Lower Blepharoplasty Seattle

Lower Blepharoplasty Aging facial structures cause many changes in appearance throughout a person’s lifetime. Over time, this can contribute to changes in the look of the under eyes. For example, some people may notice a loss of fat that causes a hollower appearance. Others may notice bulges underneath the eye that were not there when they were younger. Both of these experiences are a normal part of aging. However, patients do have treatment options, including eyelid surgery. Dr. Javad Sajan at Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery provides the best lower blepharoplasty Seattle offers.

Lower blepharoplasty surgery is the lower eyelid equivalent to upper blepharoplasty surgery. Like with upper eyelid surgery, a lower blepharoplasty removes extra skin and fat from the lower lid area. However, lower eyelid surgery requires precision and an experienced surgeon because it requires knowing how much skin and fat to remove with less margin of error than an upper lid surgery.

The lower eyelids are often impacted by fat loss or descending fat in the cheeks. This can take some of the necessary fat in the under eye with it, leaving behind a more hollowed under eye area. It may even cause the color to become more visible underneath the skin leading to hyperpigmentation. Bulges under the eye are usually corrected via skin removal. It is common for patients to need skin removal and fat transfer for the best results.

Patients frequently have the upper and lower eyelids addressed at the same time. In the average case, correcting both sets of eyelids takes around an hour or just over an hour of surgical time.

Lower blepharoplasty surgery—like all medical procedures—comes with benefits and risks. Patients must carefully consider them before opting for surgery. Dr. Sajan will also evaluate and discuss a patient’s specific risk profile during a consultation.

The possible benefits of lower eyelid surgery include:

• Remove extra skin on the lower lids and under the eyes
• Address eye bags
• May transfer fat into the area for a plumper and more youthful looking appearance
• Brighter looking eyes
• Look less grumpy or tired
• Reduce the need for under eye filler
• Help eliminate wrinkles in the area
• Achieve a more youthful appearance overall
• Quick procedure
• Does not require general anesthesia
• May improve self-confidence
• Can contribute to better vision
• Long lasting results
• Complement other procedures including facelift, brow lift, and neck lift
• Overall a low risk surgery
• Performed by an expert and experienced plastic surgeon

The risks of lower blepharoplasty surgery are low for most patients. Like its upper eyelid counterpart, it is one of the lowest risk plastic surgeries. However, it is still a major surgery that does carry some risks in specific situations. Some of the possible risks or complications include:

• Infection
• Asymmetry
• Too much skin removed
• Bleeding
• Poor healing
• Dry or irritated eyes
• Visible scarring
• Injury to nearby structures
• Blindness (extremely rare)

Severe risks or complications are very rare. Certain medical conditions, medications, or anatomical features could make a person more susceptible to certain complications. If this is the case, Dr. Sajan will thoroughly discuss it with a patient and determine the right course of action.

There are two primary surgical ways to perform a lower blepharoplasty. Unlike upper eyelid surgery, there is no ideal position for the scar. Thus, plastic surgeons have devised surgical techniques that help reduce risk and scarring. The two surgical techniques are transcutaneous blepharoplasty and transconjunctival blepharoplasty.

Transcutaneous

Transcutaneous refers to going through the skin. This involves making a small incision just beneath the lower lash line. Dr. Sajan makes this incision as thin and discreet as possible. Then, Dr. Sajan will use the incision to remove a small amount of skin. He may also take out excess fat or reposition fat to achieve a more youthful appearance.

Most patients who have lower eyelid surgery heal well. However, if patients are prone to raised or poorly healed scars, this may not be the ideal approach. Due to the potential for visible scarring, many surgeons are performing this technique less frequently.

Transconjunctival

The transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty makes an incision on the underneath side of the lower eyelid. Through this incision, Dr. Sajan can perform all of the same steps as a transcutaneous blepharoplasty without an external scar. In cases where there is more skin than average, both incisions may be utilized to ensure adequate skin removal.

Though, skin removal from this position is limited, if not impossible. However, fat removal, fat repositioning, and releasing the muscles is all commonly performed using this approach. The transconjunctival approach has shown to have lower complication rates and higher patient satisfaction overall.

1. Does Lower Blepharoplasty Change Eye Shape?

No, a lower blepharoplasty is unlikely to alter the broader shape of the eye. There is a slight risk of this when using the transcutaneous method, but it is unlikely. Sometimes, eye shape or size may appear to change, but this is often because a patient has seen themself with extra and saggy skin around the eyes for so long. Thus, when it is removed, seeing the natural shape of the eye can be jarring.

2. Are There Side Effects Of A Lower Blepharoplasty?

Side effects patients may experience after surgery may include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Temporary blurred vision
• Minor pain
• Temporary dry eye
• Double vision
• Light sensitivity

Major side effects or those that last longer than two weeks are rare. Blurred vision and light sensitivity often get better within a matter of days. Following Dr. Sajan’s recovery instructions will help minimize side effects.

3. What Is Recovery After Lower Eyelid Surgery Like?

Lower blepharoplasty typically has what many patients describe as an easy recovery. This will vary between patients, but usually patients can return to work within a week. Dr. Sajan will provide instructions for after lower eyelid surgery in Seattle to help minimize side effects and prevent complications. These directions may include:

• Administer prescribed eye drops
• Elevate the head of the bed slightly
• Avoid activities that require eye focus or strain such as reading, watching TV, driving, etc.
• Apply cold compresses for the first two days if needed
• Do not return to work or limited activities prematurely
• Refrain from strenuous exercise for two weeks

4. How Much Is Lower Blepharoplasty In Washington State?

A lower blepharoplasty in Washington State at Allure Esthetic starts at $4,285. Patients do have multiple financing options including Care Credit. While there are circumstances when blepharoplasty surgery is covered by insurance, patients will have limited options for their surgeon. Dr. Sajan does not work with insurance for eyelid surgeries.