| LBL | Lower Blepharoplasty Surgery |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Aesthetic concerns about the lower eyelid include excess skin, bags and festoons of the lower lids. A lower blepharoplasty can improve eyebags, tighten the muscle (=orbicularis oculi muscle) and remove some skin. If the lower eyelid is lax, a canthopexy can tighten it. Surgery involves a scar below the lower eyelashes (=transcutaneous subciliary incision). Occasionally, scars can be hidden on the inside of the eyelid (=transconjunctival incision) - additional laser or other modalities can then be used to tighten the skin. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which do not require removal and dissolve within four months. |
| Scars | Under lower eyelashes with short sidewards extension or inside eyelid |
| Operation time | 2 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General or Sedation & Local |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery |
| Benefits | Aesthetic, Psychological |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration (dark circles do not improve with surgery), Skin cones, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis, Pain, Irritation, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness), Bruising, Swelling, Hollowness, Cysts, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Recurrent redundancy, Aesthetic imperfections, Eye injury / irritation / dryness, Cornea abrasion, Double / blurred vision, Sympathetic ophthalmia, Blindness, Contour irregularities, Need for further surgery (+/- skin grafts), Ectropion, Lagophthalmos (Inability to close eyes), Scleral show, Lateral bowing, Horizontal buckling, Allergic reaction, Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs. N.B. Most complications are unlikely. Serious risks or death are rare |
| Risk factors | Alcohol, Poor tissue quality can cause recurrent laxity, Asymmetry cannot be entirely corrected, Contact lenses shortly after surgery, Previous eye surgery / laser treatment / problems (e.g. dry eyes), Too early or excessive mobilisation, Wound interference without surgeon's agreement; Contraindications which preclude surgery unless discussed otherwise in the consultation: Smoking / vaping / nicotine / recreational inhalations within 6 weeks before and after surgery, Contraception with estrogens or HRT tablets (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel over 2 hours within 6 weeks before and after surgery (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel under 2 hours within 2 weeks before and after surgery, Overweight (Body Mass Index = BMI of 27 and over), Recent weight changes over 6kg, Pregnancy (if under general anaesthetic), Raised blood pressure (if poorly controlled), Bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), Diabetes or immunosuppression (if poorly controlled) |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, sufficient sleep, scar massage, sun protection. Dry eyes usually settle within 4 months after surgery. Microwaveable wheat bags and eyelid massage (as directed by) me can help. |
| Discomfort | 1 week |
| Bruising | 2 - 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Driving and light activities 1 week, Physical work / sports 4 weeks |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 - 18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Make-up, Fillers, Fat transfer, Laser |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
