Facial Rejuvenation

Lower Eyelids

As people age, their skin tends to lose its elasticity and tautness, leaving individuals with saggy and puffy appearances in and around the eyes. Lower eyelid surgery is a great way to remove bags (fat tissue) from the eyes. During the procedure, excess fat and tissue is removed. This gives the patient a refreshed and youthful look.

At The Freeman Center for Plastic Surgery In the Woodlands we have spent the last twenty-five years studying the effects of aging on the face and have developed many advanced noninvasive techniques for slowing and even reversing the signs of aging of the face. Under the direction of experienced board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Freeman we can help you look years younger and erase some of the damage that time, genetics, and the environment have done utilizing the latest lower eyelid procedures.

Lower Eyelid Facts

Lower eyelid surgery is performed on patients who wish to remove any unwanted bagginess or fatty tissue underneath their eyes. The operation is done on an outpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia. The surgery achieves its objective by removing any excess fat, tissue, or skin underneath the eyes. This restores one's youthful, taut facial appearance.

If only excess fat is present in the lower lids, it may be removed through an incision inside the lower lids (known as the trans-conjunctival approach). This type of removal does not create noticeable scarring on the patient. If some excess skin needs to be removed as well, however, cuts must be made on one's facial exterior, and scarring may therefore result. These incisions are typically made just beneath the eyelashes.
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk associated with them. Occasionally, minor complications that do not affect the outcome will occur. Major complications are rare.

Lower Eyelid Recuperation and Healing

After a lower eyelid surgery, patients will typically experience some initial minor discomfort that is easily controlled with oral medication. Post-operative bruising, swelling, and sensitivity to light will last for least a week or two. The swelling may remain for a bit longer, but it should progressively disappear after 1-2 weeks.

Patients are asked to wear sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen) for a few weeks after the procedure. Eye makeup for the upper lids can be used almost immediately and makeup on the lower lids may be applied after about a week.

Contact lenses can be worn when they feel comfortable in the eyes within 3-7 days.

Additional Options to Consider With Your Lower Eyelid Procedure

Additional procedures that can enhance the results of a lower eyelid operation include forehead lift, facelift, and chemical peel. Patients who have bagginess or puffiness around the sides or above their eyes may wish to undergo Blepharoplasty, as well.

Insurance Guidelines For A Lower Eyelids Procedure

Most insurance providers do not include cosmetic operations such as lower eyelid surgery in their plans. Occasionally, if surgery is being done to improve the field of vision, insurance may cover upper lid surgery. Otherwise, these procedures are considered cosmetic and the patient is responsible for payment.

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