Cosmetic Eye Surgery Comes Out of the Closet

SAN DIEGO, CALIF (June 16th, 2015) - As the U.S. population steadily grows older, more and more people are opting to "have a little work done" to preserve their youthful appearance as long as possible. Cosmetic surgery has come out of the closet and is now considered socially acceptable - even commonplace - among people of all ages.

San Diego-based ophthalmologist and LASIK specialist Sandy T. Feldman MD has many patients who have undergone plastic surgery, often opting for cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to improve the appearance of their eyes or to reduce the inevitable signs of aging. This elective procedure can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids, on the upper lids only, or on the lower lids only.

"Cosmetic eye surgery focuses on the eyelids or the surrounding tissues, not the eyes themselves. Some of these procedures, such as surgery to correct drooping eyelids, can actually improve one's ability to see clearly," said Dr. Feldman. "I'm a big proponent of anything that promotes better eyesight."

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 161,000 cosmetic eyelid surgeries were performed in the U.S. in 2013, making blepharoplasty the third most popular elective cosmetic procedure, behind liposuction and breast augmentation.
The benefits of cosmetic eye surgery can last up to 10 years.

Besides "eye lifts" for droopy eyes, other cosmetic eye procedures that can potentially benefit one's vision include the removal of fat pads under the eyelids to reduce puffy eyes, and the removal of skin tags and other uncomfortable growths from the eyelids.

"The eyes are one of the first places that show our age, so that's where most people tend to start when it comes to cosmetic surgery," Dr. Feldman explained.

For individuals seeking to improve the appearance of their eyes without surgery, there are a number of options:

Eyelash Extensions are individual synthetic lashes applied to the natural eyelashes with bonding agents.

Permanent makeup is essentially a tattoo that eliminates the inconvenience of applying eyeliner but is very difficult to remove.

Injections of fat harvested from a patient's own body can be used to improve the sunken appearance of aging eyes. 

"If you're considering surgical options, be sure to do some research so you can make a fully informed decision," Dr. Feldman suggested. "And don't forget to book an annual eye exam. Nothing makes you look and feel younger than having great health and clear vision."

About Sandy T. Feldman, MD
Sandy T. Feldman, MD is the Medical Director of Clearview Eye & Laser Medical Center - voted best LASIK center in San Diego by CityBeat Magazine in 2013- and has successfully performed more than 20,000 refractive procedures. Her numerous awards include "Top Doc San Diego" and the Goldline Award, an honor granted to only 10 laser eye care providers in the U.S. each year, and she has been profiled in Forbes, Newsweek, and other respected publications. Dr. Feldman is a fellow of the prestigious American College of Ophthalmic Surgeons, as well as a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. For more information, please visit clearvieweyes.com.