The eyelid rejuvenation toolbox

The use of blepharoplasty to create a skin tightening effect on the eyelid continues to be the go-to surgical procedure for rejuvenation in that area. At the 2019 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), Chicago, Ill., Brian Biesman, M.D., oculofacial plastic surgeon, Nashville, Tenn., presented on the different techniques to rejuvenate the eyes, including not only a surgical approach, but also incorporating minimally invasive treatments as well.

While he discussed both surgical and non-invasive procedures, he primarily focused on the surgical component, referring to it as an important “tool in our toolbox.”

“The reality is that I rarely have a blepharoplasty patient in whom I'm not doing either a technology-based treatment, such as laser resurfacing, [or] I'm not doing injectables, such as neuromodulators or soft tissue fillers, because those procedures complement one another very nicely,” says Dr. Biesman.

However, Dr. Biesman says that surgery is not suited for every patient. He recommends doctors evaluate their treatment plans on a patient to patient basis to see whether they require surgery, non-invasive treatments or the use of combination therapy.

He also notes a need for surgeons to be cognizant of when to refer a patient to a colleague or other physician and calls for more in the specialty to perform blepharoplasty procedures.

While combination therapy continues to create ideal results, Dr. Biesman explains, “The take home message is that surgery is an important part of eyelid rejuvenation.”

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