Candidates for Lower Eyelid Surgery
Candidates for lower blepharoplasty are those who have bags caused by eyelid fat pads and/or excess lower eyelid skin, puffiness, or wrinkles around the lower eyelids. They must be in good health with realistic expectations. Patients with dark circles around the eyes or have a tired appearance often benefit from this procedure. Some may call this as an “eye bag surgery.”
It’s crucial to have a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to assess candidacy and address specific concerns, ensuring personalized and optimal results for a refreshed and rejuvenated eye appearance.
Your Consultation
To determine your eligibility for upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Foulad will perform a physical examination during your consultation. Skin laxity and amount of excess tissue will be assessed to ensure you are a good candidate for upper blepharoplasty.
Dr. Foulad will also review your medical history to evaluate your risk factors. Finally, he will develop your personalized surgical plan. Dr. Foulad will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the procedure.
How Lower Eyelid Surgery is Performed
Dr. Foulad uses a transconjunctival approach to treat the fat bags of the lower eyelid. This approach involves making an incision from inside the eyelid. Dr. Foulad prefers this approach because it hides the incision and avoids cutting the lower eyelid muscle. The fat can then be reduced or repositioned. Dr. Foulad typically prefers to reposition the fat over the cheek.
Treatment of lower eyelid skin excess
An incision is made under the lower eyelid lash line and the excess skin is excised. If there is only minimal excess skin, a laser procedure might be able to be performed instead.
How to Prepare for Lower Eyelid Surgery
It is important to avoid Botox (or other neuromodulator treatments) at the region near the eyelids for at least several months prior to undergoing eyelid surgery. It is also important to notify Dr. Foulad if you have had any filler treatment around the eye. If so, the filler may need to be dissolved before undergoing surgery.
In preparation for undergoing lower eyelid surgery, we need to ensure that you are healthy and optimized for the procedure. Certain medications and supplements (such as those that increase the risk of bleeding) might have to be stopped a specific time period prior to the procedure. You will be provided more comprehensive pre-operative instructions specific to your individual case.
We are conveniently located to serve Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, & Los Angeles. However, we are available to help with coordinating your stay if you are an Out-of-Town Patient.
What to Expect After Lower Eyelid Surgery
It is recommended to keep your head elevated during sleep for at least 1 week after your procedure to help reduce swelling. If there are any visible sutures, these are usually be removed around 5 to 7 days after your procedure.
Bruising and swelling usually peaks at around 3 to 4 days after the procedure. Any bruising and obvious swelling typically resolves within 1-3 weeks after the procedure, but healing times can vary from patient to patient. It will take at least several months for the majority of healing to occur and swelling to resolve.
For detailed recovery instructions, please refer to our post-operative care guidelines.
Cost of Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
The cost of lower eyelid blepharoplasty varies based on factors like surgeon expertise, geographic location, and specific patient needs. Similarly, upper eyelid blepharoplasty costs can be influenced by these variables.
During a consultation, the surgeon can provide a personalized estimate, considering the extent of the procedure and any additional factors affecting the overall cost.
We offer flexible financing options through CareCredit to help manage the cost of your procedure.
Lower Eyelid Surgery FAQ
1. How long do the results last?
Results are long-lasting, but aging and lifestyle factors can impact the duration. Proper skincare and sun protection contribute to maintaining results.
2. Can lower eyelid blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes, it can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures for comprehensive results, such as a facelift or brow lift.
3. Will there be visible scars?
Surgeons aim for inconspicuous incisions, often within the natural lower eyelid crease, minimizing visible scarring.
4. When can I resume normal activities?
Most patients can return to normal activities within a week, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few weeks to promote optimal healing. Take note of this if you want to maximize your lower eyelid blepharoplasty recovery.
5. Is the surgery painful?
Local anesthesia is used, ensuring minimal discomfort during the procedure. Postoperative pain is usually manageable with prescribed medications.
6. Can I wear makeup after the eye bag surgery?
Makeup should be avoided initially to allow for proper healing. The surgeon will provide guidance on when it is safe to resume using makeup.
7. How soon will I see the final results?
While initial improvements are noticeable within weeks, final results may take a few months as swelling subsides and tissues fully settle.
8. Can lower eyelid blepharoplasty correct sagging eyebrows?
While primarily focused on the lower eyelids, the procedure can be complemented with other surgeries, like a brow lift, to address sagging eyebrows.
Contact Us to Learn More
Ready to enhance your look with lower eyelid blepharoplasty? Take the first step toward that goal by booking a consultation with Dr. Foulad, who is highly specialized in performing surgeries on the face and neck. Contact us today to explore the possibilities and get the refreshed appearance you desire.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
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LOWER Eyelid Surgery faq
Can I undergo filler treatment instead of lower blepharoplasty?
Filler injections at the under eye region may be a great treatment if hollowing is present. However, if there is significant bulging of lower eyelid fat, then surgical treatment would be most ideal.
Associated Articles & Videos
Case samples
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Skin Excision & Fat Repositioning
View case Details ▼
The case presented in this section involves a lovely woman who had developed progressively worsening bags and wrinkles under her eyes. Dr. Foulad performed a lower blepharoplasty, which included repositioning the bulging fat from the lower eyelid to the cheek. In addition, a small amount of lower eyelid skin was excised in order to treat the wrinkles at that region. She now looks much more youthful, while maintaining a natural appearance. The incisions are imperceptible and she has a smooth contour at the under eyes.