Lower Blepharoplasty

Under-eye bags are visible due to the muscles, tendons, and fats under the eyes drooping as a result from aging. This leads to wrinkles, baggy lower eyes and tear trough deformity, making for the overall facial appearance to look tired, aging, depressed. In the more extreme case, it can make the lower edge of the cornea visible. Lower Blepharoplasty can help reduce or eliminate these issues.

Recommended for:

Individuals with under-eye bags
Wrinkles under eyes
Tear trough deformity
Eyelash poking at the retina, causing infection
Ectropion, causing dry eye

Operation details:

After applying anesthesia, the surgeon will cut open the skin below the lower eyelashes, reaching the fat layer, and then will make adjustments to the tear trough and address the wrinkles. An electrocautery will be used to stop the bleeding throughout the operation, because the operation is performed at the area dense with veins and arteries. The patient will be asked to fully open their eyes and mouths periodically to fine-tune the amount of excess skin to be removed. Afterwards, the cut will be stitched and closed. In the case of ectropion (either pre-existing prior to or as a short-term side-effect of the operation), the surgeon will cut open the skin at the lateral canthus and will fasten it as a solution.

Post-operational treatments:

Apply cold pack to the area during the first 3 days.
Clean the area daily, avoid contact with water until suture removal date.
Remove the suture on Day 7. Patient can wash his/her face and apply makeup.
Avoid sunlight exposure during the first 3 months.
The swelling will be less noticeable after 3-6 months.
Bruises will go away after 2-3 weeks.
Minor ectropion (if any) will typically be less noticeable after 3-6 months.

Possible side-effects:

Individuals with relatively weak eyelid muscle may experience minor ectropion after the surgery, which will go away after 3-6 months. For cases where the ectropion is more apparently, a follow-up surgery may be required.

Just like with Upper Blepharoplasty, conjunctival swelling (Chemosis) can occur. It is recommended to use artificial tear and proper cleaning practices during the recovery period.

The area surrounding the eye may appear darker due to the minor internal bleeding post-operation. The skin color will gradually return to the original color throughout the recovery period.

How long will the change last?

The change from Lower Blepharoplasty will typically last 5-10 years, and will begin laxing with age, skin type, and lifestyle. Individuals with saggy cheeks may see the return of the lid laxity more quickly than other people.