Lower Blepharoplasty
Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, TX
A lower blepharoplasty, also known as a lower eyelid lift, is a minor cosmetic procedure to smooth out under-eye bags and folds. With simple surgical changes, patients can enjoy a rejuvenated, younger look that erases tired expressions. One tiny incision is made inside the lower eyelid or just below the lash line externally, allowing for the tightening of tissue and removal or repositioning of tiny amounts of fat in the area. Many patients report feeling more comfortable with the appearance of their eyes- the first aspect of the face that others notice. They also report feeling much more attractive, and many feel confident going makeup-free with this dramatic improvement.
If you are concerned about signs of aging and have yet to see effective results with creams, serums, and other remedies, you may benefit from this minimally invasive surgery. During your consultation at Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery, you will speak about your concerns with Dr. Suresh Koneru, a nationally recognized, board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience.
To take the first step today, call Dr. Koneru’s staff at (726) 227-6847 or fill out our contact form today. We will schedule your appointment at a date and time most convenient for you.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Eyelid Aging
Cosmetic eyelid surgery involves tightening connective tissues, removing/moving tiny pockets of fat, and removing sagging skin to correct droopiness in the lower or upper eyelids. A lower blepharoplasty addresses the areas beneath the eyes to eliminate dark circles, eye bags, and more noticeable folds. This area contains the thinnest skin of any part of the body, so aging usually develops here before other wrinkles begin to settle in. (1)
The fat deposits of the lower eyelids can protrude outward as the skin weakens, so it may create an uneven, bulging texture. Above these eye bags, it may look more hollowed out and aged than before. Unfortunately, these changes are permanent and can give others the impression that you are older or more tired than you really are. Over time, these contours can also be difficult to cover up; standard concealer may not help. Fortunately, eyelid surgery is relatively simple, can reverse these changes easily, sustain results for many years, and preserve eyelid functioning. With Dr. Koneru’s approach to the lower eyelid lift, you can also rest assured that you will not have to worry about noticeable scars post-procedure.
Ideal Candidates
The best candidates for lower blepharoplasty are in good overall health and have realistic goals for their procedure. While these procedures are most common for those middle-aged and older, Dr. Koneru can also perform them for those who are genetically prone to sagging skin or storing more fat in the orbital area. Those with Graves’ disease, dry eye, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, or a detached retina should consult with their eye specialist before undergoing this surgery since it can carry more risk for these individuals. Ideally, patients should be non-smokers, but Dr. Koneru will make exceptions for those who are willing to quit before and after their surgery to improve their recovery.
Personal Consultation
During your first appointment at Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery, Dr. Koneru will ask you about your facial concerns and what kind of improvements you would like to see. He will outline the results you can expect and take photographs for reference. He will ensure you are well-educated on the pros and cons of the procedure and speak with you about alternatives, such as dermal fillers or microneedling. No matter what, he will take the time necessary to ensure you feel confident about your decision.
If you are curious to see if blepharoplasty is right for you, visit our practice in San Antonio, schedule your appointment online, or call (726) 227-6847.
Preparation
Dr. Koneru will give you detailed instructions to properly prepare yourself for your lower eyelid lift. Here are some steps he will take to help you have a safe, comfortable experience before your surgery:
- He will review your blood tests to ensure you are in optimal health to undergo surgery.
- He will review your current list of supplements and medications and ask you to stop taking blood thinners such as aspirin.
- He will advise you to limit your alcohol, which can slow down the recovery process.
- You will receive post-operative instructions on how best to care for your eyes and manage any discomfort.
- You will pick up your prescriptions and stock up on over-the-counter medications and supplements approved by Dr. Koneru.
Procedure Steps
Depending on your aesthetic needs and preferences, a lower eyelid lift will require either local or general anesthesia. (2) If you plan to stay awake during your procedure, you will be given a sedative medication to keep you relaxed. Once you are completely anesthetized, Dr. Koneru will perform one of two lower blepharoplasty techniques- a transconjunctival or a transcutaneous approach.
With a transconjunctival technique, Dr. Koneru will make an incision inside the lower eyelid so no outer scar is created. Through this opening in the lining of the eyelid, he will remove skin and fat to significantly reduce the characteristic “puffy” look of under-eye bags. He may reposition tiny orbital fat pads to create a more even volume. He will use the transcutaneous technique if he needs to remove excess skin to create a smoother, more youthful texture. Though this requires a horizontal incision along the outside of the lower eyelid, the scars in this area heal extremely well and will fully resolve within a year. Dr. Koneru will apply fine sutures to close the openings and apply a postoperative ointment.
Recovery and Results
Immediately after the surgery, you will be able to return home, but will need someone else to drive you. After the anesthesia wears off, your lower eyelids may feel tight and swollen. Dr. Koneru will prescribe medication to keep you comfortable during your recovery, but you will likely be able to use over-the-counter pain control immediately after. Some research finds that the transconjunctival method has the added benefit of causing less discomfort and bruising during this initial healing period. (3)
Once two to seven days have passed, Dr. Koneru will remove the sutures. To care for your scars, you will apply a prescription ointment. You will also have to keep your head elevated and utilize a cold compress to aid in swelling reduction. In addition to bruising and swelling, you may also experience blurred vision, light sensitivity, and watery eyes. In general, you can expect all of the above-mentioned side effects to persist for two weeks to a month. Over time, any visible bruising will gradually disappear.
Lower eyelid lifts can give you a well-rested and refreshed appearance for many years. With minimally invasive techniques, you can eliminate this source of self-consciousness and flaunt improved contours that highlight your beautiful eyes.
Dermal Fillers
A dermal filler is an injectable designed to provide more volume and/or hydration in a specific area of the skin. You may benefit from Juvéderm, a hyaluronic acid injection that attracts water molecules to the dermis of the skin to create an instant plump. Hyaluronic acid- naturally found within the skin- can help smooth out under-eye bags by volumizing lower eyelid hollows, offering patients an effective non-surgical alternative to blepharoplasty. Dr. Koneru also offers Sculptra, a filler that incorporates a different compound called poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) to stimulate collagen over time, providing a similar filling effect. Although results are not immediate, as they settle in fully, they can last up to two years. (4)
Renuva
Renuva is an innovative, injectable treatment that utilizes an off-the-shelf alternative to one’s own fat to rejuvenate the skin and restore lost volume in various areas of the face and body, including around the eyes. This minimally invasive procedure enhances aesthetics and stimulates tissue regeneration, promoting natural-looking results without the need for traditional fat grafting. With Renuva, patients can achieve significant aesthetic improvement with minimal downtime and discomfort.
TCA Peel
A TCA peel can further rejuvenate the eye area following transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty. A TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel is a type of chemical peel that helps remove outer layers of skin, improving overall texture and tone. This process tightens and smooths the skin to enhance results.
RF Microneedling
RF microneedling is a minor facial rejuvenation procedure that utilizes fine needles to stimulate collagen production. These needles also transmit radiofrequency (RF) energy- a type of electromagnetic energy- to existing collagen fibers within the skin to contract them. This controlled RF energy becomes a mild thermal energy when it comes into contact with the dermis, provoking a tightening effect on the skin. Microneedling can be a great addition to enhance your lower blepharoplasty results or serve as an alternative if you only have some wrinkling without bulging fat in the lower eyelid area. Many patients undergo several sessions to get the most comprehensive results. Dr. Koneru uses the FDA-approved RF microneedling device, Pixel8-RF.
Cost of a Lower Blepharoplasty in San Antonio
The cost of your lower blepharoplasty will depend on the form of anesthesia, the techniques applied, postoperative medications, any additional follow-up appointments, and other factors that will help you attain effective results. Dr. Koneru will give you a detailed quote during your consultation so that you can make an informed decision.
If you are interested in undergoing the procedure but are unsure about the associated costs, inquire about our financing options with CareCredit, Prosper Healthcare Lending, or Alphaeon Credit. The financing plans available at Dr. Koneru’s practice have given hundreds of his patients an affordable means to attain the transformative results they desire.
To get started with a consultation with Dr. Koneru, please fill out our contact form or call our staff at (726) 227-6847. If you want to explore other procedures we offer, consider reading through our blog. We look forward to helping you set up your first appointment and begin your journey toward greater confidence in your appearance.
References
- Labib A, Patel BC, Milroy C. Blepharoplasty, Lower Lid, Canthal Support. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576422/
- Bhattacharjee K, Ghosh S, Ugradar S, Azhdam AM. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty: An overview. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2020;68(10):2075-2083. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_2265_19
- Jawad M, Chow K, Nicholson R, Jonas A, Siah WF. Transconjunctival versus transcutaneous local anaesthetic administration for lower eyelid surgery: a randomised controlled trial. Eye. 2021;36(5):1094-1099. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-021-01588-w
- Lorenc ZP. Techniques for the Optimization of Facial and Nonfacial Volumization with Injectable Poly-l-lactic Acid. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2012;36(5):1222-1229. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-012-9920-3