Beverly Hills eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at eliminating loose skin around the upper and lower eyelids. This kind of operation typically involves removing excess fat and skin to give the eyes a more youthful look.

Blepharoplasty for lower eyelids can also help to reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their facial features. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about lower eyelid surgery, including what it involves, its benefits, risks, and recovery time.

Lower Blepharoplasty Techniques Over the Years

Over the years the approach to rejuvenating the lower eyelids has gone through many changes. Before the mid-1980s, the accepted gold standard of treatment was to remove as much eyelid fat, skin, and “excess” muscle as possible. These techniques were championed by virtually every reputable plastic surgeon at that time and the result from such procedures was published in all of the most highly regarded textbooks.

As these results are now revisited in the 21st century, it is simply astonishing what used to be regarded as a “good result”! Careful attention to those older results shows retraction for the lower lid margin with too much exposure and rounding of the lid. There is hollowing around the eyes and eversion of the lashes as well as changes in the angle between the upper and lower lids. Not only are these prior “great results” unattractive, but they also make the person look older!

The trend subsequently moved away from removing eyelid skin and muscle, and surgeons began to remove fat from inside the eyelid without the creation of a visible scar. This technique called “transconjunctival lower lid blepharoplasty” was an improvement because less retraction and scarring occurred but it still left patients looking hollowed out. The removal of fat without the simultaneous tightening of the skin left the lid skin looking “deflated” and crepey with more lines.

The hollow created a shadow in certain lighting that left patients looking tired and older. To address these issues some surgeons began taking just a “pinch” of skin without much dissection or using various machines (such as radiofrequency or lasers) to tighten the excess eyelid skin. While these approaches often improved results they occasionally made no significant difference or created some subtle retraction or unwelcome pigment changes.

Dr. Frankel’s Lower Blepharoplasty Approach

In the late 1990s, some facial plastic surgeons began to critically analyze the results of the tried and true techniques. It was apparent that they were not doing a great job at rejuvenating the lower eyelid area so a new approach developed that involved repositioning the fat from inside of the orbit to the hollow area beneath the rim. Moving the fat and redistributing it from where there is too much to where there is not enough allows for evening the contours to get rid of the shadows that make people look tired.

Eyelid fat repositioning maintains the volume under the skin and thus prevents any increased laxity from developing. Dr. Frankel does this from an incision inside the eyelid so there is no visible incision. This method of fat repositioning is different from a fat transfer, which involves moving fat taken from another part of the body to the under-eye area. Fat transfer requires that the fat grafts obtain a new blood supply in their new locale and often the fat just reabsorbs or takes unevenly, resulting in lumps and bumps.

Why get a Blepharoplasty for Lower Eyelids?

Lower blepharoplasty Beverly Hills with fat repositioning is a surgical technique used to remove excess skin and fat pockets, as well as address the tear trough area. This procedure can help to reduce puffiness, wrinkles, and bags under the eyes. As explained earlier, during the procedure, excess skin is removed and fat pockets are carefully removed or repositioned to create a smoother contour. Fat may also be redistributed from where there is too much to areas that need more volume. The result of this surgery is a more youthful appearance with improved definition around the eyes.

Lower Blepharoplasty Candidates

Lower eyelid surgery candidates are typically those who have excess skin and fat pockets, as well as a tear trough area that needs to be addressed. Additionally, eyelid ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) can be corrected during this procedure to improve eyelid rejuvenation.

Lower Blepharoplasty Recovery 

After a lower blepharoplasty Beverly Hills procedure, it is important to apply ice packs to reduce swelling and bruising, as well as avoid straining facial and eye muscles. Patients should be aware that there may be some numbness in the area due to damage to soft tissue during surgery.

Lower Blepharoplasty Risks

Double vision can occur if the surgeon damages the oblique muscles during this cosmetic surgery, which controls eye movement. Damage to these muscles can cause difficulty in focusing on objects. Darkening of the skin around the eyes is another risk associated with lower eyelid blepharoplasty, as it can be caused by excessive removal of fat or skin from the area. It is important to discuss all risks with your doctor before undergoing this procedure.

Alternative to Blepharoplasty for Bottom Eyelids

Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, can be used to add volume to areas that have lost volume due to age or weight loss. This can help reduce wrinkles and lines around the eyes, as well as improve the appearance of dark circles. 

Using Restylane to fill in the hollows is a good alternative too. While this is a non-surgical procedure and much less costly than surgery the results are not as profound because the bulge of fat remains. Keep in mind that patients can be bruised for two weeks from injections in this area since the skin is very thin and the tissue is very vascular.

Chemical peels and laser treatment can also be used to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids. Chemical peels are a type of exfoliation that removes dead skin cells and stimulates collagen production, resulting in smoother, brighter skin. Laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses light energy to target damaged skin cells and stimulate collagen production.

Both treatments can help reduce wrinkles, lines, and dark circles around the eyes. However, these treatments may not be as effective as blepharoplasty in Beverly Hills for treating more severe cases of sagging or excess fat in the lower eyelids.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Frankel

If you’re considering cosmetic lower eyelid surgery Beverly Hills, look no further than Dr. Frankel, a board-certified plastic surgeon. With years of experience and expertise in blepharoplasty, Dr. Frankel can help you achieve the results you desire. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about how he can help you look and feel your best!