Every year, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) releases statistics on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures performed during the previous year. While breast augmentation still remained the top procedure, the 2012 statistics show a significant increase in facial procedures. One of the facial features most patients want to address is the eyes as they are one of the first places to show the signs of aging. To address these aging symptoms, many patients seek blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, to eliminate the tired appearance aging eyes can cause. According to the 2012 ASPS statistics, blepharoplasty was the third most performed procedure with 204,015 surgeries completed last year.
Double board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. David Whiteman performs eyelid surgery to help patients achieve a younger appearance or to resolve vision obstructions. Skin loses its elasticity as we age, resulting in drooping upper eyelids and excess skin forming on the lower eyelids. Often, patients also experience fat deposits underneath the eyes that cause a tired look. Sometimes these effects can cause visual obstruction if excess skin on eyelids compromises the eye’s crease.
To treat patients, Dr. Whiteman removes excess skin, tissue, and fat around the eyes for a younger, more alert appearance. For upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Whiteman will reduce the amount of lax skin and create a natural-looking crease. Lower blepharoplasty removes puffy fat pockets under the eyes for a rejuvenated appearance. For overall rejuvenation, patients commonly combine eyelid surgery with other facial procedures such as a facelift or rhinoplasty. To maintain their blepharoplasty results, many patients choose minimally invasive procedures such as Botox® and facial fillers.
In addition to the facial procedures featured in ASPS’ statistics, Dr. Whiteman also performs breast and body procedures. If you are interested in any of the cosmetic or reconstructive procedures offered at Southern Plastic Surgery, please contact us today. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.