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.
How Lower Eyelid Surgery is Performed
Treatment of lower eyelid fat bags
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.
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.