Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty is the gold standard to correct puffy, sagging and tired-looking lower eyelids. During a short operation (normally 1 hour), excess skin and/or fat is removed from the lower eyelids to create a fresh and more youthful appearance. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is customized to each patients’ individual needs.   Depending on the surgery, incisions can be made along a natural line or wrinkle of the lower eyelid just below the lash line to create discrete scars that are well hidden once fully healed or from inside of the lower eyelid for an invisible scar.  The ultimate goal of the surgery is to leave the patient looking natural and refreshed, like the bags and dark circles were never there.

Aesthetic outcomes can be enhanced when combined with other treatments such as Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty, CO2 laser, Morpheus 8 or chemical peels. Intense sun exposure should be avoided one month following treatment.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

When only fat is removed or repositioned, the incision can be made on the internal surface of the lower eyelid. There is no visible scar in transconjunctival blepharoplasty. This approach minimizes the risks of complication associated with going through the skin.  Not all plastic surgeons use this approach, so finding a surgeon specializing in eyelid surgery is important.  The bags, which are herniated orbital fat pads, are removed.

If there is skin laxity present, a small amount of skin may need to be removed.  The incision is placed just below the lashes, and a conservative amount of skin is removed without changing the shape or position of the lower eyelid. By making an incision along the natural skin lines of the eyelid, it is possible to remove skin and/or fat leaving a thin, discreet scar along the natural skin crease of the lower eyelid.  In patients with pre-existing eyelid laxity, a canthal suspension procedure (canthopexy) is performed to support the eyelid and prevent possible complications.

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty helps diminish lower eyelid ‘bags’ and excess skin. Initial bruising and swelling resolving in as little as one to two weeks, however, the final outcome of the surgery may not be seen for several weeks. . It is noteworthy that the normal smile lines will still be present after skin tightening and are amenable to further improvement with neuromodulator (Botox) treatments.

The procedure may take anywhere from 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on what is being done.  Patients are instructed to apply ice for the first 48 hours, rest, and avoid strenuous activity for at least 1 week.  Swelling and bruising are variable and expected in the early postoperative period.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LOWER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY?

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty restores lower eyelid harmony. By removing excess skin and fat, the eyelid will appear smoother and better defined, giving a more youthful appearance.

External skin resurfacing with a chemical peel or laser treatment may be possible at the same time as surgery to increase the rate of healing and improve the appearance of your skin.