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Dermatochalasis
This is the long medical term for baggy eye lids. Dermatochalasis
occurs most frequently in people past 50. Since tissues
around the eyes are very loose and movable, this area Is
the most likely of all In the body for early wrinkles and
droops. The cause of the disorder lies with the elastic
fibers underneath the skin s surface. These become stretched,
and this stretching is accompanied by thinning and protrusion
of the skin.
The soft, loose tissues of the upper lids are most affected
by dermatochalasis. Sometimes this skin actually lies on
top of the lashes, so some patients are able to keep their
eyes open only by keeping the brow elevated with the muscles
of the forehead and scalp. This may cause headaches and
excessive fatigue, especially with reading. The upper portion
of vision may also be cut off by this excessive tissue.
The lower lids are also affected, but usually to a lesser
degree. They do not cause the functional problems. of reading
and general vision difficulties, as do the upper lids. However,
baggy lower lids present a cosmetic concern for many patients.
Dermatochalasis can be improved with eyelid surgery. In
this surgery excess skin is removed, and sometimes the muscle
underlying the skin is also taken. Occasionally deeper layers
of fat are also excised. Scarring after surgery is usually
minimal. These tissues are very forgiving and heal well.
Bruising and swelling may accompany the procedure. Ice packs
for 24 hours help some, but most people expect to look like
a raccoon for a week or two after surgery. Sunglasses hide
this nicely in the first few days after surgery. The skin
stitches are removed sometime in the first week, depending
on the patient's healing process.
The risks associated with surgery are small, but real. If
too much skin is taken, difficulty closing the eye may result.
This creates a dry eye and is very uncomfortable. Very rarely,
loss of vision results from bleeding around the eyes. If
pain is noted after the operation, immediate attention is
required to prevent any lasting visual problems.
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