Accessibility Accessibility icon
Consultation (949) 849-0336
Accent Image
Woman with long hair looking at the camera.

Lower Blepharoplasty | Refined Eyelid Surgery

Eliminate Under-Eye Bags and Restore a Rested Appearance

The lower eyelids are often the first area of the face to show signs of aging, frequently manifesting as persistent puffiness, under-eye bags, and a fatigued appearance that no amount of rest can correct. Lower Blepharoplasty—or lower eyelid lift—is a highly specialized procedure designed to rejuvenate the area beneath the eyes, achieving a refreshed look that harmonizes with your natural features.

At Coastline Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brandyn Dunn, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, utilizes modern, subtle surgical techniques to sculpt the contours beneath the eyes. His focus is on long-lasting, natural outcomes that leave you looking as vibrant as you feel, without any tell-tale signs of surgery.

What is Lower Blepharoplasty? The Art of Under-Eye Contouring

Lower Blepharoplasty is a delicate surgical procedure aimed at correcting the common issues that contribute to an aged or tired appearance in the lower face. As we age, the thin membrane holding orbital fat in place weakens, allowing fat deposits to bulge forward, creating the appearance of "eye bags." Simultaneously, volume loss in the cheek area can create a hollow space, known as a tear trough, which accentuates dark circles.

The goal of this surgery is a smooth, seamless transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek. Instead of simply removing fat (which can sometimes lead to a sunken appearance), Dr. Dunn employs advanced techniques like fat repositioningto redistribute the bulging fat and fill in the hollows.

Close-up of soft, textured sand surface.
Minimalist interior with soft shadows and textures.

Common Conditions Lower Blepharoplasty Addresses

Patients seek this focused procedure for aesthetic concerns including:

  • Puffy Under-Eye Bags: Caused by fat deposits bulging under the eye.
  • Loose or Crepey Skin: Excess, thin, finely wrinkled skin on the lower eyelid.
  • Deep Tear Troughs: The hollow indentation at the junction of the eyelid and cheekbone, often creating dark shadows.
  • Tired Appearance: A persistent, heavy look that makes one appear perpetually unrested.

The Coastline Plastic Surgery Difference: Hidden Incisions and Expertise

The precision required for successful lower eyelid surgery demands a surgeon with an intimate knowledge of complex facial anatomy. Dr. Dunn’s specialization as a facial plastic surgeon ensures he is exceptionally qualified to perform this procedure safely and artistically.

Newport Beach blepharoplasty model
Close-up of soft, undulating sand texture.

Technical Mastery for Subtle Results

The modern approach to lower blepharoplasty prioritizes minimizing visible scarring. Dr. Dunn often performs the procedure using a transconjunctival incision, which is made inside the lower eyelid. This technique allows for the removal or repositioning of fat without any external incision, resulting in:

  • No visible external scar.
  • Minimized disruption to the delicate outer tissues.
  • A quicker surface recovery.

If excess skin tightening is required, a sub-ciliary incision is used, which is expertly hidden just below the lash line, ensuring any resulting scar is imperceptible once healed. This commitment to detailed, scar-minimizing techniques is central to our philosophy of achieving natural results.

What to Expect During Your Lower Blepharoplasty Procedure

Lower Blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with gentle sedation, ensuring you are relaxed and comfortable throughout. The surgery generally takes around 90 minutes, depending on the complexity and whether additional procedures like laser resurfacing are combined.

The Surgical Process

After anesthesia is administered, Dr. Dunn will execute the customized plan:

  1. Incision: The incision is strategically placed either internally (transconjunctival) or externally (just below the lashes).
  2. Fat Management: Fat is carefully repositioned over the cheekbone to soften the tear trough hollow and correct the bulge, creating a smooth, rejuvenated contour.
  3. Skin Tightening: If necessary, excess skin is conservatively removed, or advanced techniques like a canthopexy (tightening the outside corner of the eye) may be performed to ensure proper eyelid support.
  4. Closure: Incisions are closed with meticulous technique using dissolvable or fine sutures.
Smiling professional in black scrubs with crossed arms.
Minimalist interior with soft shadows and textures.

Recovery and Long-Term Results

The recovery process for lower blepharoplasty is manageable, and the results are long-lasting.

Recovery and Downtime

  • Initial Phase (1 Week): Swelling, bruising (similar to black eyes), and mild dryness or discomfort are expected. Cold compresses and keeping your head elevated are vital during the first 48 hours to minimize these effects. Sutures (if external) are typically removed around day 5-7.
  • Social Recovery (10-14 Days): Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities once the significant bruising has subsided, which usually occurs within two weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks.
  • Final Results: While significant improvement is visible by the one-month mark, final, subtle refinement continues as internal swelling dissipates. Complete results are typically appreciated after several months.

The results of a Lower Blepharoplasty are often permanent in terms of the removed or repositioned fat, providing a lasting solution for under-eye bags that can make you look perpetually rested and younger for many years.

Ready to Enhance Your Gaze?

If you are ready to address under-eye puffiness and hollows with the care and expertise of a dedicated facial plastic surgeon, contact us today. Dr. Dunn is committed to providing results that restore balance and confidence.

Schedule your personalized consultation to explore your options and start your journey toward a brighter, more alert appearance.

Contact our office at (949) 849-0336 or use our online booking tool to request an appointment for Lower Blepharoplasty.