Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty is a refined eyelid surgery designed to rejuvenate the under-eye area by addressing puffiness, excess skin, wrinkles, and under-eye bags that contribute to a tired or aged appearance. At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim performs lower eyelid surgery using advanced techniques that preserve natural eye shape while restoring smooth, youthful contours. Through meticulous anatomical analysis and personalized surgical planning, Dr. Kim focuses on reducing under-eye bulges, tightening lax skin, and improving tear trough hollowing for long-lasting, natural-looking results. This procedure is ideal for patients seeking brighter, more rested eyes without an overcorrected or hollowed appearance.

Overview

Lower blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as lower eyelid surgery, is a specialized facial rejuvenation procedure that targets the delicate structures beneath the eyes. Aging, genetics, fluid retention, and weakened orbital support can lead to under-eye bags, skin laxity, fine lines, and volume displacement. These changes often make patients appear fatigued or older than they feel, even with adequate rest.

At CK Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Charles Kim approaches lower blepharoplasty with an emphasis on anatomical precision, conservative correction, and facial harmony. Unlike outdated techniques that focused solely on fat removal, modern lower eyelid surgery prioritizes fat preservation, repositioning, and structural support to maintain a youthful and natural appearance.

Dr. Kim begins each procedure with a comprehensive facial analysis to assess eyelid anatomy, tear trough depth, orbital fat positioning, skin elasticity, and cheek support. This personalized evaluation allows for a customized surgical plan tailored to the patient’s aging pattern, eye shape, and aesthetic goals.

Lower blepharoplasty may be performed using a transconjunctival approach, where incisions are hidden inside the lower eyelid, or a subciliary approach, where a discreet incision is placed just beneath the lash line. The chosen technique depends on factors such as skin excess, muscle laxity, and fat herniation. In many cases, orbital fat is carefully repositioned to smooth under-eye hollows rather than removed, helping to avoid a sunken or skeletonized appearance.

For patients with significant skin laxity or fine wrinkling, Dr. Kim may combine skin tightening or laser resurfacing to enhance texture and tone. When necessary, lower blepharoplasty can also be paired with midface lifting or fat grafting to restore cheek support and improve the lid-cheek junction.

Dr. Kim’s surgical philosophy centers on achieving natural lower eyelid rejuvenation, maintaining proper eyelid position, and minimizing complications such as eyelid retraction or asymmetry. His meticulous layered closure techniques and attention to eyelid support structures help ensure long-term stability and aesthetically pleasing outcomes.

Lower blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on patient needs. The result is a smoother, brighter, and more youthful under-eye appearance that enhances overall facial balance without altering eye expression.

Overview

Benefits & Candidates

Reduces under-eye bags and puffiness for a refreshed appearance

Smooths tear trough hollows and under-eye shadows

Improves lower eyelid skin laxity and fine wrinkles

Maintains natural eye shape without a hollowed look

Creates a brighter, more rested facial appearance

Long-lasting under-eye rejuvenation with minimal visible scarring

Enhances overall facial harmony and lid-cheek transition

1. Individuals with prominent under-eye bags or puffiness

2. Patients experiencing lower eyelid skin laxity or wrinkling

3. Adults with tear trough deformities or under-eye hollows

4. Patients bothered by a tired or aged under-eye appearance

The Process

  • Comprehensive Consultation
    Detailed eyelid evaluation, facial analysis, and personalized surgical planning.
  • Preoperative Marking & Anesthesia
    Precise markings are made to guide incision placement; anesthesia is administered for comfort.
  • Lower Eyelid Incision
    A transconjunctival or subciliary incision is carefully created based on patient anatomy.
  • Fat Repositioning & Tissue Refinement
    Orbital fat is repositioned or conservatively contoured to smooth under-eye hollows and reduce bulging.
  • Skin Tightening & Structural Support
    Excess skin is addressed if necessary while preserving eyelid stability and natural shape.
  • Layered Closure & Recovery
    Incisions are meticulously closed, and the patient transitions to recovery with detailed aftercare guidance.
  • Recovery & Risks

    Lower blepharoplasty is considered a safe and effective procedure when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. At CK Plastic Surgery, patient safety is prioritized through meticulous surgical planning, sterile technique, and comprehensive post-operative care protocols.

    Common side effects following lower eyelid surgery include temporary swelling, bruising, mild discomfort, and tightness around the eyes. These effects typically peak within the first few days and gradually improve over one to two weeks. Cold compresses, head elevation, and prescribed medications help minimize swelling and promote healing.

    Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within 7 to 10 days, although residual swelling may persist for several weeks. Bruising can usually be concealed with makeup after the first week. Full results continue to refine over several months as the tissues settle and the under-eye contours smooth.

    Potential risks, while uncommon, may include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, dry eyes, eyelid malposition, or delayed healing. Dr. Kim reduces these risks through precise surgical technique, conservative correction, and careful evaluation of eyelid support structures. Patients receive detailed aftercare instructions and are closely monitored during follow-up visits to ensure optimal healing.

    Adhering to post-operative guidelines, such as avoiding strenuous activity, sun exposure, and smoking plays a crucial role in achieving the best outcome. Dr. Kim and his team remain accessible throughout the recovery process to address concerns and support a smooth, comfortable healing experience.

    Real Results

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    Lower Blepharoplasty

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What improvements does lower blepharoplasty typically provide?

    Lower blepharoplasty reduces under-eye bags, puffiness, and tired appearance. At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim uses advanced fat repositioning to smooth hollowness and brighten the lower eyelid. Many patients searching for under-eye bag removal surgery want a refreshed look without looking “done.” This procedure restores natural contours, softens shadowing, and enhances facial harmony through precise reshaping of the lower eyelid structure.

    How does lower blepharoplasty help reduce under-eye puffiness?

    Lower blepharoplasty removes or repositions excess fat that causes puffiness. Dr. Charles Kim uses precise fat contouring to smooth under-eye bulges and improve shadowing. Patients researching how to fix under-eye bags without filler often choose this option for its permanent and natural outcome. By redistributing fat and tightening tissue, the surgery restores a youthful transition between the lower lid and cheek.

    Can lower blepharoplasty fix deep tear troughs?

    Yes, lower blepharoplasty can improve deep tear troughs by repositioning fat to fill hollowness. Many individuals researching tear trough surgery options want a smoother, blended transition between the lower eyelid and cheek. Dr. Charles Kim uses refined fat redistribution techniques to restore volume where it’s lacking. The result is reduced shadowing, improved brightness, and a naturally rejuvenated under-eye contour.

    How long does lower blepharoplasty recovery usually take?

    Recovery usually takes one to two weeks. Most patients experience mild swelling and tightness during the early phase, with improvements appearing steadily. People searching for lower blepharoplasty recovery timeline often ask when they can wear makeup or return to work. At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim provides customized aftercare that enhances healing, reduces swelling, and protects the delicate lower eyelid for natural long-term results.

    How long do lower blepharoplasty results typically last?

    Results can last many years, as the repositioned fat and tightened tissues maintain long-term improvement. Many patients exploring long-lasting lower blepharoplasty results love that the procedure offers durable rejuvenation compared to fillers. Dr. Charles Kim’s advanced fat preservation techniques support stability, helping patients enjoy smoother eyelids and reduced puffiness well into the future. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle enhances the longevity of the outcome.

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