because eyelid surgery involves delicate skin and muscle around the eyes, choosing a skilled specialist who understands the structure of the eyes is essential. Additionally, Asians typically have a rich collagen structure and resilient skin, so it is crucial to consider the individual’s age and eye condition when deciding on a surgical method.
If a surgeon makes incisions without accurate diagnosis, it could lead to complications such as inverted eyelids, redness around the eyelashes, and difficulty closing the eyes completely. Such mistakes can also cause corneal injuries and damage the functions of surrounding eye structures.
If surgery feels daunting, patients might consider non-surgical options like laser or high-frequency ultrasound lifting treatments. These procedures allow for a quicker return to daily life without pain and are easier to manage consistently. Combining skin texture improvement treatments with these options can yield better results than surgery alone.
Dr. Bae Kyung Hwa, a specialist at the Plastic Ophthalmology Center of Kim’s Eye Hospital, noted that given that patients considering upper and lower eyelid surgeries are often older, it is important to consider both cosmetic and functional aspects. She recommended having thorough consultations with specialists who can address potential issues before and after surgery.
