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Lower Blepharoplasty –Advanced Techniques for Under-Eye Rejuvenation

Correcting Under-Eye Bags with Precision Surgery

Lower blepharoplasty is a sophisticated eyelid surgery that removes or repositions fat, tightens skin, and restores youthful definition to the under-eye area. At Wave Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons use the latest microsurgical techniques to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results while minimizing downtime and scarring.
If you’re considering lower eyelid surgery, understanding the procedure details, advanced techniques, and expected outcomes will help you make an informed decision.

Book a consultation with our expert surgeons today.

How To Remove Dark Circles & Eyes Bags

How Lower Blepharoplasty Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Unlike general lower eyelid surgery, which broadly refers to various corrective procedures, lower blepharoplasty is a highly specialized surgery designed to address specific under-eye concerns, including:

  • Herniated fat pockets causing puffiness or bulging under the eyes
  • Lax skin and wrinkles contributing to a sagging appearance
  • Hollowing beneath the eyes, leading to a tired, sunken look
  • Eyelid malposition (ectropion or retraction), which can be corrected with adjunctive procedures

Our approach focuses on precision surgical techniques that deliver lasting, natural results.

See more in our Before & After gallery!

Advanced Lower Blepharoplasty Techniques

The surgical approach depends on your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. Below are the primary techniques we use at Wave Plastic Surgery:

  1. Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty (Scarless Lower Blepharoplasty)
    • Best for: Younger patients with fat herniation but good skin elasticity
    • Incision: Inside the lower eyelid (completely hidden)
    • Procedure: Fat pockets are carefully repositioned or removed without external incisions
    • Benefits: No visible scars, faster healing, maintains a natural look
    • 💡 Ideal for patients who want a subtle but significant reduction in under-eye puffiness.
  2. Subciliary Blepharoplasty (Traditional Lower Blepharoplasty)
    • Best for: Patients with excess skin, wrinkles, and fat protrusion
    • Incision: Made just below the lower lash line
    • Procedure:
      • Precise removal or repositioning of fat
      • Tightening of the skin to smooth wrinkles
      • Optional muscle suspension to support eyelid shape
      • Benefits: Corrects both skin laxity and fat bulging for a comprehensive rejuvenation
    • 💡 For patients with loose skin and deeper creases, this technique provides a smoother, more lifted result.
  3. Fat Repositioning vs. Fat Removal – Which Is Better?
    Rather than simply removing fat, modern lower blepharoplasty techniques often redistribute it for a more natural look.
    • Fat Removal: Best for significant under-eye puffiness but may cause hollowing if overdone.
    • Fat Repositioning: Moves excess fat into hollow areas to create a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.
    • 💡 Our surgeons carefully assess whether removal, repositioning, or a hybrid approach will yield the best results for you.

Surgical Precision: How We Achieve Natural Results

Preserving Eyelid Support & Function

Lower blepharoplasty is not just about aesthetics—it also requires technical skill to maintain eyelid integrity. We use:

✔ Canthopexy or Canthoplasty – Procedures to tighten and stabilize the lower eyelid if laxity is present
✔ Muscle-Sparing Techniques – To prevent eyelid drooping or hollowing
✔ Laser or Chemical Peel Resurfacing – Used post-surgery to refine fine lines and enhance results

💡 By combining these techniques, we customize each procedure to your individual needs while ensuring long-term stability.

Lower Blepharoplasty: What to Expect from Surgery & Recovery

Procedure Timeline

  • Surgical Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
  • Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
  • Outpatient Procedure: No overnight stay required
  • Stitch Removal: 5–7 days post-surgery (if applicable)

Recovery Process & Downtime

  • Swelling & Bruising: Peak at 3-5 days, improve over 2 weeks
  • Mild Discomfort: Managed with prescribed medication
  • Return to Work & Social Activities: Within 10–14 days
  • Final Results: 3–6 months, as swelling fully subsides

💡 Following post-operative care instructions ensures optimal healing and long-lasting results.

The Wave Method

Many different types of techniques exist for lower eyelid surgery. At Wave Plastic Surgery, our surgeons are extremely knowledgeable on the most advanced techniques to ensure a successful outcome. We perform a transconjunctival approach to minimize scar formation and preserve the natural shape of the lower eyelid.

An incision is created inside the lower eyelid to access the excess fat that surrounds the eyeball. The fatty tissue can be removed or repositioned depending on the patient’s needs. Our surgeons understand the delicate nature of the eyes and know how much fat to safely remove from the lower eyelid without causing hollowing of the eyes.

If needed, a small, separate skin incision is made just under the eyelashes to remove any excess skin to create a smooth, seamless contour. Very fine sutures are then used to meticulously close the incision and are removed after one week.

Canthopexy and Canthoplasty

Sometimes the lower eyelid is weakened with aging and loses the elasticity required to maintain the eyelid shape. In these situations, we recommend performing an adjunctive canthopexy procedure to strengthen the lower eyelid. A canthopexy can help prevent sagging of the lower eyelid and the formation of an ectropion where the lower eyelid loses tone and does not fully contact the eyeball.

This procedure can tighten and improve the contour of the lower eyelid by anchoring the tendon of the eyelid muscle to the lateral orbital bone. In some patients, the outer contour or angle of the eyelid can be adjusted with a lateral canthoplasty to open up the eye, creating a more balanced and attractive eye shape.

Fat Repositioning

Some patients have a prominent tear trough deformity or hollowing along the orbital rim that may require lower blepharoplasty fat repositioning as an adjunctive procedure. Fat repositioning involves rearranging the orbital fat to recontour the hollow or depressed areas around the eye. The arcus marginalis, a fibrous attachment of the lower eyelid to the infraorbital bone, is released and the orbital fat is repositioned to fill in areas along the bony rim that need additional volume. This adjunctive procedure can help restore a smooth and seamless transition from the lower eyelids to the upper cheeks to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid surgery can also be performed in combination with a lower blepharoplasty for total eye rejuvenation.

See more on our Before & After gallery!

Combining Lower Blepharoplasty with Other Procedures

To achieve the best possible results, many patients combine lower blepharoplasty with other facial procedures for a harmonized rejuvenation:

Upper Blepharoplasty: Corrects sagging upper eyelids
Mid-Face Lift: Lifts the cheek area to enhance under-eye support
Laser Resurfacing: Improves skin texture and fine lines
Dermal Fillers: Can be used for additional volume refinement

💡 Our surgeons will recommend the best combination based on your facial structure and goals.

Lower Eyelid Surgery Results

Although the aging process persists, the longevity of our results typically lasts about 7-10 years. Lower blepharoplasty is an effective surgery that can provide you with a natural, rejuvenated, and refreshed appearance that can boost your self-image and confidence. Take a look at these lower blepharoplasty before and after photos to see the improvement it can make!

See more on our Before & After gallery!

Why Choose Wave Plastic Surgery for Lower Blepharoplasty?

✅ Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons with decades of experience
✅ Specialists in Advanced Microsurgical Techniques for natural results
✅ Customized Surgical Plans tailored to your unique anatomy
✅ Minimally Invasive Approaches for quicker recovery and less downtime
✅ State-of-the-Art Surgical Facilities ensuring patient safety and comfort

Wave Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Laser Center Los Angeles - front looby

Your under-eye area is delicate—trust only the best surgeons for this precision procedure.

📞 Schedule a Consultation Today & Learn How Lower Blepharoplasty Can Restore Your Youthful Look!

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Common Questions About Lower Blepharoplasty

If this is your first time undergoing surgery, even minimally invasive surgery, you likely have many questions. Here are the most common questions that patients ask about eyelid blepharoplasty surgery.

Recovery typically takes about 2 weeks. During the healing process, it is important to do frequent cold compresses, minimize salt intake, and rest your eyes to minimize any swelling or bruising.

Lower eyelid surgery is not considered a painful procedure. Most patients have minimal to no pain after surgery. Over-the-counter Tylenol is typically adequate to relieve any discomfort.

Many different surgical techniques exist to perform lower eyelid surgery. At WAVE plastic surgery, our plastic surgeons are extremely experienced and use the most advanced surgical methods. Using a transconjunctival approach, we place the incision inside the eye to remove the lower eyelid fat to minimize any scarring. Adjunctive procedures are sometimes performed in combination with lower eyelid surgery based on individual patient needs to provide the best surgical results.

Lower blepharoplasty is a very safe surgical procedure. Our WAVE plastic surgeons have extensive knowledge and experience to ensure patients have a safe and successful outcome.

Patients of varying ages may benefit from lower blepharoplasty depending on their lower eyelid condition. During the consultation, our WAVE plastic surgeons can determine if you are a good candidate for lower eyelid surgery. Although there is no specific age to perform a lower blepharoplasty, on average, patients tend to be in their mid-30s and older.

However, even younger patients in their twenties who are impacted by genetic predisposition, lifestyle or other health conditions may be candidates for lower eyelid surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo lower eyelid surgery is based on your individual needs and eyelid condition.

Lower Blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia and light intravenous sedation to ensure patients are comfortable and without any pain.

Get Your Consultation Today

Give us a call today to schedule your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons at Wave Plastic Surgery to learn more about lower and upper blepharoplasty procedure and cost.

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Our Lower Blepharoplasty Specialists

Plastic Surgeon Peter Lee

Peter Lee

M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Peter is CEO and Chief Surgeon of WAVE Plastic Surgery Center with over 20 years of plastic surgery experience, overlooking 30K+ successful plastic surgery cases. He has mentored master surgeons around the world in state-of-the-art techniques, and has been inducted into the RealSelf 100 & 500 Hall of Fame.

His many accolades and shining results are evidence of Peter’s expertise.

Plastic Surgeon Ben Lee

Ben Lee

M.D., F.A.C.S.

Throughout 20+ years in aesthetic plastic surgery, Dr. Ben Lee has always been passionate about using his skills to impart a lasting, positive impact on the lives of his patients.

“Time and time again, I have witnessed dramatic improvements in a patient’s confidence and well-being after a relatively minor cosmetic or reconstructive procedure. As a surgeon, that brings me great joy.” — Dr. Ben Lee

Plastic Surgeon Denise -Wong

Denise Wong

M.D., F.A.C.S.

With a focus on Upper Eyelid Surgery, Dr. Wong has a deep understanding of the unique anatomy of the eyelid which is critical in performing this highly technical and intricate surgery. She is experienced in approaching various specific eyelid characteristics for different ethnicities, especially Asian cultures.

She uses precise microplastic surgical techniques to enhance the natural shape and inherent beauty of your eyes, making them appear bigger and brighter.

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Ben Lee

M.D., F.A.C.S.

Proudly using his creativity to help patients regain a sense of wholeness and confidence, Dr. Ben Lee takes a very patient-centered approach to care.

Learn More About Dr. Ben Lee