Lower Blepharoplasty
The eyes are a key feature of our facial appearance. While some may form under-eye bags in their early 20s from a genetic predisposition, the majority of patients will experience common age-related changes involving the thin eyelid tissues losing their elasticity and support. This can cause the skin to become thin, loose, papery, or crepey. Pockets of fat can herniate through weakened structures, causing under-eye bags and puffiness. A loss of volume can lead to dark circles, under-eye shadows, and hollows. Dr. Sarah Avila is proud to be a double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon specializing in lower blepharoplasty in Miami, using the most modern techniques to deliver safe, natural, and personalized results.
What Is Lower Blepharoplasty?
How Does Lower Eyelid Surgery Work?
A Modern Technique:
Dr. Sarah Avila uses a modern transconjunctival approach where the incision is made inside the eyelid. The lower eyelid bags or puffiness, which are herniated fat, can then be removed safely, reducing the risk of scarring and post-operative lower eyelid malposition. This technique has been shown to be superior to older traditional lower eyelid surgeries that place the incision through the skin (called the transcutaneous approach).
Additional Measures Against Laxity:
During the consultation, Dr. Sarah Avila may also recommend addressing skin laxity with laser treatments, such as CO2 laser resurfacing or a skin-pinch procedure. The latter involves an incision underneath the eyelashes and surgically removing a small amount of skin. The lower eyelid may also be tightened during a canthal-suspension procedure without changing the overall shape of the eyelid.
Further Recommendations:
Dr. Sarah Avila may also recommend chemical peels, neurotoxins, or fat transfer on an individual basis to provide the most natural lower lid rejuvenation experience.
Why Choose Lower Blepharoplasty?
Benefits
- An overall rejuvenated and more youthful appearance
- No longer look fatigued or tired
- High-quality safety standards and patient care
- Committed follow-up to patient outcomes
- Long-lasting, natural-looking results
- Little to no visible scarring
Am I a Candidate?
If you have sagging, drooping, or puffy skin around your eyes that makes you look older than you feel, then lower eyelid surgery may be the right option. However, we take the time to ensure patients are always matched with procedures that are both safe and ideal for their individual situations.
Patient safety remains a core value of Dr. Avila’s practice, and we take every measure to ensure outcomes that preserve patient health while maximizing their satisfaction. The best way to determine if this procedure is a good choice for you is to set up a consultation with Dr. Avila, a leading cosmetic surgeon for lower blepharoplasty in Miami. During the consultation, she will discuss your goals and expectations, examine the areas of concern, and review your medical history. Each of these factors is considered and influences which procedure will be ideal for each patient.
Lower Blepharoplasty Procedure Overview
Duration:
Lower Blepharoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you will not need to stay in a hospital and can return home the same day as the procedure. The duration of the surgery depends on the extent of work being done and typically ranges between 1 and 2 hours.
Procedure Outline:
Dr. Sarah Avila will discuss anesthetic options ranging from light sedation to general anesthesia and local anesthetic. Dr. Sarah Avila uses a modern transconjunctival approach where the incision is made inside the eyelid. Then, the excess fat may be excised or moved and transposed to fill in any hollows while smoothing
the eyelid-cheek junction.
Optional Combinations:
Dr. Sarah Avila may also combine non-surgical rejuvenation techniques such as CO2 laser resurfacing, fat grafting, chemical peels, neurotoxins, and more to provide the best results.
How Long Is the Recovery?
The recovery time and experience for lower eyelid surgery varies from patient to patient and depends on the extent of the procedure. However, patients can generally expect some mild to moderate swelling and bruising that should subside after a few weeks but can last up to several months. While some discomfort and pain are normal, these can be managed with medication, and many patients may only require over-the-counter pain relievers to tolerate them.
Additionally, Dr. Avila will provide you with post-operative instructions for use during the healing process that focus on minimizing your discomfort, reducing the risk of complications, and improving overall results. Most people can return to their regular activities within about 2 weeks. However, downtime and recovery vary and are affected by four key factors:
- ​Patient age
- ​Current medications (particularly blood thinners)
- ​Patient health
- ​Following post-op instructions (e.g., avoiding smoking, strenuous activity, etc.)
When Will I See the Results?
The results of lower eyelid surgery are long-lasting, although the initial swelling may take several weeks to a couple of months to subside completely. During your consultation, our surgeon can provide you with a more precise timeline for when you can expect to see noticeable results.
However, some improvements can be seen quite soon after the procedure once the initial swelling and other side effects subside. With proper aftercare and a gentle routine, patients can expect to see continued improvements as residual swelling and bruising go down from one day to the next. We also gladly see patients for follow-up visits to track their recovery and ensure their results align with their expectations.
Are the Results Permanent?
Can You Combine with Other Procedures?
Yes, you can combine eyelid surgery with other procedures to achieve more comprehensive results. During your consultation, Dr. Avila will assess your needs and discuss all of your options so that you can make the best decision for yourself. Some common choices to combine with include:
- Brow lift: Improves signs of aging of the forehead
- Upper eyelid surgery: Revitalizes the upper eyelid area
- Facelift: Reduces wrinkles and sagging skin on the face
- Ptosis surgery: Address droopy eyelids caused by weakened eyelid muscles
While some patients may benefit solely from lower blepharoplasty, others may see better results through an optimal combination of procedures. Dr. Avila takes the time to ensure each patient is matched with a procedure plan that safely and effectively delivers key, targeted results.
How Much Does Lower Eyelid Surgery Cost in Miami?
Why Choose an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon?
- Reduce the risk of complications
- Use more advanced techniques for better results
- Deliver expected results
- Ensure patient well-being
Sarah Avila, MD
Specialization: Eyelid Surgery & Aesthetics
Dr. Sarah Avila is an oculofacial plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida. After completing medical school, Dr. Avila completed a residency in ophthalmology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, followed by a highly competitive two-year ASOPRS-accredited fellowship in reconstructive and cosmetic oculofacial surgery at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. During this fellowship, Dr. Avila focused on plastic surgery related to the eyelids, brows, lacrimal duct system, orbit, and face.
