Over time, the loss of collagen and elastin can increase laxity and excess skin around our eyelids, making us look older or more tired than we feel. Collagen and elastin are protein molecules responsible for the structure and elasticity of your skin. When your body produces fewer of these molecules, your skin cannot maintain its structure.
If you are struggling with sagging eyelids or bags under your eyes, call our office today and schedule a consultation for a male plastic surgery with board-certified plastic surgeon Matthew H. Steele, MD. Dr. Steele can answer your questions about male eyelid surgery in Parker County, also called blepharoplasty, and make the best recommendations to address your cosmetic concerns.
Men’s skin and facial features differ from women’s, so plastic surgeons must approach each procedure differently.
Hormonal influences, primarily from testosterone and estrogen, create physiological differences. A man’s skin is generally 25% thicker than a woman’s, due in part to higher collagen density, which provides greater elasticity.
Men’s skin also has a higher concentration of lactic acid, which helps retain moisture. This means that the skin ages more gradually. Men also have more active sebaceous glands, leading to a higher level of sebum production, oilier skin, larger pores, and a rougher texture.
Men also have more pronounced lines, deeper wrinkles, and more sagging than women. By using a customized approach to eyelid surgery, Dr. Steele gives his male patients in Parker County masculine and natural-looking results.
You can choose to have a surgical procedure on your upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both depending on your goals. While lower eyelid surgery can be part of a blepharoplasty and correct puffy and bagging skin, it cannot address dark circles under your eyes.
When the upper eyelids droop, it can make you look older or obstruct your vision. Upper eyelid surgery may be performed under local or general anesthesia. If the upper eyelids are treated by themselves, Dr. Steele will often perform this in the office under local anesthesia. If a brow lift or lower blepharoplasty is performed in combination, general anesthesia is usually required.
Dr. Steele will only remove the necessary amount of skin and fat to correct your concerns and retain a natural, masculine appearance. He will make an incision in the crease of the eyelid so any excess fat and skin can be removed before sutures are used to close the incision.
Puffy, baggy lower eyelids can contribute to an aged appearance. As the skin loses elasticity and stretches, it can hang loosely, and fat can accumulate below the eyelids.
During the eyelid surgery procedure in Parker County, tiny incisions are made just under your eyelashes so the excess fat can be removed or repositioned and any excess skin can be removed. The procedure will take about 2 hours, but will be longer if combined with other procedures such as an upper blepharoplasty.
Expect bruising and swelling with both upper and lower blepharoplasty. Sleeping elevated and using ice packs will often help. You may require a suture in the corner of your eyelids to protect your eye from swelling or abrasion.
Dr. Steele will recommend using ice packs to help reduce swelling and discomfort. You will also be prescribed medication to manage your pain. After surgery, you will have ointment applied to the eyes and incision, which can cause temporary blurry vision.
The swelling from surgery may cause your eyelids to feel tight and dry, but lubricating ointments and drops can provide relief. You will have a follow-up appointment in about one week to remove sutures and check your progress.
You must avoid strenuous activities, bending, and heavy lifting during the first 3 weeks to help reduce swelling, which stresses the area and incision line. Keep your head elevated as much as possible to help reduce swelling, including while you are sleeping.
Follow the post-operative instructions closely for cleaning the incision or applying prescribed ointments. This helps reduce the risk of complications, such as infection. By the third and fourth weeks, you will notice the results as the swelling subsides. You may still have some swelling early in the morning, but that is often gone by midday.
In the first two to three months, the incision lines begin to fade and will continue to improve in appearance over time. You should protect your eyes from sun exposure to help prevent pigment changes in the incision tissue.
Excess skin and sagging in the upper and lower eyelids can make you look older and more tired than you feel. Some men believe the excess skin also makes them look chronically angry. We encourage you to call our office today and schedule your consultation with Dr. Steele so you can learn more about male eyelid surgery in Parker County and determine whether this procedure is right for you.
