As we age, the skin sags and loses elasticity, leading to signs of aging. The eyes, in particular, are the most sensitive area to aging; aging around the eyes causes eyebrows to droop and results in wrinkles and sagging around the eyelids. This is one of the symptoms of aging caused by decreased skin elasticity, and in severe cases, the eyeballs begin to sink deeply, appearing sunken; therefore, corrective surgery is necessary before the symptoms worsen.

▶ Upper and lower eyelids
While there is a perception that eye surgery is relatively simple compared to other procedures—such as double eyelid surgery and epicanthoplasty—because such procedures are common and performed at almost every plastic surgery clinic, eye surgery for middle-aged and elderly patients is a complex and difficult operation that requires the careful assessment of various conditions and demands meticulousness. Unlike procedures focused solely on cosmetic enhancement, the goal of eye surgery for this demographic is not only to achieve aesthetic changes but also to address functional aspects; it aims to fill in deficiencies and restore elasticity to sunken areas to suit the patient's current facial features.

Representative eye surgeries that correct sagging eyelids caused by aging and restore elasticity include upper and lower blepharoplasty. Because these procedures smooth out fine wrinkles and sagging areas around the eyes, providing high aesthetic satisfaction, they are also considered thoughtful gifts for parents.

▶ What is upper eyelid surgery?
The upper eyelid is the uppermost part covering the front of the eye. Upper eyelid surgery is performed when the eyelid droops to obscure the pupil, when the double eyelid line is distorted into multiple folds, or when sagging is caused by wrinkles. In particular, eyelid drooping that occurs after middle age requires prompt correction because it impedes vision and is often caused by wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. By removing excess skin and fat from the sagging eyelids, a youthful and elastic eye shape is achieved, which can improve a tired and dull appearance into a brighter look.

What is lower eyelid surgery?
The lower eyelid is the lowest part covering the eye. Lower eyelid surgery is a procedure designed to improve the puffiness under the eyes caused by sagging fat. By removing excess skin and fat and pulling the skin and muscles upward to fix them in place, it reduces under-eye wrinkles and dark circles, while making dark eyes look brighter and more radiant.

Can upper and lower eyelid surgery be done together?
While upper and lower blepharoplasty can be performed on specific areas, sagging due to aging often occurs simultaneously in both the eyelids and the lower eyelids. Therefore, depending on the individual's degree of sagging, both procedures are sometimes performed together. Additionally, lower eyelid fat repositioning is often combined with this surgery. Lower eyelid fat repositioning is a procedure that flattens the under-eye area by removing some of the bulging fat and redistributing it to the sunken areas; it yields greater results when combined with upper and lower blepharoplasty.

Eye surgery for middle-aged and seniors that can create a confident tomorrow: What are the precautions?
Middle-aged and older adults require delicate, personalized consultation because their skin characteristics fundamentally differ from those of younger people, and the causes of aging and the shapes of aged faces vary from person to person. Furthermore, since skin incisions are involved, there is a possibility of bruising and swelling. To effectively prevent these issues, unnecessary incisions and irritation must be minimized, and for a successful surgery, it is advisable to seek out a medical team with extensive experience handling a wide range of cases.

Advice provided by Director Do Eon-rok, 1mm Plastic Surgery Clinic

Original article https://www.hidoc.co.kr/healthstory/news/C0000604440​