CURRENT
Facial Plastic Surgery
CURRENT
Facial Plastic Surgery
Lower Blepharoplasty
Current Facial Plastic Surgery is a destination for lower blepharoplasty surgery (lower eyelid) in Myrtle Beach and the Carolinas. Dr. Novis is an expert in surgery of the delicate eyelid area and uses her training and experience to provide natural results with minimal recovery.
What is a CURRENT Lower Blepharoplasty?
Lower eyelid bags are a telltale sign of aging and often give individuals a “tired” appearance. Lower eyelid bags can be seen with normal aging, and often there is a significant genetic component. Multiple components of lower eyelid bags must be addressed to give optimal results. The bag itself is caused by herniation of the fat pads around the orbit, through the orbital septum, which keeps the orbital contents in place.
Some people have a congenitally weak orbital septum which predisposes to early formation of lower eyelid bags. Additionally, as we age, the cheek volume descends, causing a tear trough deformity which is often characterized as “under-eye circles.” Laxity of the undereye skin or skin excess can also occur, worsening the appearance of under-eye bags and creating wrinkles.
Am I a candidate for Lower Blepharoplasty?
Ideal candidates for lower blepharoplasty, or lower eyelid surgery, typically include Candidates with puffiness, swelling, or fat deposits underneath the eyes, creating a tired or aged appearance. Those with excess skin or wrinkles under the eyes, often due to aging or genetics, lead to a tired or sad expression. Individuals with prominent dark circles or discoloration under the eyes may be caused by genetics, lifestyle factors, or aging. Candidates seeking to rejuvenate the lower eye area, enhance overall facial harmony, and achieve a more refreshed and rested look. Candidates for lower blepharoplasty should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
Procedure
Lower blepharoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia at a surgery center and is often combined with fat grafting and/or laser resurfacing for optimal results.
Shopping List:
- Tylenol
- Lubricating eye drops (Refresh, Systane, or saline eye drops, etc. We recommend avoiding Visine as it can be irritating)
- Ice packs/Bags of frozen peas
- Vaseline or Aquaphor
- Mineral sunscreen – active ingredients are zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide only. Do not use chemical sunscreen.
Your Recovery
After your procedure, you may notice swelling around the eye area. This is normal, and is caused by the numbing that was injected before surgery. After eight hours, this swelling will go down. However, swelling from the site will peak at 48 hours after your surgery. To help with this, you may apply an ice-pack for fifteen minutes out of the hour. You may notice swelling and/or bruising around the eyes, as well. This is normal and will improve with time. All incision sites should be kept lubricated with Vaseline or Aquaphor 2-3 times daily, or as often as needed, for the first 7-10 days to avoid scab formation. Before applying your Vaseline to the incision sites, use lubricating eye drops in each eye at least twice daily and as often as needed for watering or dryness. This is vital, as during the first week of recovery, swelling can prevent proper blinking, leading to dry eye. You should sleep with your head elevated for the first 1-2 weeks after your procedure to help with swelling. You may take prescribed pain medication or 500mg of Tylenol (acetaminophen) every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. You may stop any pain medication once you are no longer experiencing discomfort. With antibiotics, you should complete the entire supply to ensure infection does not develop. Bruising is common, especially if the surgery is performed in conjunction with fat grafting, and will resolve in 1-2 weeks.
Days 1-2
Swelling will be the worst the first couple of days after surgery, especially in the morning once you wake up. The undereye area will be very puffy but this is normal for the healing process. You should continue using ice-packs on the site for fifteen minutes out of the hour while awake during the first 48 hours after your procedure. For face washing, a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil should be used 1-2 times daily. It is important to not scrub your face, as this can irritate the site and cause scarring. Pat the area dry with a clean towel. Lastly, apply Vaseline or Aquaphor to all surgical sites. It is vital to not let the eyes dry out, so using lubricating eye drops is highly recommended. You may shower 48 hours after your procedure, avoiding scrubbing and soap around the eye area. Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible, applying a mineral sunscreen to all areas that may be exposed. You should continue wearing a mineral sunscreen for 6 months postoperatively, as lasered areas will be sun sensitive and prone to pigment changes.
Days 8-14
Sutures are removed about one week after your surgery. You should keep the incision sites lubricated with Vaseline or Aquaphor twice daily until all crusting resolves, usually after an additional week. Once the crusting is gone, you may transition to a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer (such as Alastin or Cetaphil) followed by mineral sunscreen in the mornings. Continue using Vaseline or Aquaphor in the evenings as needed for dryness. Avoid eye makeup or pulling on the brow/upper eyelid area for 3 weeks after your surgery. After 1 week, you may gradually resume normal physical activity but avoid heavy lifting or straining for 2 weeks.
If you experience extreme pain or swelling, nausea, vomiting, or are uncertain about something, please call our office at 834-371-1610
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Lower Blepharoplasty FAQ
Are there scars after eyelid bag surgery/Lower lid blepharoplasty?
Dr. Novis is an expert at scarless lower eyelid surgery. This is performed by making all incisions inside of the lower eyelid to prevent an external scar (transconjunctival blepharoplasty). For many patients the procedure can be performed without an external scar. In patients with excess skin or lower eyelid wrinkles in addition to lower eyelid bags, laser treatment may be recommended for skin tightening or a thin pinch of skin may be removed along the lower lash line.
Do I need to go to sleep for my lower lid blepharoplasty/ eyelid bag surgery?
Yes, Eyelid bag surgery/ Lower lid blepharoplasty is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.
Is a lower blepharoplasty painful?
Patients rarely report pain after lower lid blepharoplasty. Swelling and “tightness” are expected for the first week after the procedure and resolve with time.
Does blepharoplasty last forever/ Is blepharoplasty permanent?
Lower lid blepharoplasty/eyelid bag surgery is permanent and gives results that last many years. With normal continued aging, excess skin and volume loss or descent can develop over time and repeat blepharoplasty can be performed if needed.