Eyelid Surgery
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty treats under-eye bags, fat prolapse and eyelid laxity via a transconjunctival or subciliary approach tailored to your anatomy.
Dr. Havva Duru Ipek wrote and medically reviewed this article · · Credentials and sources
| Duration of the operation | 45-60 minutes; longer when combined with upper blepharoplasty in the same session |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia with sedation, or general anaesthesia, tailored to the patient and extent of surgery |
| Onset of effect | Initial improvement visible once bruising and swelling settle (7-10 days); final refined result over a few months |
| Permanence | Similarly durable to upper eyelid surgery |
| Return to daily life | Most patients are comfortable in public within 7-10 days |
| Not carried out in | Active eye infection, uncontrolled dry eye syndrome, or uncontrolled systemic disease affecting wound healing |
| Number of sessions | Can be combined with upper blepharoplasty in a single session |
Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags (fat prolapse), fine wrinkling, and skin laxity in the lower eyelid. A transconjunctival or subciliary approach is tailored to the patient's anatomy, with the aim of a smooth transition from the lid to the cheek and a natural, rested result.
What is lower blepharoplasty?
Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags (fat prolapse), fine wrinkling, and skin laxity in the lower eyelid. It eliminates under-eye bags, fat prolapse, and lower lid laxity through a transconjunctival or subciliary approach tailored to the patient's anatomy.
Lower lid surgery is technically more complex than upper eyelid surgery and requires careful assessment of the patient's orbital anatomy and lower lid support before planning. Depending on anatomy, the procedure may involve removing, repositioning, or tightening tissue.
What it does and does not do
The aim of lower eyelid surgery is a smooth transition from the lid to the cheek. Simply removing fat can leave the eye looking hollow and older, not fresher — which is why repositioning tissue is usually preferred to removing it.
A correctly performed procedure removes the excess tissue concealing the natural eye shape; it does not create a new one. The eyes look more open and rested, while the patient's own character and expression are preserved.
Who is a candidate?
Lower blepharoplasty is suited to patients with under-eye bags, fat prolapse, fine wrinkling or skin laxity in the lower eyelid. Because lower lid surgery is technically more complex than upper lid surgery, careful assessment of orbital anatomy and lower lid support is required before planning.
Many patients benefit from addressing both the upper and lower lids in a single surgical session, which maximises the overall refreshing effect and requires only one anaesthesia and one recovery period.
How is it performed?
A transconjunctival or subciliary approach is chosen depending on the patient's anatomy. Lower eyelid surgery is often performed from inside the lid, leaving no external scar at all; where an external incision is needed, it sits just beneath the lash line. Whether fat is removed, repositioned, or the skin is tightened is decided case by case.
Recovery
Bruising and swelling are most noticeable in the first few days and the majority resolves within 7–10 days, by which point most people are comfortable in public. Fine swelling around the incision can take several weeks to settle completely, and the final refined result appears gradually over a few months.
Lower eyelid results are durable. Neither procedure stops ageing; both reset the starting point, and skin quality, sun exposure and genetics determine how the years that follow look.
Risks and limits
Simply removing fat from the lower lid can leave the eye looking hollow and older rather than fresher — this is why repositioning tissue is usually preferred to removing it. As with any eyelid procedure, a rounded, pulled-down or startled appearance is a sign that too much tissue was taken; incomplete eyelid closure, a visible white strip beneath the iris, or a lower lid that pulls away are all signs of over-correction.
Frequently asked questions
Will the scars be visible?
Lower eyelid surgery is often performed from inside the lid, leaving no external scar at all; where an external incision is needed it sits just beneath the lash line. Eyelid skin heals better than skin anywhere else on the body.
Will lower blepharoplasty change the shape of my eyes?
It should not. A correctly performed blepharoplasty removes the excess tissue concealing your natural eye shape — it does not create a new one. The eyes look more open and rested, while the character and expression stay recognisably yours. A changed eye shape is a sign of over-correction, not of a strong result.
Do the results last?
Lower eyelid results are durable. Neither procedure stops ageing; both reset the starting point, and skin quality, sun exposure and genetics determine how the years that follow look.
How long is the recovery?
Faster than most patients expect. Bruising and swelling are most noticeable in the first few days and the majority resolves within 7–10 days, by which point most people are comfortable in public. Fine swelling around the incision can take several weeks to settle completely, and the final refined result appears gradually over a few months.
Written and medically reviewed by: Dr. Havva Duru Ipek — Facial Plastic Surgery / Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat), Istanbul
Last reviewed: · Next review: 2027-09
Site editor: · Our editorial policy
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The information here is general. What it means for your specific case will become clear after examination and any necessary tests. If you have prior test results or reports, please bring them with you.