(Lower Eyelid Surgery)

Aging changes of the eyes occur in the lower eyelids as well as the upper eyelids. Over time, the soft tissues beneath the eyes relax and fat protrudes, resulting in excessive skin and sagging beneath the eyes. Additionally, the cheek fat may descend, creating a groove between the eyelid and cheek. Lower blepharoplasty, also known as lower eyelid surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure which improves the fat bags and excess skin beneath the lower eyelids. The procedure corrects drooping and puffiness associated with the lower eyelids and helps to blend the lower eyelid and cheek junction for a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

Lower blepharoplasty is an ideal procedure for individuals with excess fat and skin of the lower eyelids resulting in a tired appearance. As with all forms of surgery, patients should also be in good physical health and have realistic expectations for improvement. While often performed on its own, lower blepharoplasty may also be combined with a cheek lift, or midface lift, for additional improvement of drooping in this area. Lower blepharoplasty is also commonly combined with upper blepharoplasty for individuals looking to brighten up and refresh the overall appearance of the eyes.

Dr. O'Mara performs the lower eyelid surgery at an outpatient surgery center using either IV sedation or general anesthesia. Surgical times will vary but generally average one hour in length. Excess fat is typically addressed through an incision located on the inside of the lower eyelid. If excess skin must be removed, the incision is sometimes made under the eyelashes. Working through the incision, Dr. O'Mara may remove excess fat responsible for bags or reposition the fat to a lower point in order to smooth the junction between the lower eyelid and cheek. Any excess skin beneath the eyelashes is also removed.

The recovery after lower blepharoplasty takes approximately one to two weeks. Some degree of swelling, bruising and minor discomfort may result. Most of the swelling and bruising subsides within one week. Sutures are removed after one week and shortly thereafter patients are typically able to wear eye makeup to conceal the remaining bruising. Many patients find that they can return to work as early as three to four days following their lower blepharoplasty surgery, though more strenuous activities will need to be postponed for three weeks.

Lower blepharoplasty can dramatically improve a puffy, tired or sagging appearance of the lower eyelids, creating a more youthful, rejuvenated and rested look.