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LOWER BLEPHAROPLASTY- Orange County, CA
What is a Lower Blepharoplasty?
A Lower Blepharoplasty, or Lower Eyelid Surgery, is a surgical procedure used to remove excess skin and fat from the lower eyelids. Often the "tear trough" is also addressed to decrease the sunken look. Each surgery is tailored to the individual patient. Dr. Nguyen will take the time to discuss the specifics of the procedure that will benefit you most.
Who is a Good Candidate for Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Patients who are good candidates for Lower Blepharoplasty typically are healthy and have minimal to no medical problems. They should have good blood pressure control in order to minimize the risk of bleeding from the procedure.
Patients who would benefit from a Lower Blepharoplasty may have a number of characteristics. Their lower eyelids may have extra sagging skin that needs to be removed. Often patients will also have extra fat that needs to be removed in order to decrease the "baggy eyelids" look.
The tear trough also usually needs to be addressed. The tear trough is the sunken area starting near where the eyes meet the nose, extending down and out to the sides, eventually blending with the cheeks. The skin in this area is "stuck" to the bone of the lower orbit due to ligaments. The ligaments are released in surgery, allowing the tissue to be repositioned to reduce the hollow appearance.
Before & After of a Lower Blepharoplasty
How Do I Prepare for a Lower Blepharoplasty?
If Lower Eyelid Surgery is done under general anesthesia, you will possibly need to get lab work and/or clearance from your primary care doctor. If it is performed under local anesthesia only, then no labs or clearance will typically be required. However, your blood pressure should always be well controlled prior to surgery in order to minimize complications!
We may ask you to cleanse your face with an antiseptic wash for several days prior to surgery. Any jewelry on the head or neck region should be removed. Smokers are asked to quit 6 weeks prior to surgery until 6 weeks after surgery.
What is Involved in a Lower Blepharoplasty?
You will usually be put to sleep for a Lower Blepharoplasty, especially if you are combining it with another procedure, such as a Facelift. However, some patients opt to have the procedure done under local anesthesia only.
Numbing medication is injected to the eyelids to help with post-op pain and to minimize bleeding. An incision is made in the eyelid just below the eyelashes. Dissection is done to release the tear trough ligaments. This helps to smoothen that area and correct the "sunken look" below the eyes. Fat is then removed from under the eye to help reduce the "baggy eyelid" look.
A small amount of skin and muscle will be removed to help smoothen the wrinkles in the area. The incision is then closed with a permanent suture. The ends of the suture will usually be left hanging out and will be taped to your forehead for 1 week. The incisions typically remain well hidden just below your eyelashes.
Immediately after Lower Blepharoplasty
What is the Recovery from Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Patients will go home the same day after a Lower Blepharoplasty. You are asked to sleep in a recliner or with the head of the bed elevated on 2-3 pillows for 2 weeks to help with swelling. You will be given a prescription for eyedrops and ophthalmic ointment to help prevent dryness. The permanent suture is removed in clinic at 7 days after surgery.
Patients may complain of soreness for several days. Swelling and bruising are typically present for 2 weeks, during which time you may opt not to go to public events. After 2-3 weeks, most of the swelling will not be noticeable by other people. However, you may still notice it yourself. Full healing should occur by 6 weeks after surgery.
You may drive the following day as long as there are no issues with your vision. You should not drive until 24 hours after your last dose of narcotics.
To access full postoperative instructions, please click here.
What are the Risks of a Lower Blepharoplasty?
Risks from a blepharoplasty include bleeding and infection. Infection is very rare; patients are given an antibiotic after surgery to help prevent them. Bleeding risk is higher in patients who have blood pressure issues or who do not adhere to recommended post-op instructions.
Incisions around the eyelid include the risk of ectropion (eyelids everting away from the eye) or entropion (eyelids inverting towards the eye) as well as lid lag (inability to close eyes fully). Surgical tape and gentle massage will typically help these issues improve over time. Your surgeon will help you address any potential issues that may arise.
Operating around the eye, there is a theoretical possibility of damage to the eye that can lead to blindness - this would be exceedingly rare.
It is important not to smoke or be around smokers before surgery or during the healing process as it may increase the risk of poor wound healing, yielding a poor overall result.
Risks can be minimized by adhering very closely to the prescribed postoperative instructions as given by your surgeon.
What Can I Expect from a Lower Blepharoplasty?
Lower Blepharoplasty creates an impactful change that makes you look more refreshed and vibrant. Many patients think that they look younger without the baggy and sunken eyelids. They also comment that friends, family, and coworkers no longer say they look tired all of the time.
Results can be improved with the addition of skincare products for your eyes, including many products from our ZO Skin Health line such as the Wrinkle & Texture Repair.
Before & After of Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Always be sure to consult with a Board Eligible or a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to determine if getting a Lower Blepharoplasty is right for you! Dr. David Nguyen would be happy to see you in consultation to walk you through the process and discuss your results. Call 657-900-5055 for a free consultation today!
For pricing, please contact our office directly at (657) 900-5055.
See More Face Before & After Photos