Indications: Under Eye Bags, Wrinkled Under Eye Skin
Anesthesia: Twilight
Surgery Type: Outpatient
Surgery time: 1 hour (often less)
Downtime: 1.5-2 weeks
Removal of Stitches: N/A, all sutures dissolve over 1 week
Technique: Removal of excess fat of the lower eyelid via an incision hidden on the inside of the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach), removal of excess skin of the lower eyelid via an incision just underneath the eyelashes (skin pinch approach).
Complementary Procedures: Fat Transfer (aka Liposculture) can be very helpful to help smooth the contour between the lower eyelid and cheek. Laser resurfacing can be performed to help further tighten wrinkled skin in the undereye area.
Cost: The cost depends on your particular anatomy, whether the surgery is a revision or primary, and whether there are special considerations for your case. To get a quote, you can contact us to set up a free consultation with Dr Bovenzi Phone: 303-741-2211 Email: info@smithcosmeticsurgery.com
Lower eyelid rejuvenation can take many forms based on your specific anatomy. As the lower eyelid ages, the skin becomes more lax and forms wrinkles both under the eyes and next to the eyes (the crow’s feet area). Additionally, bags under the eyes can form. These can make you appear tired even if you have all the energy in the world. These bags form because the connective tissue around the eyes becomes loose over time with the loss of collagen. There is shock-absorbing fat that lives around the eyes that can bulge outwards when this connective tissue loses its strength, causing the appearance of lower eye bags. To treat these causes of aging, our facial plastic surgeons in Denver Dr. Bovenzi and Dr. Smith perform a lower blepharoplasty procedure.
Eye bag surgery in Denver offers a number of benefits. This facial plastic surgery procedure removes and/or repositions bulging fat in the lower eyelids, reducing the appearance of puffiness. It also tightens the lower eyelids, reducing laxity and wrinkles. These changes rejuvenate the eyes.
Good candidates for a lower lid lift are unhappy with the appearance of their eyes due to lower-eyelid wrinkles, puffiness, and/or sagging. Optimal candidates are in good overall health and do not have any eye conditions that could result in complications.
Non-smokers are ideal candidates for lower eyelid surgery. The best candidates are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
Before a date is set for your surgery, you will meet with Dr. Bovenzi or Dr. Smith at Smith Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Aesthetic Center for a lower blepharoplasty consultation. They will ask you about your blepharoplasty goals and expectations.
Your surgeon will perform an examination of your eyelids, and he may take photographs as a reference. He will also ask you about your complete medical history, including questions regarding current medications, allergies, pre-existing health conditions, and past procedures.
Next, your surgeon will talk to you about the steps involved in lower eyelid surgery in great detail, including recovery directions. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Just like with upper eyelid surgery, when preparing for lower eyelid surgery, make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully. If you are a smoker, you will need to quit smoking several weeks before the date of your surgery. Smoking can increase the likelihood of complications during and after surgery.
You will also need to stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications can increase the risk of surgical and post-surgical bleeding. Certain herbal supplements should also be avoided.
Since you will not be able to drive immediately after your lower blepharoplasty in Denver, arrange for a ride home in advance. It’s best to set this up with a friend or a family member.
This procedure is done under anesthesia and while you are asleep, the excess fat is teased out and removed using an incision on the inside of the eyelid. This technique allows you to have this area rejuvenated with minimal scarring. If extra skin also needs to be removed this is done with a small incision just underneath the eyelashes. Of all facial surgery incisions, this one under the lower eyelashes heals the best- the incisions are almost imperceptible after 1 to 2 weeks.
Occasionally, patients need the lower eyelid bulging fat removed as well as additional fat replaced in the area where the lower lid and cheek meet. In this way, you can have lower eyelid bags removed while having any “tear trough” filled in, giving a revitalized appearance to entire lower lid and cheek area. This is done by replacing the facial fat that is slowly lost with aging with your own fat taken from your abdomen or thighs.
Recovery from lower blepharoplasty is generally well-tolerated. It is rare that patients need to use any pain medication stronger than Tylenol after the first day. You may get swelling and/or bruising which heal in about 1.5 to 2 weeks.
During the lower eyelid surgery healing process, keep your head elevated at all times and apply cold compresses in order to bring down swelling and bruising.
You will need to apply eye drops and ointments after surgery to prevent dryness. Antibiotics will also be necessary to avoid infections.
To protect the temporarily weakened eyelid tissues from sun, wind, and pollution, wear sunglasses during recovery. Apply sunscreen often, since the chance of sun damage will be higher.
After all swelling and bruising have disappeared and healing is complete, you will be able to see the results of your lower lid blepharoplasty. The lower eyelids will no longer droop, and lower-eyelid puffiness will be greatly reduced in favor of a more even look. This helps patients look more youthful and fresh.
Lower eyelid surgery is the most long-lasting method to rejuvenate this area of the face, and the results cannot be replicated with fillers, injections, and other methods that do not address the underlying anatomical changes that surgery can target. However, the nonsurgical options for this area can be helpful if a patient has more subtle signs of aging. One great benefit of our practice is that Dr. Bovenzi is well-trained in both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for all areas of the face and he can help guide whether your specific facial anatomy would best benefit from undereye filler, crow’s feet botox, PRP injections, CO2 laser therapy, or lower blepharoplasty.
To learn more about lower blepharoplasty in Denver, schedule a consultation with our skilled facial plastic surgeons. For a free consultation, feel free to contact us below!
