As we age, we tend to shrink, sag, and wrinkle. The speed of this aging process is different for everyone and largely influenced by genetics, sun exposure, and other factors. For some patients, they may start to notice more sagging skin, wrinkles, and/or puffiness involving the eyelids, and sometimes even looseness of the lower eyelid causing irritation or dryness of the eyes. When these changes start to bother you, it may be time to consider lower eyelid surgery. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Li will analyze your brow and eyelids in detail and discuss whether Lower Eyelid Surgery is a good option for you.
Lower eyelid surgery usually involves removal of some excess skin, but it is usually much less than one would expect. Whereas in the past eyelid fat was generally considered excessive and removed, increasingly, the trend is to preserve and displace this fat to better blend the lower eyelid and the upper cheek. If there is looseness to the lower eyelid, it must be tightened, otherwise it may worsen after surgery. Lower eyelid scars are typically hidden inside the lower eyelid and/or just below the eyelash line, and therefore well-hidden.
KEY POINTS
SURGERY UNDER LOCAL OR GENERAL ANESTHETIC
GO HOME THE SAME DAY (DAY SURGERY)
RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES WITHIN A WEEK
REWIND THE CLOCK BY 5-10 YEARS
ELIMINATE EXCESS LOWER EYELID SKIN
SMOOTH THE TRANSITION BETWEEN THE CHEEK AND LOWER EYELIDS
HIDE SCARS INSIDE THE LOWER EYELID AND/OR UNDERNEATH THE LASHES
UNCOVER AND BRIGTHEN YOUR EYES
WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE SURGERY
You will be evaluated by Dr. Li at the time of your initial consultation to determine if Lower Eyelid Surgery is the best option for you
You will be required to quit smoking and oral contraceptives 4 weeks before surgery
You will need to complete testing before surgery, which may include a physical with your PCP/primary physician, blood work, and an ECG
Prescriptions for your surgery will be sent to your local pharmacy, please obtain these medications ahead of time and bring them to your surgery
A deposit is required to secure your surgery date
Full payment is required 2 weeks before surgery; payment options include cash, cashier's check, or credit through Alphaeon or CareCredit
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY
General anesthesia can sometimes cause generalized body soreness and fatigue for a couple of days
Maximum discomfort will occur in the first few days after surgery and gradually improve
You will not be allowed to engage in any significant exercise (e.g. running, lifting weights) for 3 weeks
You may develop temporary irritation of your eyes after surgery; this improves over the course of 6 weeks
You may experience temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, or a burning sensation involving your eyelids; bruising and swelling takes several weeks to improve; numbness takes a couple months to normalize
Scars may be red and firm for approximately 6 months before they soften and fade