Lower Eyelid Surgery

While upper eyelid surgery focuses on the upper portion of the eye, lower eyelid surgery addresses issues affecting the lower eyelid and the under-eye area.

Causes: Lower eyelid concerns can arise due to various factors, including genetics, aging, and sun damage. Common issues include:

  • Under-eye bags (puffiness)
  • Dark circles
  • Tear trough depressions
  • Lower eyelid laxity (sagging)
  • Ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid)

Complexity and Risks Compared to upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery is generally considered more complex and carries a higher risk of complications. These potential complications include:

  • Ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid)
  • Lower eyelid malposition
  • Scarring
  • Temporary numbness
  • Difficulty closing the eye

Choosing the Right Candidate:

Due to the increased complexity and potential risks, careful patient selection is crucial for lower eyelid surgery. Ideal candidates for this procedure are individuals in relatively good health with realistic expectations and:

  • Significant under-eye puffiness or sagging
  • Minimal to no skin laxity (loose skin) in the lower eyelid area

Preoperative Consultation: A thorough consultation with Dr Varsak is essential to discuss your concerns, medical history, and expectations.

Surgical Approach: The specific technique used depends on the patient's needs. Common approaches include:

  • Transconjunctival approach: Incisions are made inside the lower eyelid, minimizing external scarring and the risk of complications.
  • Transcutaneous approach: Incisions are made on the skin just below the lash line.

Addressing Under-Eye Concerns

  • Remove or redistribute excess fat.
  • Tighten sagging muscles and tissues.
  • Address ectropion by repositioning the eyelid.
  • In some cases, performs fat transfer to address tear troughs

 Recovery typically takes longer than upper eyelid surgery, with swelling and bruising lasting up to several weeks.

Important Points

  • Satisfaction Rates: Compared to upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery typically has lower patient satisfaction rates due to the higher risk of complications and the challenge of achieving consistently optimal results.
  • Combined Procedures: Lower eyelid surgery can be combined with other procedures like mid-facelift or facelift to address broader facial concerns.
  • Realistic Expectations: It is crucial to have realistic expectations about the potential benefits and limitations of the procedure.