Dr. Lissauer takes a distinctive approach to cosmetic eyelid surgery at his New York office. Dr. Lissauer performs numerous eyelid plastic surgery procedures each year and is known for producing a youthful and rested appearance with natural appearing results. Cosmetic lower eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of your eyes and the surrounding facial areas and may be the right choice for you.
About Cosmetic Lower Eyelid Surgery
The lower eyelids (area below the eyes) commonly show aging changes including: prominent bulging fat with dark circles, sagging of the eyelid skin, and sometimes a change in the overall shape of the eye. These changes create a tired, older look.
Cosmetic lower eyelid surgery or lower blepharoplasty removes the bags caused by the bulging excess fat and tightens the lower eyelid skin. This creates a refreshed look by smoothing out the lower eyelid and decreasing dark circles. Lower blepharoplasty is performed either by a transconjunctival approach, an incision on the inner surface of the eyelid, removing the excess fat, or by placing the incision beneath the lower eyelashes if excess skin removal is desired. The incision is then closed using very fine sutures creating minimal scarring after healing is completed.
Can eyelid surgery restore the shape of the eye?
In some lower eyelid cases, the shape of the eye is addressed, as the lower eyelid can loosen and become more rounded. Complaints of once beautiful almond shaped eyes that are now round and lower are commonly heard. Restoring the shape of the eyelid can be as equally important as removing the excess fat and skin. A canthoplasty, or tightening of the eyelid tendon, might be required in addition to a lower blepharoplasty.
A canthoplasty helps to restore the position and shape of the eyelid, providing support and tightening up the eyelid tissue. This procedure is usually performed in combination with a lower eyelid blepharoplasty to yield the most natural results. A consultation with Dr. Lissauer would determine whether you would require a canthoplasty procedure in addition to other cosmetic enhancement of your lower eyelids or face.
Who is a good candidate for cosmetic lower lid surgery?
Anyone who wants a more youthful, rested look can be a good candidate for lower blepharoplasty. Younger women and men with heavy eyelid bags who constantly hear they look tired and shy away from pictures can be good candidates. Mature people with bags, sagging lower eyelid skin or rounding of the eyelid shape can be good candidates as well. A consultation with Dr. Lissauer will ultimately determine whether you are a good candidate for lower blepharoplasty.
How is cosmetic lower eyelid surgery performed?
Dr. Lissauer performs lower blepharoplasty as an outpatient procedure at The Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York, with local sedation administered by an anesthesiologist. The patient is awake but relaxed and the procedure is painless. Generally the procedure is about one to two hours depending on if other procedures are performed simultaneously.
What should I expect after cosmetic lower eyelid surgery?
In transconjunctival blepharoplasty, the incision is created on the inside of the eyelid. The incisions are invisible and bruising and swelling generally resolves within five to seven days.
If a skin incision is required to remove excess skin, it is made just beneath the eyelashes. Sutures are usually removed six days after surgery and most patients are able to resume normal activities within one week and are usually able to return back to work in seven to ten days. Light exercise can usually be resumed within one week and full exercise within two weeks.
If a canthoplasty is performed, sutures are similarly removed at six days and most patients are able to resume normal activities and return to work in seven to ten days. Patients might experience some tightness on the outer corners of the eyelids for four to six weeks after surgery.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lissauer regarding cosmetic eyelid surgery, please contact our New York office at: 212-717-2150 for an appointment.