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An eye... (with) beams of kindness... can make the heart dance with joy. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)    American essayist and poet

Centuries of poets have waxed prolific about the many properties of a person's eyes. They have written that the most trustworthy communication must be transmitted by the eyes. Imagine, then, what it must be like to wake up one morning and find that the person reflected in the mirror looks angry, stern or really tired while you still feel like your bright and energetic self.

Droopy upper eyelids and puffy lower lids can bring about these changes and make you feel like you are not in control of your facial expressions. Many people feel that their attitudes are easily misinterpreted. These errors on other people's part can lead to many problems. Having a face that makes you look perpetually bored or irate makes people think that you are uninterested, cranky, or worse, too tired to work. Some people feel that they have missed out on promotions or large accounts at work because they have been passed over and considered as someone who lacks enthusiasm.

Looking older is not welcome in most people's social lives. For people who are "starting over" or getting back into the dating scene, they become extra self-conscious about their looks and the age-related changes that they see. Major life events such as the wedding of a child or an anniversary party makes people focus on what they will look like in pictures. These social events definitely motivate people to seek out cosmetic surgery in order to maximize their appearance.

The cosmetic market is rife with numerous creams, lotions and potions to conceal your blemishes, rejuvenate your skin and regenerate your face in order to help you reclaim your youth. The truth is that you can't argue with the science of aging. Gravity and loose tissue under the skin are the culprits for the cause of droopy eyes and there is no magical concoction that will change the plans of Mother Nature.

For many people then, the only way to defy the physics of aging is to eliminate the sagging, billowing and festooning bulges around the eyes with cosmetic surgery.

First, let us understand more thoroughly what is involved in the drooping of eyelids:

What causes excessive skin on the upper eyelids?

Over time, your upper eyelid skin lengthens and droops because of gravity. Every blink causes the tiniest stretch of elastic fibers in the skin and muscle fibers of the eyelid's levator muscle, which is the muscle responsible for lifting your eyelid. The eventual stretching forms a hood over the eyelid and changes a person's facial expression. Women notice this extra overhanging skin more often since they have more difficulty applying makeup to their upper lids.

Other causes for excess skin on upper eyelids include genetic tendencies, frequent allergies, and occasionally pregnancy where there was a great deal of swelling.

Can this excessive skin on the eyelids interfere with your vision?

Usually the hooding of the eyelid overlaps more on the outermost portion of the eyelid. A simple test can determine whether vision has been affected. In some cases, insurance benefits may apply if that is the case.

What causes puffiness and bagging of the lower lids?

Puffy and baggy lower eyelids can make a person look much older than their age. It also most often contributes to the fatigued and worn out expression that prompts others to suggest that you need a vacation. The problem arises when the membrane under the lid becomes weaker with age and allows the fatty protective tissue around the eye to bulge forward. This pressure on the skin and muscles of the lower eyelid stretches them and causes noticeable puffiness or bags to form under the eyes. Unfortunately, this type of bulging can be inherited as well and can start as early as young adolescence for some people.

The fatty tissue also holds water so when you wake up in the morning after reclining all night long, your eyelids may be at their puffiest. Over the day, the fluid will drain away by gravity. However, this added pressure can worsen the situation that has already begun with aging.

As you can see, the problem with a weak membrane inside of the eyelid will never be healed by any topical cream or lotion. They may make the skin look smoother, but the underlying cause of puffiness needs to be treated at its source.

What is involved in eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?

A blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that repairs eyelid problems. They are better known as eyelid lifts. Excess skin, muscle, and fatty tissue that tend to accumulate are removed from the upper eyelids through an incision that is hidden in the natural creases above the eyelids. Even without makeup, these scars are very difficult to see over time.

For lower lids, fatty tissue is removed often through a transconjunctival approach which means that the surgery is performed through the inside part of the eyelid so that no external visible scar is created. If excessive skin or muscle folds are found below the eye, an incision may also be made just below the base of the lashes. As this incision heals, the fine scar should also become barely visible.

Blepharoplasties are performed under local anesthesia and sometimes with some light sedation in our state of the art office suites. For this reason, the downtime after the surgery is minimal.

What do I do during the healing process? How long will it be before I can return to work?

Usually, we ask that someone drives you home. Bruising and swelling is common after surgery and can take about a week before it is less noticeable. Cold compresses are used in the first 48 hours to minimize the bruising and swelling. Pain medications are rarely necessary but for some people who experience mild discomfort, Tylenol is usually adequate. Your eyes may feel sticky, dry or itchy for a week so eye drops and ointments will be given to keep the eyes moist and comfortable. Stitches which are usually of the absorbable type are typically dissolved by 1 week. After about a week or so, patients may wear make-up and a good pair of sunglasses will go a long way. Contact lenses can usually be worn in about 2 weeks. Adherence to the postoperative directions will help to ensure the best results from the surgery.

Most people return to work in about a week.

Am I a candidate for a blepharoplasty?

If you are tired of looking tired and sick of shaking your head whenever you look at a picture of yourself, you should consider a blepharoplasty. Feeling good and looking good go hand in hand and this of course leads to a sense of confidence in all aspects of your life. Eyelid surgery is a wonderful way to brighten your appearance and look fresh and rejuvenated. Dr. Prasad's results are natural so most patients tell us that very few of their acquaintances know that they actually had cosmetic surgery but often comment on how refreshed they look. A well done blepharoplasty can be a secret only you and Dr. Prasad share. Take a few moments to review the before and after photos section and read about some of the patients and their reasons for having cosmetic surgery.

How are blepharoplasties customized for individual needs?

Men make up about 50% of the patient base in Dr. Prasad's practice. As the world of business continues to become more youth-oriented and competitive, men are realizing the importance of projecting an energetic image. See Individual Designs to understand the special considerations for men.

It is important to realize that special considerations are necessary for persons of color and persons of Asian heritage, who need a different approach in order to preserve the unique features of their ethnic background. Please review Individual Designs.

Does Dr. Prasad have any special qualifications that make him an expert in blepharoplasties?

When choosing a cosmetic surgeon, it is important to check out his or her credentials, board certification and experience. Ask to see before and after pictures so you can see examples of his work. Probably the most important factor of all is that you feel comfortable with your surgeon and you feel that he or she is genuinely interested in helping you to achieve your goals. Avoid any situation where you feel rushed through a mill or pressured to make a decision within a certain time frame. Getting Cosmetic Surgery is a very important decision and requires thorough research on your part and a strong feeling of trust in your surgeon. You should feel as if you can speak with your surgeon about all of your concerns and that he or she takes an interest in what you have to say.

Dr. Prasad has over 15 years of experience with performing blepharoplasties and frequently gets consults from doctors to repair other people's work. Dr Prasad completed a residency in Ophthalmology (eye microsurgery) in Brooklyn, New York and then went on to pursue specialized training in Oculoplastic Surgery, which is plastic surgery of the eyelids, tear ducts and orbits, as well as in Facial Plastic Surgery in Houston, Texas at University of Texas. With such specialized training, Dr. Prasad has performed numerous blepharoplasties and has gone on to develop specialized techniques for the face as well. (See www.smartliftmd.com for more information). Because of his Ophthalmology background, Dr. Prasad appreciates the intimate relationship of the eyelid with the eye and is more comfortable than many other general plastic surgeons with operating around the eye.

What happens during a consultation with Dr. Prasad?

Your consultation with Dr. Prasad will involve discussion of your particular condition and what your expectations are. You will review photographs of patients who have had a blepharoplasty and you will receive a thorough explanation regarding your treatment plan. Dr Prasad and his warm and supportive staff will be happy to answer all your questions about blepharoplasties. It is important to make sure that you ask him all your questions and feel satisfied before a consultation is over.