Lower eyelid "skin pinch"

What does a lower eyelid "skin pinch" address exactly and does it have the same potential complications as a lower Blepharoplasty? Would this be a good option for someone who has severely dry eyes? Thanks to all of you for your continuous patient education.

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17 answers to “Lower eyelid "skin pinch"”

A: Skin Pinch Blepharoplasty is skin removal and risky for people with dry eyes

By Brooke R. Seckel, MD - Boston Plastic Surgeon

Skin pinch blepharoplasty is a minor excision of a small amount of skin only from the lower eyelid. It is less extensive than a formal lower eyelid blepharoplasty and less likely to weaken lower eyelid support. It is done to remove small amounts of excess skin from the lower eyelid. Patients who have dry eyes... more

A: Pinch addresses excess skin on the lower lids

By William Portuese, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Pinching lower eyelid skin is used only when excess skin is present on the lower lids, usually on patients 45 to 50 years of age and older. The incision in the pinch technique in our practice is closed with Histocryl glue. Typically, patients younger than 45 will only require a transconjunctival approach to... more

A: Lower Lid Blepharoplasty

By Steven H. Williams, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for your question - Lower lid blepharoplasty can address many issues including fat herniation and excess skin. Skin only excisions tend to be more limited in what they are able to improve. Both techniques can cause a condition called ectropion which can be caused by over resection or scar tissue... more

A: A skin pinch has a minimal effect

By Andrew Miller, MD - New Jersey Facial Plastic Surgeon

A skin pinch can be used when there is a little residual skin that can be pinched and removed without pulling the lower eyelid down at all. It does not remove wrinkles. In a competent surgeon, it shouldn't cause any problems including people with dry eyes. However, lower eyelid surgery in the... more

A: Skin pinch as a method of lower blepharoplasty

By Raffy Karamanoukian, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Patients with dry eyes should undergo stringent testing to examine the quantity of tear production and the support structures of the lower eyelid. The skin pinch blepharoplasty is an important procedure for patients who do not require formal lower eyelid blepharoplasty. The lower eyelid is composed of three... more

A: skin pinch estimates support structures of lower lids

By Scott E. Kasden, MD - Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Basically, we use the pinch test to see how good the lower lid elasticity is. If the elasticity is marginal, or not good, it is not an absolute contraindication to bleph. It will indicate that precautions should be taken to tighten the lower lid. These precautions could be a lid suspension, canthopexy,... more

A: Pinch blepharoplasty can be a useful tool

By Jeffrey Zwiren, MD - Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

The pinch blepharoplasty can be a very useful tool in the right patient in the correct setting. I typically perform a pinch blepharoplasty when performing a MACS-lift (minimal access cranial suspension). In this situation the cheek and malar structures are elevated by a suspension suture. Once this soft... more

A: Skin pinch usually combined with trans-conjunctival blepharoplasty

By Frank P. Fechner, MD - Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

Lower lid blepharoplasty will continue to be a facial plastic procedure prone to complications and/or poor aesthetic outcome if not performed with care, accurate technique and artistry after appropriate assessment. Because fat removal through a trans-conjunctival approach can leave a patient with additional... more

A: It's what else you do together with the skin pinch that's important.

By George J. Beraka, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Hi! Doing anything to the lower eyelids in someone with severe dry eyes has risk. You should either not have surgery, or you must have a canthopexy which tightens the outer corners of your eyes and supports the lower lids. The canthopexy is not to make you look better; it's to prevent complications. Together... more

A: Skin pinch removes just a "pinch of skin"

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

The skin pinch belpharoplasty removes just a "pinch of skin." This is good if you have strong lower eyelid support but a little extra skin. If the support of your lower lid is weak, then any added tension from the tightened skin can change the shape or function of the lower eyelid. In this case, it may be... more

More answers to Lower eyelid "skin pinch"
Dallas - Skin Pinch is for skin only
Fairfax - Skin pinch a good alternative for some
Los Angeles - A lower eyelid skin pinch is a lower blepharoplasty
New York City - Skin pinch is the easiest, safest alternative for dry eyes
Orange County - "Skin Pinch" Blepharoplasty
Santa Barbara - Skin pinch is a blepharoplasty

Comments

jackster212
79 posts
17 Mar 2009

Thank you all for your responses. I should have mentioned that I have punctal plugs, use restasis, and have had Fraxel repair on my eyes only. I also have some slight whitening showing in my lower left eye already. I had the Fraxel to correct the under eye crepeness...not bags. About a week after the Fraxel I received Botox on the outside eye corners & shortly thereafter I developed pronounced under eye puffiness which now varies daily in amount and the crepe skin is still there. I would love to find a GREAT doctor in South Florida who could help me, realizing this is a very tricky situation. Any suggestions/recommendations doctors ??