Do you look in the mirror and feel like your puffy under eyes make you look tired or give you an aged appearance? As you age, the delicate skin and muscles around the eyes often change faster than other facial features.
Under-eye bags, dark shadows, and wrinkled lower eyelids add to the tired, worn-out look. If puffy eyes or sagging lower lids make you appear older and more fatigued, a procedure known as a lower blepharoplasty could help turn back time and improve your confidence.
Keep reading to learn what a lower blepharoplasty is!
What is Lower Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a type of plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the eyelids. There are two types of blepharoplasty procedures: upper eyelid blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty.
An upper blepharoplasty focuses on correcting droopiness in the upper eyelids, while a lower blepharoplasty addresses puffiness in the lower eyelids. A lower blepharoplasty specifically targets the area below the lower lash line and aims to correct excess fat, bags, and wrinkles in the lower eyelid area.
The oculoplastic surgeon will make tiny incisions just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid and remove excess fat, trim skin, and tighten or reposition the lower eyelid muscles. The result is a more youthful and refreshed appearance to the under-eye area with reduced bags, wrinkles, and dark circles.
What is the Difference between a Lower and Upper Blepharoplasty?
An upper blepharoplasty removes droopy upper eyelid skin and fat to open up and widen the eyes. A lower blepharoplasty treats under-eye bags, dark circles, and wrinkles on the lower eyelids and cheeks.
Both procedures aim to rejuvenate a tired, aged eye area for a more youthful appearance. In some cases, both of these procedures can be combined to restore the eyelids to a more youthful shape.
What Happens During Lower Blepharoplasty?
First, your eye doctor will numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. Then, small incisions are made just below the lower lash lines or inside the lower eyelid.
Through these incisions, excess fat is removed or redistributed, and excess skin is also removed. Your eye surgeon will carefully make these incisions so that the scarring is well hidden and looks natural.
The surrounding muscles may also be tightened. These enhancements make the area under the eyes look less puffy.
The procedure typically takes anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour to complete. After the procedure, your eyes may be lubricated with ointment and covered with a protective eye shield to prevent rubbing.
Since blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, you will get to go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home after surgery since your vision may be blurry due to the ointment.
How Do I Know If I Am a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
If you are considering lower blepharoplasty surgery, the first step is scheduling a consultation with your eye doctor at Rosenthal Eye Surgery, who specializes in eyelid procedures. They will conduct an exam to see if you meet the criteria to be a good surgical candidate.
Your eye doctor will thoroughly evaluate your eyes, eyelids, and facial anatomy to determine if a lower blepharoplasty is a good option to accomplish your goals.
You may be a good candidate for lower blepharoplasty if you exhibit these signs of aging:
- Under-eye bags and puffiness
- Dark circles
- Sagging or loose lower eyelid skin
- Wrinkles under or around the eyes
The best blepharoplasty candidates are in overall good health without serious eye conditions or uncontrolled medical issues. If you are a good candidate, you will be able to schedule the procedure.
Do you want to learn if you might be a good candidate for a lower blepharoplasty? Schedule a consultation at Rosenthal Eye Surgery in Great Neck, NY, today!
