What is a Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
A lower eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that is used to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids. This procedure is generally focused on removing puffy lower eyelid fat, more commonly known as “eye bags”. Although the removal of puffy lower eyelid fat is typically the only treatment that is needed to improve the appearance of the lower eyelid, dermal fillers may be a necessary add-on to achieve the optimal results. Facial fillers like Restylane are recommended if hollowness of the orbital rim remains after surgery.
What is the Process for a Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
Before the surgery, your oculofacial plastic surgeon will assess your condition and develop an individualized treatment plan for your particular case. Your surgeon may recommend that you undergo other surgeries, like a brow lift or upper eyelid blepharoplasty, in conjunction with your lower eyelid blepharoplasty to achieve optimal results. If your surgeon finds any other issues that may affect the final result of the surgery such as thyroid eye disease, skin cancer, laxity, and/or dry eye; it is recommended that these problems are attended to before the procedure.
During the surgery, your oculofacial plastic surgeon will make a hidden incision on the inside of the lower eyelid. Fat in the lower eyelid will then be removed and/or re-positioned. This procedure method is known as a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. Your surgeon will then close the incision with small sutures. If desired, laser resurfacing can be performed at the same time to smooth and tighten the skin on the lower eyelid. If hollowness of the orbital rim remains after your surgery, facial fillers may be recommended.
After the surgery, follow these instructions:
- Apply gentle ice packs to the surgical area for 30 minutes out of every hour for the first 72 hours while you are awake.
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated above your heart for one week after surgery.
- Do not bend your head below your heart, lift things heavier than a gallon of milk, or do anything strenuous for one week.
- Wear the eye shield(s) every night at bedtime for a full two weeks after surgery.
- Avoid getting shower water or tap water on your wounds for seven days.
- Avoid hot tubs, saunas, ocean/lake water, and swimming pools for two weeks.
- Do not smoke for at least 14 days after surgery.
- No driving for at least 48 hours after surgery.
When Should I Consider a Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
Puffiness of the lower eyelids commonly comes from existing fat in the eye socket that bulges forward. The dark circles found below the bulge is an area of hollowness. This hollowness is caused by the natural attachment of the skin to the underlying bone. The lower eyelid contains the thinnest skin on the body, which makes it the most prone to wrinkling. You should consider undergoing a lower eyelid blepharoplasty if:
- You notice you have excess skin on the lower eyelids.
- You always seem to have bags under your eyes, no matter how much rest you get.
- You always have dark circles under your eyes, no matter how much rest you get.
If you experience any of these aforementioned issues, consider contacting us for a consultation with one of our board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeons.
For before and pictures of our lower eyelid surgery, click here.
For more information on post-operative care, click here.
For answers to common questions asked after eyelid surgery, click here.
