Lower Blepharoplasty

How the under-eye area looks can change how the entire face is perceived. Dark circles or bags, hollowing, and wrinkles can make you look more tired or older than you are. Lower eyelid surgery restores the under-eye area, revitalizing the appearance of the eyes and returning an alert, youthful appearance to the face on the whole. Dr. Langelier proudly provides eyelid surgery in Richmond for patients who want to reclaim a youthful appearance that matches how they feel.

Stock image of Beautiful woman with healthy facial skin touching hands moisturized face skin

What Is Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Lower eyelid surgery, or lower blepharoplasty, addresses the cosmetic concerns that a patient may have with the under-eye area. Aging, sun exposure, and genetics all contribute to lasting changes in this area that influence one’s overall appearance. This procedure reverses them, providing some of the longest-lasting benefits of any plastic surgery. It can address concerns such as:

  • Dark circles
  • Bags under the eyes
  • Puffy skin under the eyes
  • Wrinkles and fine lines
  • Loss of volume
  • Uneven fat deposits

Benefits of Lower Blepharoplasty

  • Exceptionally long-lasting results
  • Restoration of a youthful, alert, and dynamic appearance
  • Readily combined with other procedures for extensive results
  • Treats multiple under-eye concerns at once

Lower Blepharoplasty Before & After

Is Lower Eyelid Surgery Right for Me?

Lower blepharoplasty is ideal for patients who want comprehensive results that can last for a decade or beyond. Dr. Langelier takes the time to work with each patient to ensure their procedure plan not only matches their goals and is safe for them but is something they feel comfortable with. Some of the aspects that help determine if lower eyelid surgery is right for you include:

  • Your overall health and having no conditions that might increase the procedure’s risks.
  • Your expectations and goals with surgery and if they match what can be achieved.
  • Your preferred treatment type (she offers both surgical and nonsurgical options for most concerns)

What Is the Procedure Like?

Every element of your procedure is custom-tailored. The techniques and tissue adjustments are all adapted to generate the precise results you want while preserving a natural look. Though the details vary, a typical lower eyelid surgery will involve the following steps.

  • Administering Anesthesia: We use local anesthetic and sedation, ensuring patients have a safe and pain-free surgery.
  • Making Incisions: Tiny incisions are made in hidden areas to avoid any visible scarring. Dr. Langelier makes a hidden incision on the inside of the lower eyelid. This is called a transconjunctival approach and it leaves the skin scarless! Next, she removes and/or repositions the underlying tissues and fat to produce your target results. Eyelid tightening (canthopexy) can also be performed to provide your eyelid with additional support, if needed.
  • Laser Resurfacing: To improve wrinkles and tighten skin, laser resurfacing may be offered to improve skin texture.
  • Closing Incisions: Dr. Langelier closes any incisions with care, promoting better healing and more refined results.

Combining Procedures

Lower eyelid surgery can be complemented by procedures such as upper blepharoplasty and a brow lift. Dr. Langelier has years of experience providing combined procedures, using each to enhance the benefits of the other. One of the core advantages is that patients will only need a single recovery period, yet can see the improvements of multiple oculofacial surgeries.

What Is the Recovery Like for Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Lower eyelid surgery recovery is typically a mild experience compared to other types of surgery. However, taking 1 to 2 weeks of downtime is still essential for a safe experience and smooth healing. Expect swelling, bruising, and some mild discomfort for the initial period. However, each of these can be managed in its own way. Cold compresses help with swelling, and acetaminophen (Tylenol) is typically sufficient to reduce discomfort.

Dr. Langelier will also provide full instructions on how to care for the surgical sites to avoid infection or other complications. She sees every patient for follow-up visits, during which she evaluates your healing and provides additional instructions whenever needed.

Seeing Lower Blepharoplasty Results: Timeline & Duration

You will see an immediate improvement in lower eyelid bags after surgery. Bruising in particular will need to fade before the area looks fully rejuvenated. On average, patients can truly begin enjoying their results around 2 weeks. However, full results can take a little longer. Residual swelling can still be present beneath the skin, impacting how the tissues sit. While this may not be noticeable, it can still influence the overall look of the under-eye area. Residual swelling should continue to fade over the next few months. After this, you can see your full results, which often last for 10 or more years.

Nonsurgical Options for Lower Eyelid Rejuvenation

Patients with milder concerns or who want to avoid invasive techniques may benefit from a nonsurgical solution. Dr. Langelier offers both laser treatments and injectables that can improve the under-eye area.

Dr. Langelier Smiling

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Your Consultation

Rediscover the joy of having an expression that brings out the best in your natural facial features when working with board-certified surgeon Dr. Langelier. Book your visit by calling her office or using our website form to discover if lower eyelid surgery in Richmond is ideal for you. Build a tailored treatment plan that addresses each of your concerns to your satisfaction.

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