Lower Blepharoplasty (Eyelift)
Aging, genetics, and lifestyle can all contribute to changes in the delicate area under the eyes, leading to puffiness, sagging skin, and dark circles. At Palo Alto Dermatology Institute in Palo Alto, California, our board-certified dermatologic surgeons specialize in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including lower blepharoplasty, to help patients achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the area beneath the eyes. It targets concerns such as under-eye bags, loose or sagging skin, and fine wrinkles. By removing or repositioning excess fat, tightening muscles, and smoothing the skin, this procedure enhances the contour of the lower eyelid for a natural and revitalized look. This procedure is also valuable to treat lower eyelid laxity caused by laxity of the tendon that controls the height of the lower eyelid with a procedure called a canthoplasty.
The lower eyelids are one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Puffiness and sagging can make individuals appear tired, stressed, or older than they are. Lower blepharoplasty is a highly effective solution for those looking to:
- Reduce under-eye bags caused by protruding fat pads.
- Smooth wrinkles and fine lines in the lower eyelid region.
- Eliminate sagging skin for a tighter, more youthful contour.
- Improve overall facial harmony and confidence.
This procedure is also popular among individuals whose concerns persist despite lifestyle changes or non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers.
A good candidate for lower blepharoplasty is someone in generally good health, who doesn’t smoke, has normal eyelid position and function, has realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure and desires a long-lasing result that nonsurgical treatments cannot provide.
It is important for candidates to have healthy eyelid skin and lid anatomy and no underlying medical conditions that could affect healing. During the consultation, our team will review your medical history and assess your specific concerns to determine if this procedure is right for you.
At Palo Alto Dermatology Institute, we prioritize a personalized approach to patient care. During your consultation, one of our skilled providers will carefully evaluate your lower eyelid area, discuss your goals, and explain what can realistically be achieved with lower blepharoplasty. Using decades of experience with thousands of procedures, we will design a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique facial structure and aesthetic preferences.
Lower blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with or without IV sedation. Dr. Morganroth will make a small incision on inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach) using a carbon dioxide laser to minimize bleeding. He only preforms lower blepharoplasty with the transconjunctival approach and combines it with laser resurfacing to the outer eyelid skin to create a more natural outcome without the visible scarring and potential lid shape alteration possible with the more common transcutaneous approach.
Ultrapulse CO2 laser is combined with transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty for moderate to severe lower lid wrinkles, whereas Fraxel repair or fractional CO2 laser is used for mild to moderate lower lid wrinkles. With this approach there are no sutures and no visible scars because the incisions are on the inside of the lower lid.
The procedure involves:
- Removing or redistributing excess fat to reduce puffiness.
- Tightening loose skin to smooth wrinkles.
- Reshaping the lower eyelid area for a refreshed and natural appearance.
The entire surgery typically lasts less than one hour, and patients can return home the same day.
Many patients chose to have both an upper and lower blepharoplasty with a full-face laser resurfacing, chemical peels, facelifts, neck liposuction and other procedures for full rejuvenation.
Recovery from lower blepharoplasty is usually straightforward. Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days, which can be managed with prescribed medications and cold compresses. You will be advised to avoid strenuous activities for two weeks and protect the eyes from sun exposure during the initial healing period.
Within one to two weeks, the majority of swelling and bruising subsides, revealing smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking lower eyelids. Final results are typically visible after several months, with long-lasting improvements to your appearance and confidence.
Dr. Morganroth has performed thousands of lower blepharoplasties with his innovative local anesthesia technique utilizing two different carbon dioxide lasers. His technique to reduce the prominent lower lid fat bags is suture free. There are no visible incisions or scars because the procedure is performed inside the lower eyelid. The lower lid skin, often sundamaged and wrinkled, is tightened without removing the skin and without sutures or scars. His technique is designed to not disrupt the natural shape and contours of the eyelid. While this local anesthesia laser technique sounds like a new and ground breaking procedure, Dr. Morganroth has performed this exact surgery for decades.
If you’re ready to rejuvenate your under-eye area and achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance, contact Palo Alto Dermatology Institute in Palo Alto, California. Our expert dermatologic surgeons are dedicated to providing exceptional care and delivering natural-looking results tailored to your unique needs. Call us today to schedule your personalized consultation.
