The appearance of our eyes can convey a lot of information about us whether we like it or not. For example, the morning after a sleep deprived night you may hear comments about how tired you look just on the basis of the appearance of your eyes. Of course, that is not exactly what you want to hear when you are doing your best to not look so exhausted and are struggling to stay awake.
Or, you may look in the mirror and see that your upper eyelids are starting to hang down somewhat. No longer do you have that crisp, youthful crease of your eyelid. Your eyes may even seem to be smaller than in the past.
Kind of reminds you of your mother or father.
Not good at all!
Now, you are starting to feel old even though you may not be.
Although it may seem intuitive and a total waste of time, a medical study was done earlier this year evaluating the impact that cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) has on one’s appearance and the perception of you by others. This was just published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery. Not surprisingly, the results are as would be expected.
The study involved the evaluation of before and after photos of ten female patients who had undergone a blepharoplasty. The 401 participants in the study were randomly shown images of each patient, either a before or after surgery but not both, and were asked to determine the perceived age, attractiveness, health and level of energy. In addition, the 10 patients completed a comprehensive survey after their surgery.
The results of the study revealed that the women who underwent a blepharoplasty appeared to be significantly younger and more attractive than their preoperative counterparts. They were also perceived to be healthier and less fatigued. The patients themselves noted a significant increase in their energy level following their cosmetic eyelid surgery.
These findings clearly support what we already knew intuitively – if your eyelids are starting to droop and you are looking older and more tired, strongly consider having a blepharoplasty. To yourself and others, you will both look and feel better, more youthful and energetic.
For more information about blepharoplasty or other facial cosmetic surgery, you can contact my office at 480-451-3000.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona