LOWER BLEPHAROPLASTY
As you age, the muscles beneath your skin grow weak, allowing fat protrude through and cause bags. A lower blepharoplasty, also known as a lower eyelid surgery, corrects this protruding fat, and removes any loose skin. The goal is to create a smooth contour from your lower lash line down to midface. Dark circles go hand-in-hand with upper-eye bags. Fat that has fallen forward can be removed or repositioned right below where the tissues has fallen to reduce dark shadows that are cast to the eye. I perform these procedures without general anesthesia. There are two approaches, depending on whether skin and fat need to be removed or just fat. Incisions are placed inside the lid or just beneath the lower lash line. Fat and/or skin or removed and the muscle tightened to give a youthful and balanced look. Laser resurfacing can also be used tighten loose skin and resurface ne lines once the fat bags are removed.
“THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT HEAVY BAGS UNDER THE EYES IS WITH LOWER BLEPHAROPLASTY. I WORK TO RESTORE THE UNDERLYING STRUCTURE OF THE EYE, ELIMINATING PUFFINESS IN THE AREA” DR. NEO
RESTORE THE LOWER EYELID CLEANLINESS
- PROCEDURE TIME: 40’ to 1.30 hour
- RECOVERY TIME: 5 to 10 days, avoid strenuous activity for three weeks
- HOW LONG IT LASTS: Eight years or longer
MAIN REASONS TO EXAMINATE LOWER BLINDOPLASTY (lower eyelid correction surgery)
- IF YOU HAVE UNDER-EYE HALLOWS… A loss of fat causes a hollowing effect under the eyes which can be minimized with a combination of fat or fillers and lower blepharoplasty.
- CORRECTS EXCESS SKIN AND SAGGY TISSUE THAT HIDES THE NATURAL CREASE OF THE EYELID
- SMOOTH OUT UNDER-EYE BAGS AND DECREASE DARK CIRCLES
- REMOVE BAGS, LOOSE SKIN AND LIFT THE BROW
A TIP FOR ERASING LINES
A NONSURGICAL WAY TO ENHANCE YOUR RESULT
If you’re not quite ready for surgery, or your only concern is restoring last volume and not excess skin, fillers may be just what you need to rejuvenate the eye area. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used off-label to fill in under-eye hollows and create a smooth contour from your lower eyelid down to your cheek. Fillers are also frequently used to enhance your surgical outcome. The results typically last six month to a year. Neurotoxins can be used to address common problem areas such as crow’s-feet that blepharoplasty cannot correct.
TEAR TROUGHS VS BAGS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
The area under the eyes is one of the first areas where fat loss becomes noticeable. A lot of patients complain of bags under their eyes, but they are really experiencing tear troughs, or hallows, which transpire because of fat that gets lost in the cheeks. As the hollows become more pronounced, the eyes look more tired. Restoring volume with fat or fillers is the only way to reduce the look of the tear troughs.
“COMBING EYE-REJUVENATING PROCEDURES ALLOWS ME TO FULLY ADDRESS ALL OF YOUR AGE-RELATED CONCERNS IN ONE SITTING” DR. NEO
COMBINATION SURGERIES: REFRESH, REJUVENATE, REPOSITION
Although it’s not necessary to always perform both upper and lower eyelid surgery, many say that it is often the best way to refresh your overall appearance. Performing blepharoplasty in tandem with a fat transfer, laser resurfacing or a brow lift is a surefire what to address all of your aging eye concerns. The eyes are part of the cheek complex and treating both will further balance the results. It is important to note that neither an upper or lower blepharoplasty will eliminate crow’s feet or other facial wrinkles.
WHAT TO EXPECT
During combination procedure that addresses the upper and lower eyelids, the incisions are made in the natural crease of the lid or hidden in the lash line. The brow lift and an upper blepharoplasty are done together to achieve a natural end result. The brow position can be elevated via hairline incisions at the temples to improve the shape and height. Fat transfer filler can be done to treat the under-eye and cheek hollows and laser resurfacing smooths the lines around the eyes and forehead. Within one week, you will notice more youthful-looking eyes. Swelling and bruising should subside within two weeks. I regularly perform these with facelift and neck lifts as well.
FAQ's
I’M HAVING A LOWER EYELIFT. DO I NEED TO HAVE VOLUME RESTORED, TOO?
Volume restoration can enhance lower eyelid results when the under-eye and cheek hollows are prominent. Volume loss in the midface (the area below the eyes – can contribute to an older, more tired appearance. Restoring volume in this area results in a smoother transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek, making you appear younger and refreshed. I usually restore volume with a fat transfer.
HOW WILL MY SCARS LOOK ONCE I AM FULLY HEALED?
The upper eyelid incisions are placed in the natural crease of the lid, and if carried out further, are placed into a pre-existing crow’s-feet, so they heal very well and are not usually visible after surgery. There are no scars if lower eyelid surgery is performed through the inside of the eyelid. If done from the outside, the incision is placed right below the lash line. There is always a small risk of visible lines, but these usually dissipate soon afterward.
WILL I HAVE DRESSINGS OR BANDAGES ON MY EYES WHEN I WAKE UP FROM SURGERY?
There are no bandages or dressings, but i do require my patients to use ice packs on the eyes for the first 48 hours+ after surgery. This helps to minimize swelling and bruising and speed recovery.
POST EYE LID SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS
- After getting home, continue resting comfortably for the next 24 hours with your head elevated. Have someone assist you in getting up out, going to the restroom, etc. for the first day or two.
- Sleep on your back with 3 to 4 pillows behind your head and back for the next 3-4 nights following your surgery. This will help minimize the amount of facial edema (swelling) and ecchymosis (bruising) around your eyes after surgery. The amount depends on the extent of the surgery as well as the individual’s tendency of bruising.
- To help minimize swelling and discomfort, you may apply ice cold compresses to the eyes every 2-4 hours during the first 24 hours after surgery. For compresses grab a small clean bowl filled with ice and water, soak large gauze sponges in cold water then squeeze out excess water then place over eyes. Keep sponges on until they lose their coldness over the eyes. Repeat this over and over again.
- If you experience pain, please take your prescribed pain medication as directed. This medication should be taken with food to prevent nausea. A simple pain killer may be taken in the place of your prescription.
- If you were discharged with an oral antibiotic, take it through its full cycle as directed.
- If you were on the Vita Medica supplement plan you may resume after getting home. No other medication should be taken for the first 10 days after surgery. Avoid alcohol while taking any medications.
- Call your doctors office immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: Temperature above 101.8°F, shakes and chills, severe unrelieved pain, or bright red blood from the incision site or sudden onset of significant swelling of one or both eyes.
- If you are given OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT AND/OR EYE DROPS apply as directed by your doctor. If the ophthalmic ointment gets in your eyes do not be alarmed if your vision becomes blurred, this is a normal occurrence. Continue this care until your post-operative visit with your doctor.
- Drink plenty of fluids. It is easy to become dehydrated after surgery. Dehydration may cause nausea and dizziness.
- Sutures may be present along the incision site. If so they will be removed within 3 to 5 days in the doctor’s office. After the first 24 hours, you may wash your face gently with a mild soap and gently pat dry with a soft clean towel.
- Do not strain your eyes by excessive reading or television watching for long periods of time for the first 3-5 days after surgery.
- Do not engage in any strenuous activities for the next 4-6 weeks after surgery. Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects for the first 5-7 days. Exertion that elevates blood pressure can cause bleeding. You may resume light exercise and or your normal activities after your first post operative visit with your doctor.
- It is recommended that you wear a dark pair of sunglasses when being in the outdoors for the first 3 weeks following your surgery, as you may be sensitive to bright light.
- If you wear contact lenses, you should wait approximately 5 days after surgery before inserting them. This amount of time will allow the eyes to regain its normal functioning ability to lubricate themselves.
- Do not use any make-up on the incision site or other areas until you are 2-3 weeks out of surgery or otherwise instructed by your doctor.
- It is greatly suggested to use sunblock with a minimum of SPF 15 for the next 3 months to help protect your incision sites from burning. All fresh new scars are hypersensitive to sunlight, causing a tendency to burn.
- Please avoid all forms of nicotine two weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor and may increase risks of unnecessary post-operative complications. In general, be aware that smoking or the use of unauthorized medications can lead to complications and jeopardize the results of your surgery.