Reveal Brighter, More Rested-Looking Eyes
Lower Eyelid Surgery in Fremont, San Jose, Oakland, and San Francisco.
Lower eyelid surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure that improves the appearance of the lower eyelids. Patients with sagging skin, excess fat, and puffy bags under the eyes choose to undergo this surgical procedure to refresh their appearance and improve their self-confidence. After a successful procedure, patients can expect a refreshed appearance and better skin quality in the lower eyelid area.
What Is Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Lower eyelid surgery, also known as lower blepharoplasty, is a procedure in which a surgeon removes excess skin or fat from the lower eyelid area. In some scenarios, the skin and fat are repositioned instead of removed, and there are instances where surgeons combine the two methods. Patients undergoing this procedure can also consider upper eyelid surgery to maximize results.
Upper lid blepharoplasty removes excess skin tissue and fat from the upper eyelid area. The result is the complete removal of saggy skin and a younger appearance.
In comparison, lower blepharoplasty removes puffiness in the lower eyelid area. Surgeons remove excess fat and tighten loose skin to improve dark circles and puffy bags under the eyes.
The Top Benefits of Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty has many benefits. We will list the most important ones below.
Confidence Boost
Eyelid lift surgery restores a youthful, refreshed appearance, which significantly boosts self-esteem and a better quality of life.
Improvement of Dark Circles
This procedure removes excess skin and fat around the eyes, leading to reduced puffiness and improvement of dark circles.
Better skin elasticity
After the recovery period, patients can expect better skin quality and elasticity.
Ideal for package deals
Since this is a minor and routine procedure, patients can combine it with other cosmetic procedures, such as an eyelid lift or brow lift, to further improve results. These combined procedures can all be finished during a single operation.
Better vision
Sagging skin around the eyes can be a nuisance and obstruct your field of view. After the procedure, some patients experience better vision and a broader view.
What to Expect
Here at GLOW Surgical Arts, we want our patients to be fully informed about every step of the process. Managing patient expectations in an age of constant exposure to social media, with altered photos and misleading claims about results, is not easy. That’s why we take all patients on a case-by-case basis and present realistic expectations.
01
Before the Procedure
After the initial consultation is completed and your surgeon has determined that you are a suitable candidate for cosmetic eyelid surgery, we will schedule the surgery.
You shouldn’t eat any solid food after 11 p.m. the night before the surgery, but you can drink clear liquids up to two hours before the procedure.
02
During the Procedure
During the surgery, the patient is given local anesthesia in the eyelid area, and if they have problems relaxing, they can choose to receive a calming drug.
The surgeon then makes a transconjunctival or sub-ciliary incision (depending on the specific case), removes or repositions fat and excess skin, and then closes the incision. If the patient only chooses to undergo this procedure, the job is finished.
03
After the Procedure
Just after the procedure, patients can experience some swelling and bruising, which is normal. Other possible side effects include blurred vision or double vision. One may have edema of a portion of the lower lid area, which can be resolved with special eye drops. Rest assured, the side effects are only temporary and usually resolve quickly.
04
Recovery
The average recovery time is about one or two weeks, but it may take several months for patients to see the full benefits of the surgical procedure. Patients can complement the healing process by using ice packs and cold compresses to reduce swelling and wearing dark sunglasses to reduce eye strain and alleviate discomfort.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
The most notable characteristics of a good candidate for lower blepharoplasty are listed below.
- =Patients with excess or sagging skin below the eyes.
- =Patients with excess or sagging skin in the lower lid area.
- =Patients with eye bags or puffy bags often caused by excess fat.
- =Patients with concerns about dark circles or tear trough deformities.
As a general rule of thumb, consider this procedure if you are over 30 years old, healthy, and have good skin quality.
However, if you have any form of eye disease like glaucoma, thyroid problems like Graves’ disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, you should inform your surgeon about that. Also, if you have experienced a high degree of sun exposure recently, it is advisable to wait for the effects to end before undergoing the procedure.
Before & After Results
Surgical Techniques for Lower Eyelid Surgery
Here at GLOW Surgical Arts, we employ only the best techniques to ensure the best possible results for our patients. We will introduce these techniques and give you a brief overview of each of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between upper and lower eyelid surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin tissue and fat from the upper eyelid area, while lower blepharoplasty removes puffiness from the lower eyelid area. Sometimes, the best course of action is to combine the two procedures.
How long does the recovery process take?
The initial recovery takes about a week or two, but patients should wait a few months for the full results.
Will there be visible scars after the surgery?
While some scarring may be visible immediately after surgery, these marks typically fade over time with proper healing. Choosing a skilled and certified surgeon ensures that incisions are strategically placed to minimize visibility, resulting in subtle or unnoticeable scars.
Can lower eyelid blepharoplasty address dark circles and puffy bags?
Yes, of course. Improving dark circles and reducing puffy bags is the primary goal of lower eyelid surgery.
What surgical techniques are used for lower eyelid blepharoplasty?
The most common techniques are transconjunctival and external (subciliary) incisions to address fat and skin.
How soon can I wear contact lenses after the surgery?
The answer to this question depends on the individual case. The best course of action is to ask your surgeon when it's safe to continue using contacts.
Is skin resurfacing included in lower eyelid surgery?
Skin resurfacing is a separate procedure but can be combined with lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Contact us to talk about this in greater detail.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with every surgery, there are risks and complications to consider. Possible complications include visible scars, double vision, blurred vision, and infections. The best way to avoid these possible outcomes is to pick a surgeon with experience to safely and carefully complete the procedure.
That’s precisely why Paul J. Gorman, MD, and his team at GLOW Surgical Arts are a top choice for all Bay Area residents (and beyond). He is a competent, experienced cosmetic surgeon, and if you follow his recovery guidelines, the recovery process will be as short as possible.
Contact Us Today To Schedule Your Personalized Consultation!
Choosing a surgical procedure is a personal decision—and you don’t have to make it alone. Our experienced team at GLOW Surgical Arts is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward renewed confidence.