Lower Blepharoplasty
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Dallas, TX
Lower blepharoplasty is a procedure that enhances the appearance of the lower eyelids. This specific type of cosmetic eyelid surgery focuses on correcting issues such as under-eye bags, puffiness, and loose skin beneath the eyes. Many individuals desire lower blepharoplasty because they wish to restore a youthful and rejuvenated appearance to their eyes. The aging process, genetics, or lifestyle factors can lead to noticeable changes in this delicate area, often causing one to appear tired or older than they truly are.
USA Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Steven White, is one of Texas’ top practices for plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancement. If you are considering a blepharoplasty procedure, schedule a consultation to explore your options. If you have any questions about our practice, procedures, scheduling, or more, please feel free to call our Dallas office at (214) 833-6751 and speak with one of our expert staff members.
Contents
About Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty is a specialized procedure that can both reposition excess fat beneath the lower eyelids and remove excess tissue for a smoother appearance. (1) The treatment aims to achieve a smoother and more youthful-looking appearance around the eyes, which significantly contributes to the overall aesthetics of the face. The tired and aged appearance that affects the eyes results from a few different anatomical sources. The skin beneath the eyes is thinner and more delicate, making it especially susceptible to sagging and wrinkling. Individuals may also experience orbital fat pad herniation, or the formation of under-eye bags that create a puffy appearance. The lower lid muscles can also become lax with age, further contributing to a tired look.
Lower eyelid surgery has gained popularity over the years, becoming a common choice for individuals looking to rejuvenate their appearance. (1) Thousands of patients undergo blepharoplasty each year. Statistics show that eyelid surgeries rank highly among cosmetic procedures performed to address facial aging. (1)
Benefits
Undergoing a lower blepharoplasty treatment offers numerous advantages, all of which improve a patient’s self-esteem and quality of life. At USA Plastic Surgery, our meticulous planning and medical expertise help patients achieve improvements like:
- More youthful appearance: The most immediate benefit is the restoration of a youthful look around the eyes by addressing excess skin and fat.
- Enhanced confidence: Patients often feel more confident after the procedure due to improved aesthetics and a more awake appearance.
- Long-lasting results: Surgical solutions like lower blepharoplasty typically yield longer-lasting results compared to non-surgical alternatives.
- Reduction in signs of aging: This procedure effectively reduces wrinkles and fine lines under the eyes.
- Customized options: Different surgical techniques allow for individualized approaches that meet specific patient needs.
- Minimal scarring: Dr. White is careful to make discreet incisions to minimize scarring.
- Quick procedure: Lower blepharoplasty typically takes less than two hours, allowing patients to return quickly to their daily lives.
Candidates
Ideal candidates for lower blepharoplasty are those who exhibit under-eye bags, puffiness, loose or sagging skin beneath the eyes, fine lines, and/or wrinkles around the eyes. Candidates should generally be in good health, have sound emotional stability, and possess realistic expectations regarding surgery outcomes. Age is not strictly a limiting factor, as even younger individuals can undergo this procedure if they have inherited features that contribute to unwanted aesthetics.
Personal Consultation
A personal consultation with Dr. White at USA Plastic Surgery is crucial to determine if lower blepharoplasty is right for you. During this meeting, Dr. White will assess your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and thoroughly examine your eyelid anatomy. It will also be a chance to address any questions you may have regarding the procedure, its risks, and expected outcomes. Establishing clear communication will aid in tailoring a surgical plan that accommodates your unique characteristics and desires.
To schedule your personal consultation, please submit our online contact form or call our Dallas office at (214) 833-6751.
Preparation
Before your procedure, you will receive detailed preoperative instructions to ensure a successful procedure and smooth recovery. Each patient’s preparation instructions may vary slightly, depending on their goals and medical history, but common preparation requirements include:
- Avoiding blood-thinning medications for a specified period before surgery.
- Refraining from smoking and nicotine use, as these hinder healing.
- Filling prescriptions for pain management or antibiotics ahead of time.
- Arranging transportation home post-surgery.
- Planning time off work to facilitate adequate rest and recovery.
- Fasting for a timeframe determined by Dr. White before the day of your procedure.
Procedure
Your procedure will begin with anesthesia administration. Blepharoplasty can be performed in one of two ways: transconjunctival or transcutaneous. (2) Transconjunctival blepharoplasty involves making incisions inside the lower eyelid. It allows for the removal or repositioning of fat without visible external scarring. This method is often used for younger patients with minimal skin laxity. In transcutaneous blepharoplasty, incisions are made just below the eyelash line on the outside of the lower eyelid. This method is beneficial for patients with significant excess skin or wrinkles as well as under-eye bags. After creating incisions, Dr. White can access underlying tissues to remove fat and skin. He may also tighten the underlying muscles. The entire procedure takes approximately one to two hours, though this may vary depending on the scale of your procedure.
Recovery
Following lower blepharoplasty, patients can expect some initial swelling and bruising, which is normal and typically subsides within a few days. Patients should keep their heads elevated with pillows while resting and only sleep on their backs for a few weeks. Ice packs and other cold compresses can help alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling. If you receive prescriptions for pain medications and/or antibiotics from Dr. White, please take these as instructed. You will need to avoid strenuous activities for several weeks or until you are cleared to resume by Dr. White. Most patients return to work and regular activities within one to two weeks, yet individual healing times may vary.
Results
Once fully healed from lower blepharoplasty, individuals enjoy a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance around their eyes. Improvements are often dramatic, curtailing signs of fatigue and age. Overall satisfaction typically increases substantially as patients perceive their new appearance. The result is refreshed eyes that complement your facial features beautifully. Any visible scarring is minimal and usually fades significantly over time.
Corresponding Procedures
Lower blepharoplasty is only one of many facial rejuvenation procedures offered at USA Plastic Surgery. Most patients receiving a lower blepharoplasty will elect to receive an upper blepharoplasty at the same time. This procedure focuses on rejuvenating the upper eyelids. With age, the skin above the eyelids may begin to sag and create a tired or unhappy appearance. During an upper blepharoplasty, Dr. White can address this area to provide more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Similarly, many patients will combine blepharoplasty procedures with brow lifts. The forehead can develop unwanted wrinkles and other signs of aging, which a blepharoplasty cannot address. During a brow lift procedure, Dr. White will remove excess tissue to reduce the presence of wrinkles and tighten facial skin. This will also provide a natural-looking lift above the eyes. Finally, facelifts, also known as rhytidectomies, are also commonly performed alongside blepharoplasty. If you are interested in combining multiple treatments, please discuss your options with Dr. White during your consultation.
Cost of Lower Blepharoplasty in Dallas
The total cost of your lower blepharoplasty will depend on the scale of the procedure, your final goals, the techniques used for your treatment, other procedures included, and a few other factors. After discussing your goals with Dr. White during your consultation, you will receive a comprehensive price estimate. Investing in your confidence is just as important to your health as it is to your happiness, and we recommend all prospective patients explore their options during a consultation.
Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online form. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call our Dallas office at (214) 833-6751.
FAQ
Is lower blepharoplasty safe?
Yes, lower blepharoplasty is considered safe when performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. White. However, as with any surgery, there are risks involved.
How long does it take to recover from lower blepharoplasty?
Recovery from lower blepharoplasty varies but generally requires about one to two weeks before returning to normal activities.
Will a lower blepharoplasty leave scars?
We make inconspicuous incisions to minimize the visibility of scars. Scars from the transcutaneous technique typically fade significantly over time.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to lower blepharoplasty?
Yes, options such as fillers, laser treatments, and injectables can improve the appearance of under-eye bags and skin; however, results are usually temporary compared to surgical methods.
How long do the results of lower blepharoplasty last?
Results from lower blepharoplasty are long-lasting, allowing patients to enjoy their youthful appearance for many years, although aging will naturally continue to affect the skin.
References
- Rostami S, de la Torre JI, Czyz CN. Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448181/
- Bhattacharjee K, Ghosh S, Ugradar S, Azhdam AM. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty: An overview. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2020;68(10):2075-2083. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_2265_19