LASIK, CATARACTS & LENS IMPLANTS

Michael E. Rom, M.D

Q: Are there any options for getting rid of the bags under my eyes?

A:

As we get older, the muscles around our eyes weaken and the skin loses elasticity which causes it to stretch and sag. Since the muscles aren’t able to adequately support the tissue, excess fat gathers above and below the eye, causing droopy upper lids and bags underneath your eyes. The natural aging process, along with other factors such as heredity and sun exposure contribute to the loss of muscle tone and droopiness in the eyes. Whether you are concerned about appearing tired or older than you are, or concerned about your peripheral vision, there is a procedure that can give your eyes a youthful look once again. Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery or eye lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin, muscle and sometimes even fat from the eyelids. During the procedure, small incisions are made in the natural folds of the lids so they are relatively unnoticeable once healed. Your surgeon will determine how much fat or muscle tissue to remove based on your preoperative evaluation of your muscle bone structure. The incisions are closed with stitches or sometimes a surgical adhesive to reconfigure the eye area. The sutures from the surgery dissolve on their own in four to seven days, and the total healing time is approximately two weeks. Blepharoplasty is a safe and effective procedure that can bring a youthful and alert look back to your eyes and can even help restore your vision. Ask your eye doctor if blepharoplasty may be the right procedure for you. Michael E. Rom, M.D. Insight Eye Center Chardon (440) 286-1188 Mentor (440 205-5840 www.insighteyecenter.com