Is a blepharoplasty ever medically necessary?

Blepharoplasty is the technical terminology for eyelid surgery, which is designed to help boost confidence in people who feel that the skin around their eyes is drooping, and making them look older than they feel or than they would like to. This is a condition that happens naturally as skin gets older and loses some of its elasticity.

First steps

There are a wide variety of creams on the market that claim to offer fixes to this condition, however these are limited in what they can realistically expect to achieve. Some may have subtle, short term benefits, but none will be able to actually reverse the ageing process.

Making the decision to go under the knife is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. There will be pros and cons of any appearance-altering surgery, so the most important thing to do is to ensure you have weighed up the potential benefits versus any potential negatives, to conclude whether the decision is right for you.

When is the time right for me?

One of the more common questions patients ask when they are considering a blepharoplasty is when it is considered to be medically necessary. To answer that, the motivations for the operation must be considered.

If the reason you are considering this type of operation relates to aesthetics, then there is no set age or life stage when this is considered ‘correct’. The decision sits with you – you must consider how you feel, whether the skin around your eyes is causing you worry or confidence concerns, and how prepared you are to live with it.

When eyelid surgery isn’t just about looks

Alternatively, for some people, the drooping skin around the eyes can actually impair their vision, meaning that it is more important to get a medical assessment and consider whether a blepharoplasty will improve your overall quality of life.

Saggy skin over they eyes that impairs vision may render you unsafe to drive or operate machinery, so if you feel that this is the case then it is important to treat the situation before it results in a more serious implication.

If you are worried about the skin around your eyes and wish to get a professional opinion, schedule an appointment to talk this through with Coventry and Leamington cosmetic surgeon Mr Alan Park, who will be able to help advise on all options available.