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Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower Blepharoplasty: What to Expect

Guide:

What Is Lower Blepharoplasty?

Rejuvenating the appearance of the lower eyelids traditionally involved the primary focus of reducing wrinkles, excess skin, and fat bulges through surgical excision. 

You may be wondering. What is lower blepharoplasty like today? While modern lower blepharoplasty still incorporates fat and skin removal, contemporary approaches emphasize a more tissue-preserving mindset. This may involve techniques, like suborbicularis fat repositioning with fat transfer methods, to restore the loss of youthful volume in the under-eye hollows.

Lower blepharoplasty targets common concerns like dark circles, under-eye bags, and sagging skin, but also addresses wrinkles beneath the eyes. Given that most non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments are not suited to treat the delicate skin in this area, there is still no effective minimally invasive alternative to surgical intervention underneath the eyes.

Wondering what other eyelid surgery options are out there? If you’re concerned with drooping upper eyelids or hooded eyes, you may be better suited for upper blepharoplasty or double eyelid surgery.

How Long Does Lower Blepharoplasty Last?

Now that you know the goals and benefits of the procedure, you may be asking yourself, what is lower blepharoplasty longevity like? Lower eyelid surgery is typically a one-and-done procedure, according to Cleveland Clinic

You can be proactive about maintaining your lower eyelid surgery results by:

Staying hydrated

Keep water by your side at all times. Hydration is key to maintaining supple, firm, glowing skin, especially in the delicate area around the eyes.

Nourishing your body with a balanced diet

The food you put in your body can promote fast skin healing and good elasticity. Maintain a nutritious diet full of foods and supplements rich in protein, collagen molecules, and antioxidants.

Staying active

Being physically active truly does help you look and feel younger and helps maintain tight, radiant, and healthy skin. Finding an exercise routine that fits your schedule is a worthwhile investment of time and energy.

Developing a medical-grade skincare routine

Staying moisturized, especially around the eye area, is essential to protecting your investment in lower eyelid surgery. We recommend teaming up with a skincare professional for a personalized skincare routine to follow day-to-day.

Maintaining regular minimally invasive facial rejuvenation treatments

Partner with an aesthetic professional experienced with the various nonsurgical rejuvenation treatments available to maintain the results your lower blepharoplasty delivers. Treatments such as injectable fillers, Botox, and lasers are excellent anti-aging options to combine with your beauty treatment plan.

How Much Is A Lower Blepharoplasty?

You’re probably eager to know. What is lower blepharoplasty pricing like and does it suit your budget? Based on over 5,000 reviews from patients on RealSelf, the average cost of blepharoplasty is $4,950. However, depending on your surgeon’s geographical location and experience with the procedure, the price can range as high as $12,149. 

If your procedure is lower blepharoplasty alone, it will be less expensive than a double blepharoplasty as it is a more straightforward surgery.

The cost of your lower blepharoplasty can vary depending on several factors, including:

  • Your surgeon’s fees
  • Whether your procedure is done at a private plastic surgery facility or in a hospital
  • How much your plastic surgery center charges for follow-up appointments
  • Whether your anesthesia is taken care of by an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist
  • The cost of recovery supplies such as postoperative pain and infection prevention medications prescribed by your doctor
  • The cost of specific surgery supplies needed for your procedure

How Is A Lower Blepharoplasty Performed?

During lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Ho Taghva makes a thin incision either in the natural crease along the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid, to ensure virtually unnoticeable scars once fully healed. She uses these incisions to redistribute or eliminate excess fat and tighten sagging skin and muscle to diminish bags and wrinkles.

Following under-eye surgery, the recovery is notably expedited when local anesthesia is used over general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used depends on the patient’s personal preferences and how invasive their treatment plan is.

When local anesthesia is used, patients can typically return home after resting at our surgical facility for a brief time postoperative.

Dr. Ho Taghva and our nurses usually recommend a topical antibiotic cream,  anti-inflammatory medication, and applying a cold compress for 2-3 days following your lower blepharoplasty.

When Can I Wear Makeup After Lower Blepharoplasty?

Seeing yourself in makeup again for the first time after lower eyelid surgery is an exciting experience. Because the procedure targets dark circles and under-eye bags, many patients are thrilled with not having to put on as much concealer under their eyes. The results of lower eyelid surgery make applying makeup easier than before, resulting in a much better appearance when your makeup is on.

Patience is key when applying makeup around the eyes again after blepharoplasty surgery. Waiting the appropriate amount of time before returning to your usual makeup routine helps prevent infections and may speed up your healing process. 

At LEA Plastic Surgery, we typically recommend our Newport Beach lower blepharoplasty patients avoid makeup application for about 2-3 weeks. This can vary depending on your specific recovery, so please check with your surgical team before putting makeup on.

Each of Dr. Ho Taghva’s patients receives personalized aftercare instructions based on their treatment plan and specific needs. This minimizes any risk of complications and promotes the best healing.

Initial healing after under-eye plastic surgery typically takes less than two weeks. It is best to avoid strenuous physical activity for 3-4 weeks following surgery to protect your investment, avoid a longer recovery, and maximize your results.

It’s normal to have some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after lower eyelid surgery, but this should fade gradually over the following days provided you follow your aftercare instructions. It can take a month or longer for some patients to see final results, so don’t feel stressed if your healing takes longer than expected.

Are you ready to ditch those dark circles and puffy under-eye bags and achieve a brighter, happier, younger appearance? Request a consultation with Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva to discuss your goals, get a comprehensive assessment of your concerns, and receive a professional recommendation on the best lower eyelid treatment plan tailored to your needs.