Lower Blepharoplasty in Raleigh
What Is Lower Blepharoplasty?
Notice the puffiness of each lower eyelid. This is due to orbital fat protruding and is a common concern for many patients. While some patients are born with puffy lower eyelids, this is a problem that more commonly develops over time. This patient underwent transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty (scarless approach through the inside of the eyelid) to address the puffiness. After surgery, the puffy areas are no longer visible and the patient has a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
A form of lower eyelid surgery, lower blepharoplasty improves puffiness of the lower eyelid leading to a smoother and more youthful contour from the lower eyelid to the cheek.
The puffiness is due to prominence of orbital fat showing through the lower eyelids and this can significantly impact one's appearance. This puffiness is commonly referred to as eye bags. Some people are born with noticeably puffy lower lids. More commonly, this condition develops with age as tissues in the eyelid become loose, allowing the fat to shift forward. These changes can make a person look tired, even if they are well rested.
As a specialized and delicate cosmetic surgery, lower blepharoplasty with Dr. Mettu of Raleigh Eye and Face can address eye bags and relative hollows. Additionally, lower blepharoplasty can be combined with our other procedures when needed, and this can allow patients to benefit from an even broader rejuvenation of the eyelids and surrounding areas.
Is Lower Blepharoplasty Right for Me?
Some patients with hollows may be candidates for tear trough filler injections. However, others will not get optimal results with filler, and thus, lower blepharoplasty is a better option. With a lower blepharoplasty, fat in the lower eyelids can be removed and sculpted through an incision on the inside surface of the eyelid. This is called the transconjunctival approach. While this is a technically more advanced procedure, in the hands of expert eyelid surgeon Dr. Mettu, the transconjunctival approach is the safest technique and yields the most natural result by preserving the shape of the eye and avoiding any visible scars.
Dr. Mettu performs a careful examination to determine the best treatment plan for each patient during the consultation. The goal of surgery is to obtain a natural look that leaves one appearing youthful and well-rested.
Lower Blepharoplasty FAQs
What Is the Procedure Like?
Anesthesia: Lower eyelid surgery is performed with general anesthesia at the outpatient surgery center. This ensures patients do not experience pain or anxiety during the procedure, which are common challenges when using other forms of anesthesia. Additionally, the skilled anesthesia team provides dedicated monitoring of each patient which allows Dr. Mettu to focus solely on the surgery and get the best possible results for his patients.
Duration: The surgery itself takes less than one hour on average. However, if a combined procedure is planned (such as an upper blepharoplasty as well), the duration will be longer. Additionally, on surgery day, there is associated time for preparation and recovery in the pre op and post op areas respectively.
Outpatient: Once the surgery is complete, patients can return home the same day. However, it is necessary to have a guest accompany and drive each patient so we recommend planning ahead for this part. All of the planning and logistical considerations are reviewed with each patient at the consultation.
How Long Is the Recovery?
Though Dr. Mettu uses is precise and delicate, lower blepharoplasty is still a full surgical procedure. That means there will be a recovery period with downtime. However, the downtime is well worth it and is part of a long term investment. Dr. Mettu’s patients are highly satisfied with this procedure. Some key points of recovery include:
Downtime: Average downtime from exercise is 10 days. During this time, limiting strenuous activities and following post op instructions are crucial.
Aftercare: Dr. Mettu takes the time to provide each patient with a comprehensive overview of what their post-procedure care should look like. This will be reviewed with each patient at the consultation and again at a pre op visit that is usually 1-2 weeks before surgery. Following these instructions is key to ensuring a great outcome that patients will love for years. Dr. Mettu and his team will ensure each patient fully understands all that is involved with recovery prior to the actual procedure.
Resuming a Routine: After the initial downtime, patients can gradually return to their usual routines and activities with most restrictions relaxed by day 11. The full list of do’s and don’ts will be reviewed with each patient during the pre op visit. Additionally, Dr. Mettu will give guidance and updated instructions at the first post op visit.
Follow-up: Dr. Mettu sees every patient for post op appointments to track recovery, answer any questions, and provide updated instructions. Dr. Mettu continues to follow patients in the post op period until they are fully healed.
When Can I See Lower Eyelid Surgery Results?
One of the biggest questions patients have is, "When can I see my results?" With lower blepharoplasty, patients can expect a relatively quick timeline from the procedure to the point where they can enjoy their results. While the structural changes and improvements are all fully complete by the end of the surgery, patients will need to wait about two weeks for most of the obvious swelling and bruising to resolve. Often, patients see the benefits of improvement in the eye bags sooner than this. As residual swelling and inflammation and sometimes bruising continue to fade, there are continued improvements day after day.
In summary:
Initial results: within 2-4 weeks to a month on average
Near Final results: Approximately 6-12 weeks on average
Can I Combine Procedures?
Yes, patients can (and often do) combine lower blepharoplasty with additional cosmetic treatments. Some procedures can be combined on the same day as lower blepharoplasty, while others would be treatments that are scheduled separately.
Popular combinations include:
Injectables (fillers and neurotoxin)
Establishing a skincare routine
Book Your Consultation
Lower blepharoplasty can have a large impact in a patient's life and serve as a major confidence boost. Take the first step by booking your consultation with Dr. Mettu for lower blepharoplasty in Raleigh.
