Lower Blepharoplasty: A Long-Term Solution for Eye Bags, Puffiness and Wrinkles

The eyes are often the first feature people notice, and unfortunately, this area is also one of the first to reveal the signs of aging due to thinner skin. If you have under-eye bags, puffiness, or wrinkles, lower blepharoplasty could be a great solution for you.

This surgical procedure removes excess skin and fat from the lower eyelids, helping you achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance. Whether you’re dealing with hereditary eye bags or signs of aging, lower blepharoplasty surgery can rejuvenate your facial features and restore a refreshed look.

What Is Lower Blepharoplasty Surgery?

Lower blepharoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to address puffiness, loose skin, and under-eye bags by removing or repositioning fat and tightening the skin. Unlike non-surgical treatments such as laser treatments or fillers, lower eyelid lift surgery offers a permanent solution with long-lasting results. 

Many patients turn to this procedure when creams and dermal fillers no longer provide the desired effect.

Lower Blepharoplasty Procedure: How It Works

The lower blepharoplasty procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your surgeon’s recommendation. Eye bag surgery involves making small incisions to remove or redistribute fat deposits and tighten the lower eyelid skin. The procedure typically follows these steps:

External Incision Placement

Your plastic surgeon will make an incision along the natural crease of your lower eyelid or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach) to ensure minimal visible scarring.

Fat Redistribution or Removal

The fat causing puffiness is either removed or repositioned to smooth the under-eye area. In some cases fat transfer may be performed to correct volume loss.

Tightening the Skin

If necessary, excess skin is surgically removed to create a firmer, youthful appearance. 

Incision Closure

The incisions are closed using sutures, which dissolve over time or are removed after a few days.

Overall, recovery from lower eyelid lift surgery varies from patient to patient, but most individuals experience minimal discomfort and return to their daily activities within a week or two.

The Benefits of Lower Blepharoplasty

Under-eye bags and wrinkles can make you look tired, even when you’re well-rested. Lower blepharoplasty can transform your face by offering these key benefits:

• Reduce under-eye bags and puffiness for a more refreshed look
• Smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful appearance
• Eliminate redundant skin and tightens loose skin for better definition
• Improve overall facial balance by enhancing your natural features
• Provide long-term results with no need for repeated treatments

Who Is a Good Candidate for Lower Eyelid Lift Surgery?

Ideal lower blepharoplasty candidates are struggling with puffy eyelids, droopy eyelids, or excess skin beneath your eyes. These are some additional criteria: 

• Have noticeable under-eye bags or puffiness
• Experience sagging skin or wrinkles under the eyes
• Have good overall health and realistic expectations
• Do not have serious eye conditions like dry eyes or eyelid skin disorders

A consultation with a plastic surgeon at Clinique-K will help determine whether this procedure is right for you. Your surgeon will assess your facial features, eyelid skin, and medical history to create a personalized treatment plan.

Lower Blepharoplasty Recovery Time : What to Expect

Days After Surgery

The first few days after surgery, you can expect mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the eyes. Your surgeon may recommend cold compresses and prescribed medications to ease discomfort and promote optimal healing. 

Keeping your head elevated while sleeping can also help reduce swelling. Some patients may experience temporary blurry vision or light sensitivity during their eyelid surgery recovery.

Recovery Room to Full Healing

• First Week: Swelling and bruising gradually subside. Avoid strenuous activities and follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions. Use prescribed eye drops or ointments to keep your eyes moisturized and prevent irritation.
• Second Week: Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities. Any residual bruising can usually be concealed with makeup.
• One Month and Beyond: Final results become more apparent as residual swelling disappears, revealing smoother, rejuvenated eyelids. The incision lines will continue to fade, and the skin around your eyes will feel firmer and more refreshed.

How Lower Blepharoplasty Results Compared to Other Procedures

Lower blepharoplasty is often combined with other cosmetic surgery treatments to enhance facial features. Some popular complementary procedures include:

• Upper blepharoplasty: Also known as an eyelid lift, this procedure removes excess skin from the upper eyelids to reduce hooding. Upper eyelid Incisions are placed along the eyelid crease to minimize a visible scar.
• Brow lift: Elevates sagging eyebrows and smooths forehead wrinkles for a refreshed look.
• Facelift: Tightens facial tissue and skin for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
• Laser treatments: Skin resurfacing can further improve skin texture and reduce fine lines.

Combining procedures can maximize results and create a balanced, natural-looking appearance.

Eyelid Surgery Cost and Important Considerations

The cost of lower blepharoplasty varies depending on factors such as the surgeon’s expertise, clinic location, and the complexity of the procedure. In Montreal, the cost of eyelid surgery ranges from a few thousand dollars, depending on whether additional treatments are included.

Factors That Affect Pricing for Your Lower Eyelid Procedure 

• The surgeon’s experience and reputation
• The type of surgical procedure required
• Facility fees and anesthesia costs
• Whether additional procedures, such as laser treatments or a facelift, are performed simultaneously

Since lower blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure, it is typically not covered by insurance unless a medical condition is involved. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will provide a detailed breakdown of the surgery cost and answer any questions you may have.

Possible Complications and Risks of Lower Blepharoplasty

Like any surgical procedure, lower blepharoplasty carries potential risks. While most patients experience smooth recoveries, it’s important to be aware of possible complications, including:

• Swelling and bruising, which typically subside within two weeks but may last longer for some individuals, especially those prone to fluid retention. Cold compresses and sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce these effects.
• Infection, though rare, can occur if post-operative care instructions aren’t followed. Signs include increased redness, pus, or persistent pain, and should be reported to your surgeon immediately.
• Eyelid asymmetry, which can sometimes develop due to uneven healing or pre-existing differences in facial structure. If significant, revision surgery may be required.
• Dry eyes, which may require eye drops during the healing process. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity to light or a gritty sensation, which usually resolves within a few weeks.
• Changes in eyelid position, such as pulling downward (ectropion), which can affect appearance and function in some cases. This is more common in older patients with reduced skin elasticity.
• Noticeable scars , though rare, can occur if healing is impaired. Massaging the area as advised by your surgeon and using silicone gel can help minimize visible scars.
• Difficulty closing the eyes completely, which may occur temporarily due to swelling or skin tightness. In rare cases, this can lead to dry eye symptoms that require medical attention.

Enhancing Your Appearance with Lower Blepharoplasty

In summary, lower blepharoplasty is plastic surgery that can restore a youthful and well-rested appearance to your eyes. Whether you’re dealing with eyelid bags, excess skin, or fine lines, this surgery provides long-term benefits that enhance your overall look. With minimal downtime and natural-looking results, lower blepharoplasty continues to be a popular choice among patients seeking facial rejuvenation.

To learn more about lower blepharoplasty we invite you to book a consultation at Clinique-K at our locations in Westmount and Longueuil.