Effective Eye-enhancement Technique Fewer Than 2% of Eyelid Surgeons Can Perform Successfully
In order to understand the benefits of anchor blepharoplasty (eye surgery), it is important to have a basic working knowledge of eye anatomy. The levator aponeurosis is a thin, tendon-like sheath connecting the levator muscle (the muscle responsible for opening the eye) to the supporting structure of the upper eyelid (tarsal plate). Patients who present with a weak, thin, stretched, or torn levator aponeurosis, which can occur as a result of the natural aging process or a complication of a previous eyelid surgery, are unable to fully open their upper eyelids.
The anchor blepharoplasty technique is a corrective procedure performed to add structure and support to a weakened or damaged levator muscle, and involves the placement of stitches from the upper eyelid platform skin/muscle to the exposed levator aponeurosis. This complex eyelid surgery supports the upper eyelid lashes and tightens the eyelid platform skin so that it appears youthfully smooth and taut. Although anchor blepharoplasty procedures are often performed on patients of Asian ethnicity, this technique can also be helpful for any patient seeking to address loose skin and drooping eyelashes while smoothing the upper eyelid platform and minimizing any crepiness or wrinkles in this area.
In contrast to so-called, ‘supratarsal fixation’ technique, which often produces an inauthentic or “surgical” look when the eyelid crease is made too high, anchor blepharoplasty can be done at almost any height above the eyelid margin while preserving the upper eyelid fold. Because of the precision and detailed knowledge of eyelid anatomy required for this procedure, very few surgeons possess the skillset to perform anchor blepharoplasty surgery, and surgeons who do attempt this technique often struggle to produce symmetric results. Fortunately,world-renowned oculofacial surgeon Dr. Kenneth Steinsapir, whose private practice is based out of Beverly Hills, CA, is one of the elite subset of surgeons with the talent and knowledge base to consistently produce successful, beautifully natural anchor blepharoplasty results.
Benefits of this procedure include:
- By meticulously removing a small amount of skin from the eyelid platform below the eyelid crease, the upper eyelid lashes are supported and perky and the eyelid platform skin is smoothed over the eyelid platform, much like someone might pull a bed sheet taut.With the eyelashes are supported, patients can achieve a wrinkle-free, smooth area beneath the surgical crease.
- Because of the anatomic nature of the reinforced or ‘anchored’ upper eyelid crease, anchor blepharoplasty patients are at a lower risk of developing complications (i.e. crease failure) after surgery.
- This technique is ideally suited for revisionary or corrective surgeries, because it gives the surgeon a greater degree of flexibility during the procedure. Many unsatisfactory upper eyelid surgeries can be corrected using an anchor blepharoplasty.
If you are interested in learning more about anchor blepharoplasty surgery, eye enhancement surgery, or any of our facial rejuvenation procedures, please contact Dr. Steinsapir’s office today. You will receive a personalized treatment plan that is designed to create subtle enhancements that accentuate your unique facial structure.
To learn more about procedures and treatments performed by Beverly Hills | Los Angeles Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Steinsapir, contact us at 310-274-7422