Lower Blepharoplasty in Chattanooga, TN

When you start to notice bags under your eyes, your eyelids drooping, or excess skin gathering around the lower eyelids, it may be time to consider a lower blepharoplasty (lower eyelid surgery). The procedure can improve the appearance of the area beneath your eyes by reducing bagginess and creating a more youthful look. Lower blepharoplasty can enhance your overall appearance and increase your confidence. 

Still, as with all surgical procedures, discussing your expectations and concerns with your facial plastic surgeon is essential. 

The Lower Eyelid Procedure

The lower eyelid procedure typically takes less than an hour per eyelid to complete. After receiving local anesthesia, Dr. Shire will make a small incision below your lash line, removing excess skin, correcting eyelid issues, and removing or redistributing excess fat. 

There are two standard lower blepharoplasty techniques that your surgeon might employ during your procedure:

• Transcutaneous Blepharoplasty – This traditional approach features an incision made just below the lash line on the exterior of the lower eyelid allowing the surgeon to remove or reposition fat, tighten muscles, and remove excess skin.
• Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty – An incision is made inside the lower eyelid in this approach. Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is often the procedure of choice when the primary issue is excess fat, as it leaves no visible scar. Still, this procedure does not allow for the removal of excess skin.

Lower Blepharoplasty Before and After Photos

To view more Eyelid Surgery photos, click here.

Your Lower Blepharoplasty – Step by Step

Are you curious about how a lower blepharoplasty is performed and what you can do to ensure a safe and satisfying procedure? From the consultation to recovery and the final result, here is what you can expect in preparation for your under eye surgery.

The Consultation

Prior to the procedure, you’ll meet with Dr. Shire to discuss your goals, review your medical history, and develop a surgical plan. Dr. Shire may also take photographs of your eyes for reference and planning purposes.

Preparing for Your Surgery

Before the surgery, you may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin or other blood thinners, which could increase your bleeding risk. You’ll also be given instructions on eating, drinking, and medication use on the day of surgery.

The Anesthesia

The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation (you’re awake but the surgical area is numbed), or under general anesthesia (you’re completely asleep). The best choice depends on the complexity of the procedure and your personal comfort.

During Your Procedure

For a transcutaneous blepharoplasty, Dr. Shire makes an incision just below the lash line of the lower eyelid, through which they can remove or reposition fat, tighten muscles, and remove excess skin. In a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, the incision is made inside the lower eyelid, allowing the surgeon to address excess fat without leaving a visible scar. Sutures will be used to close the incisions and are typically removed after only a few days. In some cases, dissolvable sutures are used instead.

Recovery Mode

After the procedure, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room. You can expect some bruising and swelling, which will gradually decrease over the coming weeks. You may also experience a change in the shape of your eyes. This typically occurs as a result of swelling from the surgery and is only temporary. 

The recovery process generally takes around 14 days. However, it may take longer to heal from lower blepharoplasty fully. 

Follow-up Care

Dr. Shire will provide specific postoperative instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing progress. Following your surgery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Most of these symptoms can be managed with medication and should subside within one to two weeks. You may also experience dry eyes, itchiness, or irritation, for which your doctor can prescribe medication. 

Any scars resulting from the incisions made during surgery are typically well-hidden and fade over time. Dr. Shire will discuss scar management concerns with you, as needed. Following all instructions is critical for ensuring optimal recovery and results.

Keep in mind that the exact process can vary depending on the surgeon, the specific technique used, and the patient’s individual needs and goals. As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications, so it is important to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon before deciding to proceed with lower blepharoplasty.

 
 
 
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What to Expect from Lower Blepharoplasty Results

Following the healing process from your lower blepharoplasty, your results will be evident, including your enhanced appearance, decreased signs of aging, and long-lasting results.  

1. First, you can expect to notice your newly improved appearance. The most evident result will be a more refreshed and youthful appearance. Bags under the eyes should be eliminated or significantly reduced, and any excess skin or visible wrinkles in the lower eyelid area should be diminished.

2. Next, you will see decreased signs of aging. While under-eye bag surgery won’t stop the aging process, it can help reduce its signs and make you appear younger and more rested.

3. Finally, you will enjoy long-lasting results. The results of lower blepharoplasty are typically long-lasting and promise to help you maintain a youthful appearance for many years. 

4. Following your successful lower blepharoplasty, some patients choose to have additional procedures, such as an upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery) or brow lift, to achieve the overall desired look. 

In addition, it is important to note that every person’s experience with lower blepharoplasty will be different, and your results can depend on a variety of factors, including your overall health, age, skin type, and the specific surgical technique used. 

For instance, as you continue to age, you may begin to notice some changes in your eyelids and find additional procedures are needed. Dr. Shire can discuss these options and your concerns with you at any time. 

Who is a Good Candidate for Lower Blepharoplasty?

A good candidate for lower eyelid surgery typically includes individuals who are at least 30 years of age and in good general health. You may be considered a good candidate for lower blepharoplasty if you have:

• Bagginess Beneath Eyes – One of the main reasons people opt for lower blepharoplasty is to remove or reduce the appearance of any under-eye bags, which are typically caused by fat that has moved forward due to the weakening of the tissues and muscles that formerly held it in place.
• Drooping or Sagging Lower Eyelids – As we age, the skin loses elasticity, which can lead to sagging or drooping lower eyelids. Lower blepharoplasty can tighten and smooth this area, resulting in a more youthful and alert appearance.
• Overall Good Health – As with all surgical procedures, candidates need to be in good general health. They should not have any medical conditions that would impede healing or increase surgery risks. Conditions like glaucoma or detached retina can increase the risk of complications from eyelid surgery. 
• Non-Smoker – If you are currently a smoker, you should consider quitting prior to any surgical procedure. Not only does smoking slow down the healing process, but it can also increase the risk of complications. 
• Realistic Expectations – It’s important to understand what lower blepharoplasty can and cannot do. While it can improve the appearance of the lower eyelids and make you look more youthful and well-rested, it won’t fundamentally alter your facial structure or make you look like an entirely different person.

As always, the decision to have lower blepharoplasty should be made in consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your specific needs and circumstances, discuss potential risks and benefits, and help you make an informed decision.

Lower Blepharoplasty Recovery

Complete recovery from your lower blepharoplasty typically involves several stages – from post-operative care, the days that follow, to long-term recovery. Here is what you can expect at each stage of recovery: 

Immediately Post-Surgery

After the procedure, Dr. Shire will typically apply ointment to your eyes and may place a cold compress over the area to minimize swelling. Depending on your specific case, you may be able to go home the same day, though you will need someone to drive you home.

The First Few Days

In the first few days following your surgery, it’s common to experience some bruising and swelling. You may also have blurry vision from the ointment used during the procedure as well as mild discomfort.

One to Two Weeks After Surgery

If you have stitches, they are usually removed in approximately one week. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within two weeks of surgery. However, strenuous physical activities and anything that might strain the eyes, like reading or watching television, should be avoided until approved by your surgeon. It’s also important to avoid alcohol, smoking, and sun exposure, which can prolong the healing process.

Long-Term Recovery

It may take several weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside completely, but as they do, you will enjoy the final results of your surgery. 

Throughout your recovery period, it is essential to carefully follow all of the post-operative instructions given to you by your surgeon. These typically include using any prescribed eye drops or ointments, keeping your eyes clean, and attending all follow-up appointments so that your surgeon can monitor your healing progress.

You should also contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any signs of complications, such as excessive pain, redness, discharge, or vision changes. Remember that while lower blepharoplasty is typically a safe procedure with few complications, everyone heals at their own pace, and your recovery may be quicker or slower depending on your individual circumstances.

How Much Does Lower Blepharoplasty Cost?

Your lower blepharoplasty cost is dependent on various factors, including: 

• The surgeon’s experience
• The geographic location of the surgery
• The specific details of the procedure (whether it will be performed in conjunction with other procedures)

The average surgeon’s fee for lower blepharoplasty in the United States usually ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. This is just the surgeon’s fee, and the total cost of the procedure will also likely include hospital or surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, prescription medication costs, post-surgery garments, and any necessary medical tests.

It’s also worth noting that most health insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures like lower blepharoplasty unless there is a documented medical necessity, such as vision impairment caused by drooping eyelids. Therefore, it’s important to check with your insurance provider and discuss payment options with our office.

Remember that while cost is an important consideration, it should not be the only factor when deciding on a surgeon or a surgical procedure. The surgeon’s experience, qualifications and your comfort level should be your primary considerations because this procedure requires a high degree of skill and knowledge to achieve the best results and minimize potential risks.

Contact Shire Facial Plastic Surgery

When you reach out to Shire Facial Plastic Surgery, we always strive to deliver exceptional results for your lower blepharoplasty, ensuring that you achieve the desired appearance you seek. Our skilled team will attentively address concerns related to puffiness, excess skin, under-eye bags, and wrinkles, tailoring the procedure to meet your specific needs and expectations. Take the first step by contacting us today to schedule your consultation.