Frequently asked questions about SOOF lift blepharoplasty
What is SOOF lift blepharoplasty?
Surgery on the eyelids. It can be purely cosmetic or intended to correct defects. Different procedures are generally used for the upper and lower lids.
What’s a SOOF?
SOOF stands for suborbicularis oculi fat. It’s the small deposit of fat under the eyelids of younger people. It’s held in place by a layer of tissue called the fascial layer. As we age, the fascial layer relaxes and the SOOF sinks down to the tops of our cheeks, resulting in a puffy appearance right under the eyes. This is one of the signs of aging that people are only subconsciously aware of.
What do surgeons do about this?
The old approach was something called an open lower lid blepharoplasty, in which the SOOF was completely removed. This would get rid of wrinkles, but it also left the lower eyelid and tear trough looking hollow. Sometimes the surgeon would replace this deposit of fat with a deposit of fat taken from another part of the body, but the effect didn’t always last, and weight of the new fat caused the eyelid to pull away from the eyeball.
You’ll be glad to hear there’s a new approach, the SOOF life blepharoplasty. The surgeon makes a cut on the inside of the eyelid, returns the SOOF to its original place and retightens the fascial layer to hold it there, reversing all the effects of aging on the eyelid in a single procedure.
How do I prepare for this?
If you smoke, stop. Find someone to drive you home after the surgery — you won’t be in any shape to do it yourself.
Any tips for recovery?
There’s likely to be some bruising for a little while. There may be some swelling, redness and dryness in your eyes. You’ll heal faster if you stay off nicotine and don’t use eye makeup or contacts. (Of course, you may want makeup in order to cover the swelling and bruising when you go outside. Don’t go outside too much.) There are no guarantees, but most patients look all right after two weeks.
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, Charlotte’s best facial plastic surgeon. 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 done only facial plastic surgery, including eyelid surgeries, and has often 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.