Lower Blepharoplasty

The appearance of lower eyelid bags is a common reason patients come to see Dr. Choe. Lower eyelid bags can be due to excess skin, fat, or both. As one ages, skin stretches out and can become redundant. In addition, the tissues that hold back the eyelid fat loosen with time, and more fat pooches out creating the bags. Lower lid blepharoplasty surgery allows patients to address each of these concerns and regain a youthful appearance to the eyes.

What Is Lower Lid Blepharoplasty?

Lower lid blepharoplasty is a surgery that is performed to remove excess skin and/or fat from around the eyes. This may be performed to improve the appearance of eyes (specifically bagginess or puffiness). The aim of the procedure is to restore an alert and youthful appearance to the eyes by improving cosmetic aspects of the under-eye area.

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Lower Lid Blepharoplasty Overview

Lower lid blepharoplasty is an outpatient surgery (you may go home the same day). Before beginning the surgery, Dr. Choe will create skin markings to direct each step of the procedure. Local anesthesia is injected around the surgical sites to prevent pain during the surgery. The fat that causes the lower lid bags will be repositioned or removed.

If skin needs to be removed, the incision (cut) is made along the lower eyelid near the lashes. In many cases, this incision is often extended into the crow’s feet beyond the outer corner of the eyes. The excess skin is removed and the skin is then closed with fine sutures.

An alternative to skin removal is CO2 laser resurfacing. The excess skin can be treated with a CO2 laser to tighten it. CO2 laser resurfacing works by removing microscopic channels of skin which encourages the skin to heal with a fresh new layer. The heat energy can help stimulate collagen and cause some contraction and shrinkage of tissue. CO2 laser resurfacing can be used to reverse signs of aging, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, and improve scarring including acne scarring.

Is Lower Lid Blepharoplasty Right for Me?

Lower eyelid surgery is open to a wide range of candidates but is best for patients with more significant cosmetic concerns. A one-on-one consultation with Dr. Choe gives you the opportunity to discuss your goals and learn about available options. If lower blepharoplasty is right for you, Dr. Choe can begin building a tailored treatment plan.

What Is the Recovery Like After Lower Lid Blepharoplasty?

Week 1: It is best to take time away from work and physical activity for the first week. Swelling and bruising are expected and can be significant. Icing the area and using compression goggles can help with the swelling, which should gradually fade. Discomfort can be managed with even over-the-counter pain relievers in most cases.
Week 2: You can make a gradual return to physical activity, but continue to follow your post-procedure instructions, including using ointment.
Week 3 & Beyond: Attend your follow-up visits and adjust physical activity as needed. Dr. Choe will monitor your healing and provide any additional instructions. Most swelling and bruising should fade, and you can gradually return to your full physical routine.

When Will I See the Results?

Patients will begin seeing results after about 2 weeks, once the initial swelling and bruising have faded. At this point, the under-eye area should look younger and more even. However, it can take several weeks to a few months for all residual swelling to fade and final results to be visible. Even minor swelling can impact a delicate area like that under the eyes. The results tend to last for a significant amount of time, with many patients seeing improvements that last a lifetime.

Book Your Consultation Visit

Rejuvenate your under-eye area through lower eyelid surgery performed by Dr. Choe, a board-certified oculofacial surgeon. You can easily schedule your consultation through our website or by calling our office. Discover a range of surgical and nonsurgical treatments designed to bring out the best in your appearance.