The lower blepharoplasty (lower eyelid surgery) comes in two flavors. The most versatile, and the most frequently performed, is discussed here. It involves making a small incision hidden just below the eyelashes, removing excess fat and tightening the skin. The other type can take care of bags under the eyes when the skin is already tight and involves an incision inside the eyelid (transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty). A link to the transconjunctival approach is located at the bottom of this post.

Lower Eyelids

Before lower blepharoplasty, the large bags under the eyes are caused by pseudoherniated fat.

After lower blepharoplasty, the excess fat has been removed and the bags are gone.

Unlike the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids are similar anatomically, regardless of race. The primary problem is the prominence of the lower eyelid fat. If the skin is also loose, the incision is hidden just below the eyelashes. This externally placed incision allows both the removal of excess fat, and the tightening of the skin. The removal of excess skin on the lower eyelid needs to be conservative. Over resection the lower eyelid skin can pull the lower eyelid down.

If you are interested in eyelid surgery, you may also be interested in these blog entries (some are coming soon):

• Eyelid Rejuvenation (Blepharoplasty)
• Upper Eyelid Rejuvenation (Upper Blepharoplasty)
• Internal Approach to the Lower Eyelids (Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty) on September 18, 2009
• Asian Eyelid Rejuvenation (Asian Blepharoplasty) on September 19, 2009

Additional information about eyelid surgery is also available on www.DrMele.com