Also known as lower lid eye surgery, a blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that improves the appearance of the eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, or both. There are two types of blepharoplasties: An upper blepharoplasty and a lower blepharoplasty. These procedures can be done in combination or separately depending on your areas of concern. For more information on treating the upper eyelids, please refer to our upper blepharoplasty page.

A lower blepharoplasty is a surgery that targets the area under the eyes. This customizable procedure helps with issues like under-eye bags, puffiness, and sagging skin, giving patients a more youthful look.

The benefits of lower blepharoplasty are unique to each individual. A lower blepharoplasty can:

• Remove the loose skin and remove extra fat that make the eyes appear heavy or tired
• Reduce under-eye “bags”
• Enhance the overall appearance of the face
• Improve self esteem
• Create a more youthful appearance in the eyes

Does lower blepharoplasty get rid of wrinkles? In some cases, yes.

The ideal candidates for lower lid eye surgery are individuals in good general health who want to improve the appearance of their lower eyelids. You might be a good candidate if:

• You have persistent under-eye bags or puffiness.
• You have excess skin or wrinkles beneath your eyes.
• You feel that your lower eyelids make you look older or more tired than you actually are.
• You have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve.

It’s also important that candidates do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking before and after surgery, since smoking can impair healing.

While lower blepharoplasty is suitable for many individuals, there are certain conditions that may make you ineligible for the procedure:

• If you have certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders, the risks of surgery may outweigh the benefits.
• Individuals with poor skin elasticity or extremely thin skin may not achieve the desired results without the risk of complications.
• If you have pre-existing eye conditions, such as chronic dry eye or glaucoma, the surgery may pose additional risks.
• Unrealistic expectations regarding the outcomes of surgery can also make you a less-than-ideal candidate.

A lower blepharoplasty also cannot address crow’s feet around the outside of the eyes and correct skin quality or pigmentation issues. This may require other treatments such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing procedures.

The lower blepharoplasty procedure is performed in a surgery center with sedation or general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision, either inside the eyelid or along the natural crease of the lower eyelid, so the scar is barely noticeable after healing. During the procedure, extra skin is removed, and excess fat is either taken out or repositioned to create a smoother, more youthful contour.

Once the surgery is complete, you’ll spend a short time in recovery before going home. Make sure to have someone drive you and stay with you for at least the first night. You’ll receive detailed post-op instructions, including pain management tips, and we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to check your healing progress.

We are often asked how long eyelid surgery takes to heal. Recovery from lower lid eye surgery is relatively quick, though it varies from person to person. Expect to have swelling and some bruising after your eyelid surgery. There is little discomfort, though, and most people need to take pain medication for only a day or two after the surgery. It also helps to use a cold compress and keep your head elevated.

Most patients are able to return to light activities, including work, within a week. However, strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise should be avoided for two to three weeks. While you’ll see some improvement immediately, it can take several weeks for all the swelling to subside. Full results are typically visible within three to six months. To maintain the results of your procedure, protect the delicate skin around your eyes by using sunscreen and sunglasses, and avoid smoking.

Please visit our My Consult page to learn more about what happens during your consult.

Please visit our Financing page to learn more on how much a lower blepharoplasty is and what financing options are.