Lower Eyelid Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY
A lower eyelid lift is a procedure that improves the appearance of the lower eyelids for a smoother, more youthful look. Although it is natural to experience changes to the appearance of your eyes as you age, (1) droopy tissue and excess fat can create a puffy or tired appearance. (2) With a lower eyelid lift, we can help you look more alert and youthful. Variations of the lower eyelid lift technique include:
- Skin pinch
- Fat pad removal
- Fat pad repositioning
- Fat transfer
- Laser resurfacing
Dr. Jennifer Levine is Double-board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology and is a leading expert in facial rejuvenation. She is well-known for helping patients achieve impactful results that enhance their natural beauty.
Contact our New York office online or call (212) 517-9400 to learn more!
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 About Lower Eyelid Lift
- 3 Benefits
- 4 Candidates
- 5 Consultation
- 6 Preparation
- 7 Procedure
- 8 Recovery & Results
- 9 Corresponding and Combination Procedures
- 10 Cost of Lower Eyelid Lift in New York City
- 11 FAQ
- 11.1 How do I know if a lower eyelid lift is right for me?
- 11.2 How long does a lower eyelid lift take?
- 11.3 Is a lower eyelid lift painful?
- 11.4 When can I resume regular exercise after a lower eyelid lift?
- 11.5 Are there any risks of a lower eyelid lift?
- 11.6 Will I have any visible scarring after a lower eyelid lift?
- 12 References
Before and After Photos
About Lower Eyelid Lift
As you age, the production of collagen–a protein in your skin that helps it maintain its structure–declines, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and mild laxity that can affect your appearance. The fat beneath the eyes can also bulge, leading to a puffy appearance. With a lower eyelid lift, Dr. Levine can reposition the fat pads beneath the eyes and/or remove excess skin, creating a smoother under-eye area that helps you look younger.
Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Lift
If you have excess skin or bulging fat above the eyes that is making you look tired, Dr. Levine can remove and/or reposition the tissues for a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. She can perform an upper and lower blepharoplasty during the same appointment, which is also known as a quad eyelid lift, or she can perform either of these procedures on their own.
Benefits
There are several benefits of a lower eyelid lift, including:
- Removing excess tissue
- A more alert appearance
- Smoother skin
- Improved self-esteem
- More youthful-looking appearance
- Long-lasting results
- Fewer wrinkles and fine lines
Candidates
Suitable candidates for a lower eyelid lift would like to diminish signs of aging and/or reduce bulging fat beneath the eyes. If you are in good overall health and are a nonsmoker, you are likely a good fit for the procedure. If you do smoke, you must be willing to quit temporarily. All patients should have realistic expectations about what they can achieve with this procedure.
During a personal consultation at our office, your candidacy will be reviewed in detail.
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Levine will ask about your aesthetic goals and perform a physical examination to determine the most effective treatment plan for your needs. If you have additional aesthetic goals, she can recommend other procedures to help you achieve them.
Preparation
To prepare for your treatment, you should:
- Stop smoking for several weeks before and after your procedure
- Refrain from drinking alcohol
- Stop taking medications and supplements that thin the blood
- Prepare your meals ahead of time
- Run errands as necessary
- Schedule time off work for recovery
- Ask someone you trust to drive you home
Procedure
Dr. Levine performs all procedures in her New York City private surgical suite.
She will customize your procedure based on your underlying facial anatomy and aesthetic preferences. (3) There are several different techniques Dr. Levine can incorporate into her lower eyelid lift procedures, including:
- Skin pinch: This is a surgical technique that removes a small amount of excess skin just below the lower lash line to tighten the eyelid.
- Fat pad removal: To address the fat pads beneath the eyes, Dr. Levine will make an incision inside the lower eyelids to remove excess fat.
- Fat pad repositioning: Dr. Levine can reposition the fat beneath the eyes to correct puffiness and sagging caused by descended fat pads.
- Fat transfer: Lower eyelid fat transfer involves injecting a patient’s own fat into the under-eye area to restore lost volume, smooth hollows, and improve the appearance of dark circles.
- Laser resurfacing: Lower eyelid laser resurfacing uses laser energy to smooth fine lines, tighten skin, and improve pigmentation and texture in the delicate under-eye area by stimulating collagen production.
After your procedure, you will return to our recovery room, where our team will monitor you until you are cleared to return home.
Recovery & Results
After a lower eyelid lift, you will need approximately 2 weeks of downtime. We will let you know when to follow up with the office so that Dr. Levine can monitor your healing and results.
Swelling and bruising are normal during the first week and gradually subside. You should keep your head elevated and follow all aftercare instructions carefully. Avoid strenuous activities and excessive sun exposure to ensure optimal healing.
After the procedure, you can enjoy a smoother under-eye area, as well as look more alert and refreshed.
Corresponding and Combination Procedures
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is often performed with lower blepharoplasty to enhance aesthetic outcomes by improving skin texture, tightening laxity, and reducing fine lines and pigmentation around the eyes. While lower blepharoplasty primarily addresses excess skin and fat in the lower eyelids, laser resurfacing complements the procedure by smoothing wrinkles and stimulating collagen production, leading to a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
Facelift
A facelift is a procedure that rejuvenates the lower and mid-face by removing droopy skin and adjusting the deep underlying tissues. As you age, facial skin can begin to sag, and wrinkly skin can increase your perceived age. A facelift can be combined with a lower eyelid lift or quad blepharoplasty to help patients rejuvenate multiple areas of the face. Dr. Levine has extensive experience in facial rejuvenation, ensuring results that are both subtle and impactful.
Neck Lift
A neck lift, which is often a component of the facelift, is a procedure that improves the appearance of the neck by removing excess skin and reducing the appearance of muscle banding. It can tighten the underlying platysma muscle, restoring a smoother, more defined neck contour. For many patients, a neck lift dramatically enhances the overall facial profile and helps create a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
Brow Lift
A brow lift removes excess skin from the forehead and elevates the brows for a more youthful appearance. There are several different variations of the brow lift, each incorporating different incisions. This procedure can be paired with a lower blepharoplasty or quad blepharoplasty to provide enhanced rejuvenation to the upper face. While a brow lift might indirectly provide a subtle lift above the eyes, a blepharoplasty is necessary if one wants to achieve substantial changes in the eye region.
Cost of Lower Eyelid Lift in New York City
The cost of a lower eyelid lift will depend on your treatment plan and the condition of your skin. We can also provide an all-inclusive quote during your consultation for additional treatments. Do not hesitate to schedule a consultation and learn more about how this effective treatment can transform your appearance!
Contact our New York office online or call (212) 517-9400 to learn more about how we can rejuvenate your skin and hair!
FAQ
How do I know if a lower eyelid lift is right for me?
If you have puffy eye bags or sagging skin beneath the eyes that is affecting your appearance, a lower eyelid lift might be a suitable option for you. During a personal consultation at our office, your surgeon will examine the skin around your eyes to determine the best treatment plan for you. Your medical history and other factors will also be considered when evaluating your candidacy for a lower eyelid lift.
How long does a lower eyelid lift take?
A lower eyelid lift can take 1-2 hours, depending on your aesthetic goals and the condition of your skin. If a lower eyelid lift is combined with an upper eyelid lift, facelift, brow lift, or other procedure, the overall surgery duration might be longer.
Is a lower eyelid lift painful?
Anesthesia is used for your comfort during the lower eyelid lift. During your recovery, it is normal to experience discomfort in the treated areas. Dr. Levine will provide you with detailed recovery instructions that will help you minimize any discomfort.
When can I resume regular exercise after a lower eyelid lift?
Most patients can return to light activities and work after 1-2 weeks, depending on the physical demands of the job. Once your surgeon approves, you can resume more strenuous activities.
Are there any risks of a lower eyelid lift?
Although a lower eyelid lift is considered to be a generally well-tolerated procedure, all surgical procedures come with surgical risks that can be discussed in detail during your personal consultation. Choosing a highly experienced surgeon who specializes in facial procedures is important for minimizing the risks of this procedure. If you have any conditions that might affect your ability to heal, we will likely recommend an alternative treatment. We offer several nonsurgical procedures for facial rejuvenation as well.
Will I have any visible scarring after a lower eyelid lift?
This depends on what concerns your surgeon addresses during your lower eyelid lift; if bulging fat pads are the main concern, incisions can be made inside the lower eyelids, meaning they will not be visible at all. If sagging skin is what you would like to address, an external incision just below the lower lash line may be the most effective approach. In any case, your surgeon will make discreet incisions that allow for a natural appearance. We can discuss the most effective treatment plan for you during your consultation.
References
- Murri M, Hamill E, Hauck M, Marx D. An Update on Lower Lid Blepharoplasty. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2017;31(01):046-050. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1598632
- Sundelin T, Lekander M, Kecklund G, Van Someren EJW, Olsson A, Axelsson J. Cues of Fatigue: Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Facial Appearance. Sleep. 2013;36(9):1355-1360. doi:https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.2964
- Naik M. Hills and valleys: Understanding the under-eye. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2016;9(2):61. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.184048
