A lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that repositions fatty tissue under the eye to rejuvenate the area. The skin surrounding the eye is some of the most sensitive in the body, and it is particularly affected by aging and sun exposure. This can lead to wrinkling, dark circles, and bulging. A lower eyelid lift can correct dark and puffy under-eyes by shifting and removing excess fat from the orbital fat pads. ⁽¹⁾

Dr. Andrew Wolin is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 35 years of experience. He utilizes modern technology and advanced methods to attain natural-looking and comprehensive results. At his Scottsdale practice, Dr. Wolin performs cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body to help his patients reach their aesthetic goals.

We offer private consultations for all surgical patients at Wolin Plastic Surgery Center. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Wolin, please call us at (480) 945-8440 or fill out this contact form.

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All About Lower Eyelid Lifts

The face is one of the first areas of the body that shows several signs of aging in rapid succession. With time, the collagen in our skin lessens and becomes weak, making the skin itself become lax. Lower eyelid laxity is referred to as dermatochalasis. This is only amplified when our muscles and tendons start to lose their integrity. When combined, these two natural parts of aging can create severe wrinkles, dark circles, and eye bags around the lower eyelids. Dr. Wolin performs a lower eyelid lift to reduce both bulk and loose skin from under the eye.

Infraorbital Fat Pads

The lower eyelid encapsulates three distinct fat pads referred to as nasal, central, and lateral to identify where they are located. With age, these fat pads can shift lower than their natural position, creating bulk just beneath the lid and the inner corner of the eye. As they shift, there are typically sections of prolapsed fatty tissue that are easy to remove to improve contour. A lower eyelid lift addresses these concerns to restore lid shape. ⁽²⁾

Lower Blepharoplasty Techniques

There are two main approaches to the lower eyelid lift: transcutaneous and transconjunctival.

The transcutaneous approach requires an external incision along the bottom of the lower lash line. Dr. Wolin enters the eyelid to address the fat pads, determining whether removal or repositioning is necessary to achieve the optimal eyelid shape. To preserve proper eyelid functioning, he makes conservative tissue removal during this approach. ⁽³⁾

During the transconjunctival method, Dr. Wolin places the incision on the inside of the eyelid. He typically uses this technique on patients who present with puffiness under the eye, but little excess skin. The surgical field is completely visible and easily reachable with an internal incision, making this method popular and commonly performed. Since the incisions are hidden by the lid, the transconjunctival approach does not leave a visible scar and often requires no sutures. ⁽³⁾

Benefits of a Lower Eyelid Lift

This procedure reduces:

Lower eyelid lifts remove or shift orbital fat to enhance your eye contour. This procedure is extremely customizable and combinable. Patients often look well-rested and more awake after, and their new complexion boosts their overall confidence and self-esteem. It can improve tear trough hollowing or bulging and may increase cheekbone definition. Reducing wrinkles around the eye provides anti-aging benefits that last for many years.

Ideal Candidates

To qualify for lower blepharoplasty, patients should be in good health with reasonable expectations about the potential results of surgery. They typically have dark circles, bags, or large amounts of excess skin under the eyes. Alternatively, they could have hollowing near the tear trough or beneath the lid that a lower eyelid lift can correct. Candidates who smoke should be willing to quit at least 4 weeks before their surgery to decrease the risk of complications.

Those with cataracts or other serious eye conditions should not undergo this surgery.

Some qualifying candidates may also have ptosis in the upper eyelid. To correct this, Dr. Wolin can combine an upper and lower eyelid lift (quad blepharoplasty) to attend to both lids in one procedure.

Initial Consultation with Dr. Wolin

Here at Wolin Plastic Surgery Center, we meet with patients individually for a private consultation before scheduling their surgery. Dr. Wolin will perform a comprehensive physical examination of the lower and upper eyelids to determine what method to utilize. He will ask you about your medical history, past surgeries, and eye health. After creating your customized procedure plan, he will explain lower eyelid lifts in detail to prepare you. A member of our staff will assist you with scheduling your surgery at the end of the appointment.

Preparation

Leading up your lower eyelid lift, please avoid:

This procedure is outpatient, so we release you after you wake up from the anesthesia. Please arrange for transportation from a trusted friend to get home safely. Your vision may be impaired right after surgery. We recommend asking this friend to also stay overnight to provide any necessary assistance. Patients should also request 10 to 14 days off of work to properly rest and recover. Any new prescription medications from Dr. Wolin should be picked up before your surgery date.

Lower Eyelid Lift Procedure

Dr. Wolin starts a lower eyelid lift by marking the eyes to map out his approach. General or local anesthesia will keep you comfortable during the procedure. This will be determined at your personal consultation. He carefully makes an incision either right below the lash line or inside the eyelid. Using a scalpel, he navigates toward the fat pads and determines how much to remove. Dr. Wolin can then shift the tissue or resect it to restore the eyelid.

After achieving the desired contour, he can remove any excess skin from the lower lid. To finish the eyelid lift, he sutures his incisions with care to avoid scarring. Lower eyelid lifts typically take 45 minutes to 2 hours to complete depending on the patient’s needs.

Recovery & Results

Patients can expect anywhere from 7 to 14 days of downtime after this procedure. The lower lid and surrounding area will likely swell and bruise within the first couple of weeks. We recommend placing cold compresses on the eyes to minimize these symptoms. Dr. Wolin removes the stitches after 5 to 7 days and the eyelid contour finalizes over time. Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for 4 to 6 weeks after your lower eyelid lift.

The results of lower blepharoplasty are typically long-lasting. As the swelling dissipates, the lower eyelid appears tighter and revitalized. By removing the bulk and excess skin, the final contour is youthful-looking and smooth. This surgery typically greatly improves the facial profile to rejuvenate the entire area.

What is a Brow Lift?

When patients receive eyelid rejuvenation treatments, they commonly request a brow lift as well to improve their results. This surgical procedure tightens the muscles and tissues above the brows and removes excess skin to lift the eyebrows to a more youthful-looking position. It can correct a patient’s chronically tired expression by improving forehead wrinkles, reducing furrow lines, and eliminating crow’s feet.

Dr. Wolin performs a specialized version of the surgery that involves making two small incisions in the upper eyelid and along the hairline. He weakens the inner eyebrow area by removing small fragments of the powerful muscles located near the nose. He then lifts the outer portion of the brow using the hairline incision.

This technique accomplishes natural-looking and lasting results without implementing a long scar above the eyebrows. In combination with a lower or upper blepharoplasty, a brow lift elongates anti-aging results by providing extensive wrinkle reduction.

Cost of a Lower Eyelid Lift in Scottsdale

Dr. Wolin provides each patient with a personalized procedure plan that includes a cost estimate during their initial consultation at Wolin Plastic Surgery Center. Schedule yours today by filling out our contact form. You may also call our Scottsdale office at (480) 945-8440.

FAQ

References

1. Klinger M, Vinci V, Maria Angela Romeo, et al. Surgical Tips for Aesthetic Lower Lid Blepharoplasty: Prevention of Round Eye. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2023;11(7):e5092-e5092. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005092
2. Raggio BS, Winters R. Lower Lid Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty. Nih.gov. Published December 29, 2021. Accessed April 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545179/
3. Bhattacharjee K, Ghosh S, Ugradar S, Azhdam AM. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty: An overview. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2020;68(10):2075-2083. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_2265_19