Lower Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery
Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara

why we're different


Upper Eyelids Lower Eyelids Asian Hollowness Healing Photos Blepharoplasty FAQs Our Office

The Three Basic Approaches

Transconjunctival

The eyeball is protected by a plastic plate. The lower lid is retracted down and away from the eye. The initial incision is made by sweeping an electric current across the inside surface of the eyelid (conjunctiva).

A step-wise conservative removal of fat is undertaken from one, two, or all three of the fat pads, thereby sculpting the lid into its new shape.

Care is taken to leave some of the lid's fullness intact, as a hollowed eyelid suggests aging or illness rather than youth.

Several options for treating loose or damaged skin may be considered along with transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty:

 Wrinkles may be softened, skin quality improved, and the skin tightened slightly by the application of trichloroacetic acid (TCA chemical peel) immediately following the surgery.

When indicated, a tiny strip of skin may be pinched and then excised from the area just below the lashes without disturbing the deeper eyelid structure (pinch blepharoplasty).

When indicated, thinned or sagging tissues supporting the lower eyelid may be tightened (canthopexy) by attaching them to the lining or the bone or fascia surrounding the socket.

Tissue-Sparing

Approached through a skin incision, bulging orbital fat is returned to its normal anatomic compartment, making fat removal unnecessary. There are both advantages and disadvantages to tissue-sparing lower blepharoplasty, which is a much newer technique that is still developmental and not without its own set of risks.

Transcutaneous

Transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty (skin and fat removal undertaken through a skin incision) had not been employed in our practice for over fifteen years. Not only is the aesthetic outcome sub-optimal, but the risk of significant immediate and late complications is unacceptably high.


Although still popular, we refrain from lower eyelid fat repositioning into the tear trough in the vast majority of patients. Less invasive, safer, and more effective approaches are available for filling upper cheek hollows. Moving substantial amounts of fat out of the orbit simply to camouflage a cheek depression introduces the possibility of causing eyelid hollowness.


more information

From the Insider's Guide to Blepharoplasty

More on lower eyelid surgery technique, options, pros, and cons...

Chapter 17: Lower Blepharoplasty
Chapter 19: Canthopexy and Lateral Canthal Tightening
Chapter 20: Lower Eyelid Fat Repositioning
Chapter 21: Cheek, Midface, and SOOF Lift
Chapter 22: Skin Resurfacing: Chemical and Laser Peels

From Eyelid Surgery Photos

Actual patients before and after lower lid surgery ...

Patient Photos

From Operations Step-by-Step

Lower eyelid surgery shown start to finish...

Lower Tranconjunctival Blepharoplasty
Lower Transcutaneous Blepharoplasty
Canthopexy with Skin Excision

caution Actual surgery photos

From the Asian Eyelid Surgery Resource

Special considerations in the Asian lower lid...

Lower Eyelid Asian Blepharoplasty

From the Insider's Guide to Blepharoplasty

What can be done if something goes wrong...

Chapter 30: Treatment of Lower Blepharoplasty Complications


Anesthesia > Upper Lids > Brows > Lower Lids

More

The Doctor | A True Eyelid Specialist | Services | Our Office | Contact Us
Patient Comments | Fees | Search | Site Map | Live Far Away?

© 2000-2010 Frank Meronk, Jr., M.D.
All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer: Information, observations, and opinions are offered for general reference only and should not be misconstrued as medical advice or diagnosis. Base all treatment decisions solely upon the recommendations of your doctors. With each use of this website, you signify your review and full acceptance of our current Terms of Use.