A lower blepharoplasty, or a lower eyelid cosmetic surgery, is plastic surgery procedure that is meant to improve the appearance of the aging or puffy lower eyelid.
Some misconceptions:
- This procedure will change the shape of your eye
- There will definitely be external incisions
The shape of the eye does not generally change with age. Over time, factors such as aging, genetics, smoking, and other environmental exposures lead to the development of more prominent “bags” or fat pads of the lower eyelid. Individuals typically complain of looking tired regardless of how much they actually slept. A lower blepharoplasty addresses these concerns by strategically removing volume of the lower eyelid inorder to restore a more youthful contour to the eyes.
What are my three parts?
The most important aspect is the removal of excess fat of the lower eyelids. This is done in an effective but conservative way as to not lead to a hollowed-out appearance. I typically access the lower eyelid fat pads through a hidden incision on the inside of the lower eyelid. The second part is the addition of volume to the midface. This is achieved by adding fat grafting from the abdomen or inner thigh to an area just below the tear trough. I perform fat grafting on the majority of my lower eyelid surgeries. Finally, the skin is addressed. In young patients, the skin can often be left alone. In older patients with excess skin, a small pinch of skin can be removed below the lash line or the entire lower eyelid can be treated with a laser to help with the wrinkles.
Will there be a scar?
Not necessarily! Because the fat pads are typically addressed from the inside of the eyelid, there may not be a visible scar. That being said, if the skin needs to be addressed then there may be a small hidden incision just below the lash line. Because of this, a lower blepharoplasty can be an inconspicuous way to surgically improve your appearance without looking like you had surgery.
Do I need general anesthesia?
Yes and no. Because I am performing delicate surgery in front of the eye, I typically have my patients asleep with a board-certified anesthesiologist. It is sometimes referred to as “twilight” and does not require a breathing tube. I have found that this is the most comfortably way to effectively and safely perform this operation.
Will my eyelid shape change?
Generally, no. In most cases, the shape of the eyelid is not addressed and is not changed. In some instances, the lower eyelid margin can droop or is weak and requires repositioning or reinforcement. These cases require special consideration.
So what’s the deal?
A lower blepharoplasty is a great, relatively low risk option for individuals with lower eyelid bags. This can be performed with minimal to no external scars. Taken together, lower blepharoplasty can be a great introduction to aesthetic surgery.
Is lower blepharoplasty right for you?
Deciding whether to undergo lower blepharoplasty is a deeply personal choice that should be made after careful consideration of your aesthetic goals, expectations, and overall health. While the procedure can yield transformative results for many individuals, it is essential to maintain realistic expectations and understand that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you are looking for a lower blepharoplasty surgery, make sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine your candidacy.
Dr. Wilson is a Park Avenue plastic surgeon who is fellowship trained with aesthetic surgery. He can tell you whether you are a good candidate for lower blepharoplasty and other related procedures.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Wilson today.
