If you are unhappy with the state of your lower eyelids or undereye area, you have two basic options for correction: dermal fillers, which are injected into the skin to add volume, or lower eyelid blepharoplasty. In most situations, either of these solutions will work to improve the undereye and lower eyelid appearance.
So, which one should you choose?
The answer often comes down to how permanent you want the correction to be. At Lahar Plastic Surgery, for example, we often see patients who simply want to correct undereye bags or puffy eyes for one special event. Perhaps they’re going to a class reunion or getting married soon. In these cases, dermal fillers may be a good solution.
The patient simply needs to understand that, in order to maintain their results over time, they would need to continue getting fillers at regular intervals throughout the year. Some patients may opt to do this while other patients may simply choose to get fillers for that special event.
For other patients who know they want a permanent change in the appearance of their undereye area, the other option is surgery — namely, lower blepharoplasty.
What Is Lower Blepharoplasty?
Lower blepharoplasty (also known as lower eyelid blepharoplasty or lower lid blepharoplasty) is an elective surgical procedure that aims to improve:
- Undereye bags
- Puffy eyes
- Undereye circles
- Sagging, drooping skin beneath the eyes
The majority of these issues are caused by orbital fat. This is fat that is packed around the eye and serves to protect the eyeball during your day-to-day movements. Over time, orbital fat may begin to come forward and away from the eyeball. It may also become more apparent through the thinning of the skin due to natural aging and repeated sun exposure.
Although eye bags and drooping skin under the eyes is often something that occurs due to aging, it can also be genetic. If you have parents, grandparents, or siblings who tend to have bags, circles, or puffiness beneath their eyes, you may very well struggle with the same issue.
What Are the Benefits of Lower Lid Blepharoplasty?
Every patient will have a different set of goals for their particular lower lid surgery, and as stated above, blepharoplasty can correct a number of different issues. In general, however, the following is a list of the main benefits provided by lower lid blepharoplasty.
A Smoother Undereye Area
Naturally, the number one improvement you’ll see with lower lid blepharoplasty is an improvement in the appearance of your undereye area. This surgery can reduce and correct undereye bags, dark circles, sagging skin, and droopy lower lids.
An Overall Happier, More “Awake” Expression
Droopy lower lids and undereye bags and circles tend to make people look tired and worn out. Although skincare products and cosmetics (namely, certain undereye creams, serums, and makeup concealers) claim to help “perk up” your expression, if your bags and circles are significant, no amount of topical solutions will help.
This can lead to low confidence levels and even miscommunications with other people, who may think you are more tired than you really are or even that you are in a bad mood when you are not.
Better Vision
Whenever the eyelids change shape, size, or position, there is a chance that this may affect your vision. Some individuals with eyelid issues may notice limited or blurry vision. After surgery, these issues should improve.
Brighter, Younger-Looking Eyes
Once the skin below your eyes has been smoothed and recontoured, your overall expression should immediately look brighter and perkier. Most patients who undergo undereye blepharoplasty say they feel like they look younger right away.
An Easier Time Applying Makeup
Even after blepharoplasty, many patients still like to apply makeup to their lower lash line and undereye area. Concealer, foundation, mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow are all far easier to apply when the lower lids and undereye areas are smoother and better contoured. Your makeup will no longer cake up in the creases beneath your eyes, and it should be easier to apply eyeshadow and liner as well, if you wish.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
The best candidates for lower lid surgery include individuals who are struggling with sagging skin and excess fat (bags) beneath the eyes. This procedure can also assist with dark undereye circles, although additional techniques (such as laser resurfacing and/or dermal fillers) may also be recommended in such cases.
Patients should be in good overall physical health and have realistic expectations when approaching this type of elective surgery. Non-smoking patients are preferable, and qualifying patients who do smoke should understand that they’ll need to quit completely for several weeks prior to their procedure. These patients will also need to refrain from smoking for a time after their procedure in order to ensure quality healing.
Finally, it’s important to remember that no two people have the same eyes or eyelids. Therefore, no two lower lid blepharoplasty procedures will be the same. The best way to know if you are a good candidate for this procedure is to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Nicholas Lahar of Beverly Hills.
At this appointment, Dr. Lahar will assess your medical history as well as your specific anatomy to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery. If eligible, he will perform further tests to determine the best techniques for your situation.
How Is Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty Performed?
Years ago, lower lid blepharoplasty was almost always performed by making an incision on the outer skin right below the lash line. However, today, lower eyelid blepharoplasty is usually performed with what is called a transconjunctival incision. This is an incision made on the inside of the lower eyelid.
This procedure does not remove excess skin but can remove and/or reshape and reposition excess fat. Fortunately, it will not result in a visible scar because, again, the incision is made on the inside of the eyelid.
Schedule Your Lower Blepharoplasty Consultation Today
Could lower blepharoplasty help improve bags or puffiness beneath your eyes? If you are interested in learning more about this procedure or want to know if you’re a candidate for surgery, contact Lahar Plastic Surgery today and schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Nicholas Lahar.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blepharoplasty/about/pac-20385174
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/procedure
