In the Media
For Immediate Release
Contact: Stephanie Burchfield, BWPR, Inc., 480-460-4111; burchfield.stephanie@gmail.com
Terry Maffi, M.D., F.A.C.S., Maffi Plastic Surgery, 480-505-6430
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon Promotes Advanced Surgical Techniques for Eyelids That Offer More Natural Outcomes and Better Long-Term Benefits
Scottsdale, Arizona – June 12, 2008 – Terry Maffi, M.D., F.A.C.S., a Scottsdale plastic surgeon is spreading the word that the latest surgical techniques for eyelid surgery enable patients to retain a fullness near the eyes, thus bypassing the “gaunt, drawn” look that can result within five years or so using more traditional surgical methods.
Eyelid surgery can help freshen and revitalize a person’s face by reducing the appearance of heavy and sagging eyelids, puffiness, and bags. As the underlying tissues that keep skin looking firm begin to break down as a result of gravity, sun exposure, diet, genetics, and years of facial muscle movement, these factors also contribute to the development of lines, wrinkles, and folds in the face.
With most upper and lower eyelid surgeries (blepharoplasties), the majority of patients are seeking an outcome that resembles a well-rested, youthful appearance with natural-looking results. The latest, most innovative surgical techniques are continually evolving and the standard by which patients and physicians a like judge “natural results “ or visually stunning outcomes are changing as well.
One of the most striking differences is the way in which fatty tissue around the eye is handled. The fat in tissues surrounding the eyes was previously regarded as a reservoir for excess fluids. By eliminating this fat, it was thought that the surgeon was eliminating the root cause of the puffiness and bags. Now physicians have come full circle to realize that this layer of fat around the eye serves an important purpose and contributes long-term to the fullness and plumpness associated with a more youthful appearance. When this fat is allowed to remain, it provides a more youthful appearance years after the surgery takes place. For that reason, physicians are now seeking ways to preserve and redistribute the fat layer during surgery.
Dr. Maffi believes that properly rejuvenating the eye through surgery can take years off a person’s appearance. “Eyelid surgery is one of the most powerful surgeries we offer to help refresh your look and restore a more rested and youthful look. It is not intended to change the shape of your eyes or the way you look, but rather to ‘enhance’ your natural features."
Traditionally, both lower and upper eyelid surgery has been performed by removing all the excess fat and skin. This is still an excellent procedure for some people; however, we have found that in some patients, over time, they take-on a "hollowed-out" or "gaunt appearance" from having too much fat removed. To prevent this, newer techniques have been designed in order to minimize the fat removed, and actually rearrange the fat in order to "smooth things out" and maintain volume, and produce a more youthful look. Volume is actually more youthful appearing - hence the popularity of fillers to add volume to the face. Volume looks good, but not volume confined to discreet areas that "hang-over" and cause folds, creases and shadows. That is why we rearrange the fat in order to smooth it out.
Eyelid surgery can be performed on older individuals who have signs of aging and environmental damage, but it is also very popular for younger individuals who complain of "looking tired" because of bags under the eyes that are usually genetic (these people usually always have parents who have bags under the eyes).
Says Dr. Maffi, “As we age (even in our 30's), we get a sharp demarcation between our cheek and lower eyelid. Bags develop and hang over this demarcation giving an even more aged look. Newer procedures now remove this demarcation and actually lift lower tissue from the cheek up and excess tissue from the lower eyelid area down in order to blend and fill the lower eyelid/cheek junction, smooth the area out, causing less shadows and bulging etc. We also re-drape the loose tissue and skin of the lower eyelid to really clean the area up and give that smooth and youthful appearance - kind of like a little facelift to the lower eyes.”
Not all aging related conditions of the eyes require surgical intervention. One of the most common complaints about eyes is dark circles, and often, those can sometimes be repaired with topically applied pharmaceutical products. Some dark circles under the eyes are due to an actual discoloration in the skin (the skin here is so thin that small blood vessels underneath actually show through the skin and give the skin an unflattering, discolored hue. This is usually not improved with surgery, but rather, requires medical grade-skin care products to help thicken the skin under the eye. However, if the dark circles are the result of shadows cast from bulging fat on the lower eyelids, then this is corrected with surgery, which can significantly improve the appearance in these instances.
About Terry Maffi, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Scottsdale plastic surgeon Terry Maffi, M.D. is a nationally recognized expert in all aspects of aesthetic plastic surgery, including the latest procedures in breast and body contouring. Having worked with internationally renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Jack Friedland to receive extensive training in aesthetic facial rejuvenation surgery, Maffi has developed an unparalleled expertise in procedures such as facelift, eyelidlift, browlift and nasal surgery.
Certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Maffi is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Maffi completed his plastic surgery training at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is an instructor for Midwestern University Medical School, and a member of the teaching faculty for the general surgery residency program at Maricopa Medical Center. Maffi has worked with the indigent at the county hospital in Phoenix and has traveled to developing countries such as Vietnam to perform correction of congenital defects such as cleft lip and palate deformities.
Maffi Plastic Surgery is located at 8575 E. Princess Dr., Ste. 207, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255, 480-505-6430, www.maffiplasticsurgery.com.
