Lower blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure intended to correct the lower eyelids. This surgery helps to eliminate bags under the eyes, wrinkles, and excess skin that makes the face look tired.

The Yurchenko Team doctors emphasize that the result of lower blepharoplasty, if the patient follows the recommendations and systematically cares for the eye area, remains for up to 5–7 years. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is often combined with upper eyelid blepharoplasty, circular face lifting, or other rejuvenating surgical procedures.

Brief history and development of the procedure

Blepharoplasty began to develop in the mid-twentieth century, when plastic surgery became more accessible and popular. At first, the procedures were quite simple, but with the development of medical technologies and techniques, surgeries have become more accurate and safe, and the result of the lower eyelid lifting has become longer lasting.

Reasons for the popularity of the procedure

The main reason for the popularity of lower eyelid blepharoplasty is the patients’ desire to look younger and more vigorous. The skin loses its elasticity with age, which leads to the appearance of bags under the eyes and wrinkles. Surgery allows you to restore a young and bright look to your face.

Typical indications for lower blepharoplasty include:

• bags under the eyes are one of the most common problems that can be caused by hernias or excess skin. Such changes often give the face a tired and older appearance;
• excess skin — loss of skin elasticity and excessive skin in the lower eyelid area leads to the formation of wrinkles and folds that make it difficult to apply makeup and can cause discomfort;
• dark circles under the eyes — although blepharoplasty cannot always completely eliminate dark circles under the eyes, in cases where they are associated with bags or excess skin, the surgery can significantly improve the appearance;
• herniated fat pads — protrusion of fatty tissue through weak spots in the membrane leads to the formation of relief under the eyes;
• heredity — in some cases, structural features of the eyelids can be inherited, and people undergo blepharoplasty to correct these features.

In addition to aesthetic reasons, blepharoplasty can be recommended for medical reasons, such as impaired vision due to excess skin or chronic swelling that causes discomfort. In some cases, excessive skin on the lower eyelids can partially block the view, especially in the peripheral part, which creates not only an aesthetic but also a functional problem.

Procedure overview

Preparation for lower blepharoplasty begins with a consultation with a Yurchenko Team doctor. The specialist will assess the patient’s skin condition, presence of herniated fat pads, and ask about possible contraindications.

Before the surgery, it is necessary to undergo medical examinations to exclude possible risks and complications, as this surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The preoperative workup includes complete blood count, urine test, biochemistry (ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, total protein, total direct and indirect bilirubin, glucose), coagulation panel, WR, HBsAg, HCV, HIV, blood type, Rh factor, ECG, X-ray (if there is one it can not be older than 1 year), and is examined by a general practitioner and anesthesiologist. It is necessary to exclude the presence of contraindications to anesthesia and the surgery.

Methods of blepharoplasty of the lower eyelid

Performing lower blepharoplasty may involve muscle tightening and lifting of the corners of the eyes. This means that in one procedure, it is possible to achieve a powerful rejuvenating effect and a frank look in the eyes.

Doctors perform lower eyelid blepharoplasty using two methods:

• traditional lower blepharoplasty — involves the removal of excess skin and fat through incisions along the lash line. This method is usually chosen when it is necessary to remove excess tissue;
• or transconjunctival blepharoplasty — the method involves access to adipose deposits through the inner side of the eyelid, which avoids external incisions. This method is appropriate for patients who do not have excess tissue but have hernias.

Otherwise, the course of the surgery is similar. The doctor applies markings on the lower eyelid. Then anesthesia is performed. Once the doctor has removed excess skin and fatty hernias, sutures are applied, and the patient is transferred to the ward.

Recovery

The presence of bruising and swelling after lower blepharoplasty is a normal response of the body. That is why it is necessary to be under observation and follow the doctor’s recommendations for the rehabilitation period.

It is recommended to use cold compresses for the first 48 hours to minimize discomfort and prevent swelling. For this purpose, all patients receive a special cooling mask upon discharge.

For the first time, it is necessary to sleep exclusively on the back and on a high pillow to reduce swelling.

Sleeping with the face in the pillow and water procedures are strictly prohibited. Also forget about bending forward and cooking hot food for a week (no standing over hot pots, pans or ovens). Alcohol is strictly prohibited! All of this is required to minimize swelling.

Reasonable to treat scars every day for two weeks after surgery. In case of bruising, heparin ointment or Lioton will be a good solution. But it is important to apply medicines only to bruises, not to scars!

It is important to reduce the load on the eyes. That’s why you should limit your use of smartphones and laptops and listen to an audiobook instead of watching TV shows.

As for the removal of sutures, usually they are removed on the 7th–10th day. In addition, it is recommended to undergo 5–10 sessions of microcurrent therapy to improve regeneration.

Complete healing after lower blepharoplasty takes from a week to a month, depending on the patient’s body features.

Possible complications

The most common complications after lower blepharoplasty are bruising and swelling. They can be easily resolved by following the recommendations for the recovery period.
Asymmetry and eyelid reversal occur in rare cases and depend on both the patient’s individual features and the surgeon’s actions.

Cosmetic defects such as milia, hyperpigmentation along the incision line can also occur after surgery. This is why it is extremely important to wear sunscreen and not to expose the incision site to the open sun.

It is important to carefully choose a qualified surgeon, follow all recommendations for postoperative care, and promptly consult a doctor in case of any issues to minimize the risk of complications.

Yurchenko Team benefits

Our international Yurchenko Team consists of specialists, each with their own area of expertise. In the field of plastic surgery, there are over 70 types of procedures, each with a million details to consider. By dividing responsibilities, each of the team’s doctors has the opportunity to deepen their expertise in a specific area. We believe in delivering high-quality results in our areas of specialization, rather than attempting to do everything at a mediocre level. This is the core of our philosophy.

Positive patient feedback, before and after photos are the best argument in favor of our professionalism and skill.

Our team conducts surgeries in Kyiv, Bukovel, and Limassol.  This allows our patients to choose the most convenient and comfortable location for their treatment.