Lower Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)
Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Diego, CA
A lower eyelid lift is a procedure that eliminates the prominence of under-eye bags. This eyelid lift approach- also called a lower blepharoplasty- can serve to rejuvenate a patient’s appearance by eliminating lower eyelid bags and removing excess skin.
Surgeons can apply scarless techniques to rid patients of bothersome bags, helping them regain bright, rejuvenated, and youthful eyes that enhance their overall appearance. Oftentimes, patients choose to undergo an upper eyelid lift at the same time, renewing the contours both above and below the eyes. However, a lower eyelid lift alone can be just as effective and revitalizing, depending on the patient’s unique aesthetic goals and current issues.
Before and After Photos
If the transformative effects of a lower eyelid lift appeal to you, consider scheduling an appointment at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego to speak about your concerns. Our board-certified surgeons, Dr. John T. Alexander and Dr. Jordan Kaplan both apply their extensive skills to create custom-tailored results that patients can feel confident with for a decade or more.
To get a quote and find out more about the procedure, call us at (858) 455-7557 or get in touch by using our contact form, and we will be happy to guide you through the next steps for attaining the anti-aging solution you have been waiting for.
Contents
About Lower Eyelid Aging
Lower eyelid aging, characterized by tissue sagging and wrinkle development, can begin as early as your 40s and 50s, but many lifestyle choices can speed up the process. Regular smoking, sun exposure, and poor skin care practices are the most significant factors that age the lower eyelids faster than other parts of the face. Everything from edema (fluid swelling), to weight fluctuations, and poor sleep can change the texture and elasticity of the skin in this area, but some consequences can be long-term. Specifically, the degradation of the dermis layer with the breakdown of strong collagen fibers and enlargement of the lower eyelid “orbital” fat pads are the main reasons for eyelid aging over time. (1) As these changes take hold, the eyes can begin to appear sunken and tired, especially because it is an area of extremely thin skin.
Benefits of the Lower Blepharoplasty
A lower blepharoplasty creates incredible results if most of your aging concerns are centered around the under-eyes. The relatively minor procedure can flatter your face as a whole and bring out your expressive nature. After healing, you can expect:
- More alert, refreshed-looking eyes
- Permanent removal and/or repositioning of the fat pads, eliminating a bulging under-eye look
- Results that last 10 to 15 years
- Invisible scars along or behind the lower eyelash line
- Reduced dark circles
- 30 to 60 minutes of procedure time
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia options for maximum comfort
- Elimination of whites of the eyes beneath the iris
Candidates
Lower eyelid surgery is appropriate for healthy men and women who are uncomfortable with the contours beneath their eyes. Besides patients over 40, Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Alexander can also perform the procedure for younger patients who genetically have more tissue in the lower eyelids. Candidates should also have positive, realistic expectations and no conditions that can impede the healing process. For example, those with a blood clotting disorder may not be able to safely undergo any form of invasive procedure. Those who smoke regularly should be willing to quit for some time to optimize healing. Finally, our surgeons will not perform on patients with glaucoma, Graves’ disease, or other serious eye conditions.
Personal Consultation
During your consultation with Dr. Kaplan or Dr. Alexander, they will evaluate the tissues of your lower eyelids to determine the best surgical approach. They will review your medical history to ensure surgery is the appropriate course of action for you. They will make sure you understand the preparation process, the procedure itself, and how you can best recover from such a procedure. They will be sure to give you an overview of other various pros and cons in greater detail to help you decide if it is right for you.
To get in touch with a staff member to schedule your consultation appointment, call our San Diego office at (858) 455-7557 or inquire with our contact form. Regardless of the chosen method customized for your needs, our staff and caring surgeons will monitor your healing progress with comprehensive follow-up appointments.
Preparation
To prepare for your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:
- Stop taking certain medications, including blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Stop smoking throughout the preparation period
- Organize for someone to take you home after your same-day surgery
Your surgeon will ensure that you feel well-equipped and well-informed of all pre-operative instructions to promote rejuvenated, successful results. If you have questions during this period, the staff at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery will work to provide you with the answers you need.
Procedure Steps
Depending on how much lax skin is present, your surgeon will use a transcutaneous or transconjunctival method to the procedure. Both methods can allow the surgeon to remove or reposition orbital fat which is the main treatment of lower eyelid bags. (2) If your surgeon repositions fat, they will be sure to utilize these small deposits to provide subtle volume near the tear ducts, creating a more rested look.Your surgeon will make an incision below or within the lower lash line to remove excess skin. If necessary, they may remove excess skin and use tightening techniques to create a more taut tarsoligamentous complex- a layer of connective tissue just under each eye. They will perform a canthopexy or canthoplasty to strengthen and reform the contours of the lower outer eye with tiny sutures and highly technical excision techniques. (3) Finally, your surgeon will apply removable sutures to close the small incisions. These minor changes are meant to create youthful, enhanced lower eyelids that do not look unnaturally pulled or modified in any way.
Recovery and Results
After your procedure, you will see some bruising and swelling, and the amount of time it takes for it to subside will depend on your body’s unique healing processes. You will be able to return to work within 1 week, but you should postpone all strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks or until your surgeon says otherwise. You should apply a cold compress for a few minutes at a time and use your prescribed eye drops as directed.
At the end of two weeks post-procedure, you should begin to see major improvements begin to settle in, but it will typically take 1 to 3 months to see the final results. You should consult your surgeon about when you can begin to use high-quality sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to help prevent further eyelid aging. As you continue to heal, your surgeon and the rest of the team at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery will be available to help answer your questions and give you personalized guidance. If your scars are on the outline of the lower lash lid, it will take roughly 1 year for them to fade until they are near-invisible; scars within the lid will be completely invisible.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Facial Skin Resurfacing
If you do not want to undergo surgery, Alexander Cosmetic Surgery offers facial skin resurfacing with non-surgical approaches such as laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, and dermabrasion. Chemical peels are highly customizable solution-based skin treatments designed to remove dead skin cells and increase cellular turnover, improving complexion and reducing unwanted pigmentation. The more intense peels can eliminate wrinkles and reverse years of sun damage. Laser skin resurfacing procedures accomplish similar results by creating micro-injuries within the dermis layer, prompting more collagen and elastin production for smoother, more revitalized skin. Dermabrasion encourages new skin growth with the mechanical means of a resurfacing tool instead of light energy or an acidic solution.
Cost of a Lower Eyelid Lift in San Diego
The cost of your lower eyelid lift will depend on the technique your surgeon applies, anesthesia fees, post-operative care, and other surgical considerations to promote a safe and effective procedure and recovery. Dr. Kaplan or Dr. Alexander will give you a detailed quote at the end of your consultation, ensuring that you understand everything involved with creating the most optimal results possible.
To get a firsthand view of our practice’s commitment to excellence, call our San Diego location at (858) 455-7557 or fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Whether you are ready to meet with one of our surgeons or you just have a simple question, we are ready and willing to help you along your aesthetic journey.
FAQ
What anesthesia is required for a lower eyelid lift?
Surgeons perform lower eyelid lifts with local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Will I have scars after a lower eyelid lift?
Sometimes, surgeons can make the incision within the lower eyelid, eliminating any risk of creating visible scars. Some techniques call for a tiny incision just below the lash line- where eyelashes can obscure it. Within a year of the procedure, all external scarring fades significantly.
How long is recovery from a lower eyelid lift?
Most patients can return to work within 1 week, but surgeons advise postponing gym workouts and other physical activities until at least 2 weeks into recovery.
References
- Goodman D, Ness S. The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Aging Eye. Life. 2023;13(3):837. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/life13030837
- Murri M, Hamill E, Hauck M, Marx D. An Update on Lower Lid Blepharoplasty. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2017;31(01):046-050. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1598632
- Rebowe RE, Runyan C. Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482381/