Eyelid surgery in Charlotte
There are different eyelid surgery or SOOF lift blepharoplasty procedures available for the upper and lower eyelids. The upper eyelid can almost be thought of as an extension of the brow, because sagging skin in the brow and eyebrow will press onto the upper eyelid, often creating the impression that the problem is there. Likewise, the lower eyelid can almost be thought of as an extension of the midface.
There is a tiny deposit of fat under our eyelids called the suborbicular oculi fat (or SOOF) held in place by a fibrous layer of tissue called a fascial layer. As we grow older, the fascial layer grows slack and the SOOF migrates down to the tops of our cheeks. The puffy areas under our eyes are a small but noticeable sign of advancing age.
The old-fashioned way to fix this is with an open lower lid blepharoplasty, in which the surgeon makes an incision under the eyelashes of the lower lid and takes the fat out completely. This gets rid of the wrinkles and puffiness, but it also leaves the lower eyelid and tear trough looking hollow. The SOOF can be replaced by another deposit of fat taken from elsewhere in the body, but if the new lump of fat is too heavy for the lower lid… let’s just say it’s bad.
The SOOF lift blepharoplasty
With all this in mind, the most experienced facial plastic surgeon in Charlotte came up with a better way to make the lower eyelid look younger. This was the SOOF lift blepharoplasty, in which the surgeon makes an incision on the inside of the eyelid — and then, instead of removing the SOOF, lifts it back into place and tightens the fascial layer to hold it there. This does a much better job of bringing back the original appearance of the eyes.
It should take no more than two weeks to fully recover from a SOOF lift blepharoplasty, and there should be less swelling than a cheek lift. A SOOF lift is sometimes accompanied by a brow lift or other forms of plastic surgery to make the whole face look younger and more alive. The stitches are taken out after the first five days. Ask your surgeon for advice on post-operative care.
Charlotte’s most experienced facial plastic surgeon
The doctor who developed the SOOF lift blepharoplasty as an alternative to the traditional procedure is Dr. Sean Freeman of Charlotte. He has been certified by two different surgery boards, the American Board of Otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Since 1988 he has devoted himself completely to facial plastic surgery, including eyelid surgeries, and has frequently taught this procedure to other surgeons. If you are interested in this procedure, call his office or request an online consultation for a discount on the consultation fee.
Contact Dr. Sean Freeman at Only Faces, Charlotte’s most experienced rhinoplasty surgeon and top facial plastic surgeon, to schedule a consultation to find out what procedure is right for you. Call today.