Lower eyelid blepharoplasty
Minimize Aging in the Eyes
The lower eyelids have very thin skin with thin muscle and attachments beneath. Below this intermediate layer are three small fat pouches that may create cosmetic concerns with age. Unlike the upper lid that develops redundant skin and droopiness, the lower eyelids begin to form fine lines or “crepiness” of the skin and “bags” of fat beneath the lids.
Blepharoplasty may be an option when factors like aging, sun damage, smoking, and genetics weaken the muscles and tissue that support the eyelids.
Targets of Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Puffy fat deposits under the eyelids
Loose, sagging, and/or folded lower eyelid skin
Under eye bags
Fine wrinkles in the lower eyelids
Excess skin in the lower eyelids
Sagging lower eyelids that may reveal the whites of the eyes below the irises
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty Focus
IT WON'T...
A lower eyelid blepharoplasty won’t affect the eyebrows, address dark circles under the eyes, or minimize crow’s feet.
IT WILL...
The goal of a lower blepharoplasty is to restore a youthful lid/cheek junction in the eyes, whether through removal of fat, skin, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for lower eyelid blepharoplasty?
A lower eyelid blepharoplasty may be an option for patients who are in good overall medical health and who have exhibited signs of aging affecting the lower eyelid and cheek. Individuals with eye diseases or a pre-existing history of severe eye dryness will need to be very cautious when considering the procedure.
Patients need to form realistic expectations before undergoing cosmetic blepharoplasty. They should understand that the procedure can enhance appearance and boost self-confidence, but won’t radically alter the face.
How is the procedure done?
The two approaches to performing a lower eyelid blepharoplasty are transconjunctival incision (done through the inside of the eyelid and doesn’t leave a scar) and subciliary incision (an external approach, with an incision made just below the eyelashes).
A transconjunctival incision will be done for patients who need fat removal. The fat will be visualized directly and removed as needed. Patients with excess external skin, or very creepy or loose skin, will have a transconjunctival incision coupled with the subciliary or external incision.
When both incisions are done, patients may have a very thin layer of eyelid tissue left intact, thus decreasing eyelid trauma and the risk of postsurgical scarring.
After the procedure, external incisions are closed with incredibly thin sutures and internal incisions heal without the need for sutures or suture removal.
What is recovery like?
After lower eyelid blepharoplasty, patients should apply artificial tears, lubricating ointment, and cold compresses to support healing and minimize side effects. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days to a week. However, it’s important to avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least two weeks.
Sutures will be removed six to seven days after the procedure. Most of the swelling and other side effects should subside within two weeks. Patients should avoid wearing contact lenses and eye makeup for two weeks after surgery. Wearing sunglasses can help hide incisions or bruising. Applying postsurgical sunscreen to the incisions is key to minimizing scarring.
Get in Touch
Form MD Plastic Surgery offers lower eyelid blepharoplasty to address the pouches of fat that form beneath the eye.
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