The eyes are often called the windows to the soul. As a central part of facial appearance, the eyelids can greatly affect the appearance of the entire face. Lower Blepharoplasty, also known as lower eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the eyelids by tightening muscles and tissue or removing excess fat and skin. A lower eyelid blepharoplasty is used to treat the following:

• Under-eye bags
• Drooping lower eyelids
• Tear troughs
• Excess skin
• Fine wrinkles

Blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed facial plastic surgery procedures. The popularity of this procedure reflects the importance of the eyes in affecting overall facial appearance. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can rejuvenate your entire facial appearance by improving the look of your eyes and boosting your confidence.

CANDIDATES FOR A LOWER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY

The best candidates for lower eyelid blepharoplasty are those individuals who meet the following conditions:

• Are in good overall health
• Do not smoke
• Do not have any serious eye conditions
• Have healthy facial tissue and muscle
• Have excess lower eyelid skin
• Have under eye bags or tear troughs

It is important for patients to have realistic expectations before undergoing a lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure in order to be satisfied with their results. While the procedure can enhance their appearance and may improve self-confidence as a result, it cannot alter a patient‘s entire appearance or change the structure of their face.

THE LOWER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE

The lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure is performed with either local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia and may be performed in the office or in an operating room. If there is no significant excess skin to remove, and only eye bags, then the procedure can be performed through an incision inside the eyelid to avoid any external scars. If significant skin needs to be removed or tightened then a small incision under the lower eyelid eyelashes is made to access the deeper tissue and tighten the skin. Any excess fat-causing bags may be precisely reduced or may be used to fill tear troughs. The incision is closed with tiny stitches that are removed in the first week after surgery.

RECOVERY AFTER A LOWER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY

After the lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure, the surgeon may recommend applying lubricating drops or ointment and cold compresses to aid in the healing process and minimize side effects. A small amount of discomfort and bruising or swelling is expected but will subside.
Patients can usually return to work within a few days, but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least two weeks.

RESULTS OF A LOWER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE

The results of a lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure are visible as swelling and bruising subside and will continue to improve for up to a year after surgery. After surgery, the eyes will appear more refreshed and rejuvenated to create an overall younger or more rested appearance. The lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure is designed to produce long-lasting results. While surgery cannot prevent the eyes from aging, most patients are satisfied with their results and do not seek a repeat procedure.