Anchor Blepharoplasty: Is It for Me?
Anchor blepharoplasty addresses, loose, crepey skin on the upper eyelid platform by tightening the skin between the upper lashes and upper eyelid crease. This platform may become loose and sag, giving an unsightly appearance of tired eyes with sagging eyelashes, a form of ptosis. For women, having skin in this condition makes it very difficult for the eyelid to hold makeup, creating a problem that is difficult to artificially enhance. For both women and men, it can make the eyes look dull. The discreet nature of the incisions used in an anchor blepharoplasty means that this procedure will not contribute to visible external scarring, nor will it impede your healing process. This safe treatment should be part of every upper blepharoplasty to ensure that the lashes are properly supported.
Cosmetic Anchor Blepharoplasty and Ptosis Repair
Whether anchor blepharoplasty is for you depends on your candidacy for upper eyelid surgery, as we previously discussed – for example, if you have puffy, sunken, asymmetrical, or tired eyes then you may benefit from an upper blepharoplasty and thus an anchor blepharoplasty. This is an essential part of correcting upper eyelid problems.
Is this a separate procedure from blepharoplasty?
Ideally, no. Your surgeon should perform the anchor blepharoplasty as part of your regular upper blepharoplasty to correct tension problems along the eyelash line and ensure that your eyes look bright and lively. However, performing an anchor blepharoplasty is a highly specialized, technical skill, and it takes the most experienced surgeons to execute this procedure. If you go to a doctor who does not offer this procedure in conjunction with your blepharoplasty, then you may be setting yourself up for disappointment and possible revisional surgeries. If your eyes have already healed with droopy lashes and loose skin, then it’s time for a consultation. It’s always a good idea to find out if your original surgeon can help you resolve this issue. However, the most common reason it was not performed at the time of the original surgery is that the surgeon lacked the skills necessary to incorporate structurally important element into the eyelid surgery. If he or she can’t, or you lack confidence in their ability, then seek a second opinion.
The right doctor can easily correct problems with a properly designed anchor blepharoplasty. Since precision is key to obtaining a great outcome, you should find a surgeon who has performed this procedure numerous times and recognizes its importance.
How long should I wait after surgery to receive a corrective anchor blepharoplasty?
Allow yourself several months to heal before seeking revisional surgery, assuming you’ll still want it when you are close to your final results. Certainly keep communication open with your doctor so he or she can address your concerns and keep a close eye on your recovery, and it is also fine to seek a second opinion to decide on the best time for another eyelid procedure. Unless it’s an emergency as we discussed in our last post, you should finish healing before undergoing more procedures in the same area. This will enable your doctor to correct your eyelid tension with the fewest possible variables that may affect the outcome of your surgery.
I’m ready to talk to a professional about my concerns.
Consulting with an oculoplastic surgeon is the single most helpful action you can take when deciding whether anchor blepharoplasty is right for you. You’ve done a bit of research, and now you need an examination by an experienced doctor who can accurately diagnose your problem and recommend the best treatment course, or no treatment when none is necessary. If you haven’t yet had a blepharoplasty, be sure to ask your potential doctor about an anchor blepharoplasty so you love your results the first time. If you need revision, a consultation will help you determine if an anchor blepharoplasty is ideal for your individual needs.
Dr. Steinsapir considers anchor blepharoplasty a normal part of upper eyelid surgery. For evidence of his skill and attention to detail, we welcome you to browse his before and after blepharoplasty photos, where you will notice the alert position of the eyelishes and properly tensioned eyelid platform skin. Dr. Steinsapir is a top eye plastic surgeon in Los Angeles who holds an impressive list of publications, qualifications, trainings, and certifications, including the multiple fellowships he has completed and his professorship at UCLA. Contact us today to schedule your personal, individualized consultation with Dr. Steinsapir and learn how he can resolve your upper eyelid concerns.
