While people choose plastic surgery for a variety of reasons, some procedures are designed to correct functional issues along with cosmetic concerns. Procedures such as breast reduction and rhinoplasty are more commonly recognized as medical necessities; breast reduction alleviates discomfort caused by overly large breasts and rhinoplasty improves breathing and facial proportion, but there are many other procedures that can also provide solutions to medical issues.
You may have heard of the facial rejuvenation surgery called blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, but have you ever considered it as an option to improve vision or relieve severe migraines? Dr. David Whiteman performs this facial rejuvenation procedure to remove excess skin from the upper eyelid and/or fat deposits underneath the eyes to create a brighter, more alert appearance. As skin ages it becomes inelastic and begins to droop, compromising the eye’s natural crease and shape. Heavy excess skin may hang over and cover the eyelashes and/or begin to obstruct a person’s normal vision. In addition to resolving vision obstruction, some surgeons have also attributed blepharoplasty to migraine relief for patients. Doctors say that eyelid surgery allows access to sensory nerves that cause head pain. According to a recent study conducted by the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, about 88 percent of patients who underwent surgery reported a reduction in migraine pain and frequency. Head pain can be attributed to the critical nerves compressed by fat or tissue buildup behind the eyelid.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is used to eliminate signs of aging on the upper and/or lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids to reduce a hooded appearance caused by sagging eyelid skin and/or on the lower eyelids to remove fatty tissue that contributes to bags. Eyelid surgery can be combined with other plastic surgery procedures or performed alone depending on the patient’s needs.
For example, Dr. Whiteman may also perform brow lift surgery or otoplasty to help balance the results of a rhinoplasty, as well as help eliminate additional medical problems. To learn more about the procedures available at Southern Plastic Surgery, please visit his website and connect with him via Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for news and updates.