What is a Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
A Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, removes excess skin from the lower eyelids. When our friends and family members say we look tired, in most cases, they are referring to the aging changes they see around our eyes. Blepharoplasty or eyelid lift is a surgical procedure designed to refresh the appearance around the eyes and create a more youthful look.  

What causes the eyelid skin to change?
The eyelid skin is the thinnest skin of the face. Thin skin has little collagen elasticity and is more susceptible to aging changes and sun damage. As we close our eyes, the lower eyelid is stationary and upper eyelid comes down to meet it. However, due to the effects of gravity the lower eyelid skin can stretch just like the upper eyelid. The mid-facial tissue support also weakens, contributing to the long, tired look of the lower eyelids (refer to midfacelift).

We all have pockets of fat around the eyes. This fat is protective; however there is normally a barrier which holds back the fat. As we age however, and in some individuals, the barrier weakens, allowing the fat to push forward, creating a puffy appearance. This occurs in both the upper eyelids and lower eyelids. As the fat pushes forward, it also contributes to stretching of the eyelid skin. When excess skin is the problem in the lower eyelids, it can be removed and tightened with a lower eyelid Blepharoplasty procedure, or a lower eyelid lift. When puffiness is also evident due to fat pushing or herniating forward, the excess fat should also be removed. However, most patients require some combination of skin and fat removal to correct the lower eyelid appearance

How is Lower  Eyelid surgery preformed?
In lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon makes the incision in an inconspicuous site along the lashline and smile creases of the lower lid. Excess fat, muscle, and skin are then trimmed away before the incision is closed with fine sutures. Some patients have puffiness from herniated fat without skin laxity. In there cases, a transconjunectival blepharoplasty procedure is used. The incision in this case is made inside the lower eyelid, and excess fatty material is removed. Often times a form of skin resurfacing (chemical peels, plasma resurfacing, CO2 Laser) is performed in combination with lower eyelid procedures to improve skin texture.  A certain degree of swelling and bruising is normal. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, will help with recovery. Patients can typically return to work within one week.

Am I a candidate for  lower blepharoplasty?
Successful facial plastic surgery is a result of good rapport between patient and surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and medical expertise, develops in the consulting stages before surgery. Your surgeon can answer specific questions about your specific needs.

As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Blepharoplasty removes the excess fat, muscle, and skin from both upper and lower lids. The results can be a refreshed appearance, with a younger, firmer eye area.

People with circulatory, ophthalmological, or serious medical conditions must rely on the diagnostic skills of their own personal specialists to determine whether blepharoplasty is an option to consider. Consultation with the facial plastic surgeon can help you decide whether any additional, complementary surgery would increase the success of the surgery. Your surgeon might recommend planning a simultaneous forehead lift or browlift to correct a drooping brow and smooth the forehead, or skin resurfacing to remove the fine line wrinkling in the eye area.

Whether the surgery is desired for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. During the pre-surgical consultation, you will be examined or asked to answer queries concerning vision, tear production, use of lenses, and your desires for surgery. Your surgeon will explain what you can expect from blepharoplasty and take a complete medical history. Factors to be weighed include age, skin type, ethnic background, and degree of vision obstruction. Furthermore, you can expect an open and honest exchange between you and your surgeon, which will establish the basis for a successful outcome.

After a mutual decision is made by both you and your surgeon, the technique indicated for your individual surgery will be discussed. The type of anesthesia, the surgical facility, any supportive surgery, and the risks and costs inherent in the procedure will be outlined.

How long is recovery?
In most cases, patients are able to return to work and resume normal activities after one week. It is advised that patients wear sunglasses in the summer months following surgery in order to protect the area from the sun and to aid in minimizing scarring.

How do I choose my surgeon?
No matter what type of cosmetic surgery or aesthetic procedure you are considering, your most crucial decision will be your choice of physician.  Make sure your physician is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Look for a surgeon who specializes specifically in facial procedures. If you elect to have a surgical procedure, make sure the procedure will be done in an accredited facility. Ask how often your surgeon performs the procedure in question. The more you know about your surgeon and the procedure the more likely you will be pleased with the outcome.

What is the next step?
If you are interested in exploring the possibility of a blepharoplasty, call The Sullivan Centre, central Ohio's only free standing ambulatory surgical facility dedicated to cosmetic surgery at (614) 436-8888.