There are three fat pockets that are usually manipulated or reduced during a lower eyelid procedure to treat lower lid bags or dark circles. There is no noticeable change in the shape of the eyes with fat removal from either the upper or lower eyelids.
This is a misnomer as a blepharoplasty does not lift the eyelid but removes skin and fat to enhance the upper eyelid appearance. In so doing, the skin removal may make the appearance of the eyelid to brow distance look smaller.
The appearance of the eyes can be dramatically altered by the removal of excess skin or puffy bags under the eyes. Eyes that are weighed down or crowded by aging skin or puffy bulges may seem smaller or narrower. Once this skin is removed, the eye can appear more open, rounder, and awake.
A blepharoplasty procedure can be done on just the lower part of the eyes or on both the lower and top lids. A lower eyelid lift tightens loose skin and eliminates the hollow appearance.
After blepharoplasty surgery, the eyelids will be bruised and swollen for one to three weeks. However, most patients say their eyes look normal and better than before after one to three months. However, people usually feel okay going in public and returning to work after 10 to 14 days.
A blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) removes the loose skin in the lower eyelid, as well as the bulging fat. A cheek lift then raises the cheek tissue higher, using the same incision as that used for the lower eyelid lift. Not much fat is removed. Instead, cheek tissue is repositioned.
Persons with dry eye, diabetes, and glaucoma may not be suitable candidates for eyelid surgery. Persons with drooping and uneven eyebrows may also not make good candidates. Avoid drinking and smoking as they can interfere with the surgery outcome.
In the hands of an experienced surgeon, lower lid blepharoplasty is safe and produces excellent results. In very mild cases, some laser treatments can be effective in resurfacing and tightening the lower lid skin.
Risks associated with Blepharoplasty
Dry or irritated eyes. Eyelid problems, such as inability to completely close eyes. Visible scarring and/or variation from normal skin color. Injury to eye muscles.
You should look natural, yet more youthful and more vibrant. You should notice a difference in your eyelids immediately following your surgery. However, post-surgical swelling and discoloration may initially obscure your final outcome.
Your eyelid may be swollen and bruised for 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. The appearance of your eye may continue to get better for 1 to 3 months. Most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work in about 10 to 14 days. This may depend on your job and how you feel about people knowing about your surgery.
Some patients will have the white of the eye turn red or pink and this is not a problem. Some patients may also experience what looks like a blistering of the eyeball. This is from swelling and is rarely a problem. Call your doctor if you have concerns.
Yes. Double eyelid surgery (upper and lower blepharoplasty) can make your eyes look bigger by excising excess skin around the eyes and lifting sagging skin.
Drooping of the lower eyelids can sometimes result after initial blepharoplasty. If the lower lids simply appear to be pulled down, showing more of the white part of the eye below, you may have a condition known as lower eyelid retraction.
Blepharoplasty tightens the skin around the eyelids, providing refreshed, long-lasting results. Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper and lower eyelid producing a dramatically younger appearance.
Any fat removed from the eyelids, for example, will not grow back (even if you gain weight); and bags under the eyes and hoods over the eyes shouldn't appear again, either.
Does blepharoplasty lower eyebrows? In some cases, yes. A blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) might cause the eyebrows to drop with time. To avoid that, your plastic surgeon can give you a brow lift at the same time as your eyelid surgery to keep your eyebrows in balance and avoid having them droop after some time.
While the procedure is often considered to be a long-lasting treatment option, some patients do get lower eyelid surgery a second time. While it's uncommon, some patients may opt for revisionary eyelid surgery. Patients who are considering the surgery may have had their initial surgery early on.
You can have a blepharoplasty at any time. But if you're seeking one due to aging, you'll usually get the best results after age 40. People who are advanced in age should generally avoid the procedure because of the risks of surgical complications.
While most people who undergo this procedure are in their mid-30s, any adult may qualify if they have loose and sagging eyelid skin, excess fat deposits under the eyes, or excess eyelid skin. Contact us today at Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates in Chico, CA to learn more.
Lower Blepharoplasty Cost
Lower blepharoplasty procedures tend to be more expensive than procedures performed on the upper eyelids due to the fact they tend to be more complex and also often require a general anaesthetic which will add to the cost.
Eyelid surgery is among the least painful cosmetic procedures. Aside from minimal discomfort on the day, you'll have a quick recovery and see the results swiftly. So the procedure isn't very painful, but you may have other questions.
Incisions made from within the lower eyelid need minimal suturing and any sutures placed are usually absorbable and do not need removal. Skin wounds are usually closed with permanent nylon sutures as these are easy to remove and cause very little reaction in the skin.
Post-operative swelling peaks at about 48-72 hours, and then subsides over the next few days. The majority of swelling after eyelid surgery will disappear in the first week, but small amounts may persist for 6 - 12 weeks during which subtle improvements in appearance will continue.