One of the most common oculoplasty (OPC) procedures is blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery. Lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is performed to correct sagging and puffiness in the lower eyelid. This surgery can be performed externally by removing excess skin that sags with age, or internally using a closed technique in younger patients without sagging skin. It can also be performed in conjunction with upper eyelid blepharoplasty (four-eyelid blepharoplasty). The goal of lower eyelid surgery is to optimize the lower eyelid by removing and/or repositioning the appropriate amount of fat pads that also protect the eye. The decision on which surgeries to perform is made by considering all factors, including the patient’s needs and eye structure.
Sagging and/or bags under the lower eyelids can make a person look tired, sad, and/or sleep-deprived, causing aesthetic discomfort. After lower eyelid (LEL) blepharoplasty, our patients achieve more rested and vibrant eyes, a younger appearance, and improved quality of life.
The surgical scar, if made externally, is hidden by the eyelashes because it is placed just below the lash line. However, in internally performed ACL blepharoplasty ( sutureless/transconjunctival lower eyelid surgery ), also known as the closed technique, there is no external skin incision. In younger patients without excess skin, the internal approach ( transconjunctival blepharoplasty ) is preferred, and this method is much safer than the external approach.
What should you know before lower eyelid blepharoplasty?
Before lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery, your general health status is carefully assessed, particularly regarding blood thinners, green tea consumption, herbal supplements, wound healing characteristics (such as excessive scarring or inadequate wound healing from previous surgeries), and any accompanying eye diseases and topical eye drops you are using. The presence of dry eyes and previous refractive surgeries should be evaluated by your ophthalmologist. Therefore, before surgery, you must inform your doctor about all existing illnesses, previous surgeries, and medications you are taking.
Anesthesia in Lower Eyelid Aesthetic Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, with or without sedation. However, it can also be performed under general anesthesia in patients with panic attacks, anxiety, and/or sleep difficulties.
Duration of Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery typically takes around an hour. However, the duration of the surgery may be longer depending on the patient’s accompanying medical conditions and/or if additional procedures such as quadruple blepharoplasty, repositioning of the sagging tear gland, eyebrow lift, or almond-shaped eyelid surgery are performed in the same session as upper eyelid surgery. The patient is usually discharged the same day after the surgery.
Things to Consider After Lower Eyelid Aesthetic Surgery
After aesthetic lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery, swelling, bleeding, and redness may occur around the eyes, but these usually resolve within a week. If the surgery was performed externally using sutures, these are removed at the follow-up appointment after one week. Sutures are not used in surgeries performed internally. Rest, lying slightly elevated, and applying ice are important for good wound healing in the first few days. In the initial period after lower eyelid aesthetic surgery, it is necessary to avoid activities that may increase intra-abdominal and intraocular pressure, such as constipation, severe coughing, sneezing, and heavy lifting. Normal activities can be resumed at the end of the first week, but strenuous exercise and activities should still be avoided for 3-4 weeks.
We recommend rest for the first week after surgery to ensure a healthy recovery period. However, you can adjust this timeframe more accurately by discussing it with your doctor, depending on your work situation. Many factors negatively affect wound healing in the eyelids, such as prolonged sun exposure, smoking and alcohol use, irregular sleep, and air pollution. Therefore, being mindful of these factors is important for the long-term success of your surgery.
How can I get information about the prices of lower eyelid surgery?
The price of lower eyelid blepharoplasty varies depending on any accompanying issues the patient may have (e.g., blepharoplasty of all four eyelids including the upper eyelid, eyebrow drooping, weakness of the muscle that lifts the eye due to eyelid drooping, condition of the tear gland, etc.). The cost of lower eyelid blepharoplasty changes depending on whether one or more of these factors are present. After an examination by your ophthalmologist, you can receive the most suitable answer based on your needs and the recommendations of your doctor.
By creating a “PERSONALIZED” treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique characteristics and eye structure, we make decisions together with the patient, discussing all the details. As an ophthalmologist who has received training in oculofascial surgery, contributed to the training of many young colleagues in this field during and after their specialization, and has extensive case experience in OPC, I perform AGK Blepharoplasty surgery by considering the eye and its surroundings as a whole, protecting the function and health of the eye.
*The page content is for informational purposes only. Results may vary from person to person in every surgical procedure. For diagnosis and treatment, please consult your ophthalmologist.