PROCEDURE
Lower Blepharoplasty
(Lower Eyelid Lift)
Here at Yapa Plastic Surgery, we perform lower lid blepharoplasty in London for patients looking to revitalise the appearance of the under eye. When you opt for a lower eyelid blepharoplasty with Mr Kshem Yapa, you’re not just choosing a cosmetic enhancement; you’re investing in your self-confidence, rejuvenating your appearance, and getting rid of that “tired” look that can often overshadow your natural vibrancy.
Book your consultation for lower blepharoplasty in London.
Subtle Yet Powerful Results
The appearance of excess skin and puffiness beneath the eyes can not only enhance the appearance of ageing but also give you a perpetually tired appearance, often misinterpreted as a lack of sleep or exhaustion. Lower lid blepharoplasty, a procedure specifically tailored for the lower eyelid, addresses these concerns by removing herniated fat and improving the aged look.
It’s important to understand that a lower lid blepharoplasty focuses on the eyelid itself, not the surrounding areas. This procedure is particularly sought after by those who are troubled by the appearance of eye bags – a concern that’s often related to age-related fat protrusion beneath the lower eyelid.
At a glance
Procedure Length:
Typically 1 to 2 hours.
Cost:
Starting at £6,000.
Hospital Stay:
An outpatient procedure. In some cases, an overnight stay maybe recommended.
Anaesthesia:
General anaesthesia will be during the procedure.
Downtime:
1-2 weeks for noticeable swelling and bruising to subside. Full recovery may take a few weeks longer.
Showering:
Can resume 48 hours post-surgery, being careful to avoid direct water pressure on the eyes.
Sleeping:
Sleep with your head elevated and avoid sleeping on your side or face down for the first few days.
Make-Up:
Should be avoided on or around the eyes for at least 2 weeks post-operation. When resuming, use clean brushes and a gentle technique.
Driving:
Should be avoided for at least a week post-surgery or until you have clear vision.
Smoking:
Smoking should be avoided at least 2 weeks prior to and 2 weeks after the procedure.
Direct Sun Exposure:
Should be avoided for at least 6 weeks post-operation. When outdoors, wear sunglasses and a high SPF.
Kshem Yapa For Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
A renowned plastic surgeon based in London, Kshem Yapa is dedicated to exceeding patient expectations through his innovative and caring approach. For lower lid blepharoplasty, Mr Yapa and his accredited team will be with you every step of the way, ensuring the highest level of care and safety.
His commitment to achieving natural-looking results is why so many trust his expertise. As an affiliate of the BAAPS, FRCS, and Member of the ISAPS to name a few, patients maintain peace of mind knowing they are working with a professional. He understands the impact of plastic surgery in boosting self-confidence whilst improving lives and is privileged to work with so many people to help them transform lives.
Idea Candidates For Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
The ideal candidate for lower lid blepharoplasty surgery is someone who suffers from drooping, sagging or puffy under eyes. Excess skin on the under eye is often the result of ageing, but can also be a natural development from youth that causes insecurity and shame. Additionally, the ideal candidate for lower eyelid lifts is someone who is in good health. This includes those who do not smoke regularly, do not drink alcohol excessively, and also those who can take time from their day-to-day to focus on recovery without interruption.
Benefits of Lower Eyelid Lift Surgery
Under eye bag surgery (lower lid blepharoplasty) offers several benefits. The decision to have this procedure should be entirely up to each individual, and the positive benefits that occur following recovery will be personal for each patient. Here are some of the most common benefits that patients have reported following their lower lid blepharoplasty:
-
Rejuvenating Your Look:
Over time, our skin gives in to ageing and gravity, leading to sagging and drooping due to diminished collagen and elasticity. This procedure revitalises the under-eye area by removing excess skin and tightening the tissue, presenting a fresher, youthful look.
-
Banishing the Constantly Fatigued Look:
Some of us constantly appear tired due to heavy eyelids and pronounced eye bags. The lower eyelid lift tackles this by removing and reshaping these problematic areas, producing a more alert and refreshed appearance.
-
Improvement of Tear Troughs and Dark Circles:
Ageing can thin the skin under the eyes, amplifying the appearance of dark circles due to the underlying blood vessels. By redistributing fat below the eye, the surgery provides padding between this thin skin and the vessels, alleviating the darkened appearance in most cases.
-
Enhanced Upper Cheek Definition:
Similar to how an upper lid blepharoplasty can redefine the brow, the lower eyelid lift can lend definition to the upper cheek. Excess sagging skin is removed, and the area is tightened. The repurposed fat further lends a more defined look to the cheekbone.
-
Minimised Makeup Touch-Ups:
Those familiar with the trials of camouflaging under-eye imperfections know the struggle of constant touch-ups. Post-procedure, the smoother under-eye area demands less makeup, reducing the hassle of frequent touch-ups and saving both time and money.
Surgical Techniques Used
There are three main techniques applied during lower eyelid lift (lower lid blepharoplasty) procedure. These are:
An incision is made just below the lash line, allowing for the removal of excess skin and the repositioning or removal of fat. This technique addresses both skin and muscle laxity.
Suitable especially for younger patients with good skin elasticity, this incision is made on the inner surface of the eyelid. It primarily addresses excess fat without removing the skin. The absence of external scars is a key advantage.
In this technique, a small amount of skin is ‘pinched’ and removed without addressing the underlying muscle or fat. It’s ideal for those with minimal excess skin.
Lower Eyelid Lift Procedure Steps
Mr Kshem Yapa conducts all lower eyelid lifts with complete care in a sterile setting, ensuring your safety throughout the process. Here is a breakdown of the typical steps involved in a lower eyelid surgery:
-
Anaesthesia:
To ensure your comfort throughout the lower eyelid lift, you’ll be given anaesthesia. Most commonly, a local anaesthetic coupled with sedation is used. However, based on your preferences and health, general anaesthesia might be administered by an anaesthetist. It’s worth noting that lower eyelid surgeries are frequently carried out under general anaesthesia.
-
Incision Making:
Careful and discreet incisions are made. For lower eyelid lifts, the incision is generally just beneath the lash line or inside the eyelid, ensuring the removal or redistribution of fat and skin is seamless while hiding scars along natural skin creases.
-
Adjustments:
Any lost volume in your under-eye area will be replenished with appropriate fillers. Your lower eyelid will be checked and tightened to ensure it’s firm and secure. Certain facial ligaments will be adjusted to diminish the appearance of your under-eye bags.
Instead of removing the orbital fat, the preference is to shift its position, only taking away a minimal amount when it’s essential. The deeper layers of your facial tissues will be tweaked and secured in their new position using different suturing techniques.
-
Closing the Incisions:
Once the desired modifications are completed, the incisions are delicately closed using either sutures or skin adhesive.
Lower Eyelid Lift Treatment Combinations
While lower lid blepharoplasty is often enough on its own, it can seamlessly be paired with other cosmetic procedures such as an upper eyelid surgery to holistically address additional signs of ageing you might wish to tackle. For a complete rejuvenation of the upper face area, patients may also consider an eyebrow lift to limit upper eye drooping, and to smooth the forehead.
With ageing also comes the loss of volume of the face, to which facial fat grafting is a common procedure to be paired with the lower blepharoplasty, restoring volume in desirable areas that portray youthfulness. Mr Yapa will guide you through the process during your consultation, ensuring you receive treatment tailored perfectly to your unique needs.
Risks and Complications
As with all cosmetic surgeries, lower eyelid lift surgery has inherent risks which patients should be aware of. Although the most advanced surgical techniques are used for this delicate procedure, risks can not be entirely ruled out.
Kshem Yapa and his team are dedicated to providing the highest level of patient care, safely facilitating treatment at the world-renowned Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital. Patients will be kept well informed and provided with a comprehensive overview, discussing what to anticipate and offering guidance to facilitate a smooth recovery at home. Possible risks include :
These are common post-operative symptoms that usually diminish within a couple of weeks after the procedure. The effects usually subside within a few weeks.
Although every effort is made to minimise scars by placing incisions discreetly, complete elimination of scarring isn’t always possible.
A temporary outcome post-surgery, which typically resolves on its own.
A very rare complication where the eye’s position might alter slightly.
As with any surgery, there’s a minor risk of bleeding and infection, although precautions are always in place to prevent them.
The surgery might lead to temporarily dry eyes, which can usually be managed with specific eye medications.
Some patients might observe a change in the skin colour around the operated area, but this usually fades with time.
In the initial days post-surgery, some patients may experience a transient difficulty in fully closing their eyes, which improves as the healing progresses.
Lower Eyelid Lift Recovery
Right after your lower blepharoplasty surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and dryness in the eyes. To manage these, use lubricating drops or ointments and cold compresses.
The swelling and bruising should start to fade after a week and will usually be gone by the end of the second week. Any scars from the surgery will be subtle, but they might take a few months to fully fade, so keep them out of direct sunlight.
In the first days of recovery, your eyes might be covered with gauze. You can typically go back to work within a few days but avoid heavy activities for two weeks. If you have stitches, expect them to be removed three to four days after the surgery. It’s best to wait two weeks before wearing contact lenses or eyelid makeup. Mr Kshem Yapa and his team will give you detailed, personalised post-op care instructions, including how to care for your eyes and signs to watch for during recovery.
Lower Lid Blepharoplasty FAQs
If you are considering lower lid blepharoplasty in London, we advise you to contact our team to arrange a consultation with Kshem Yapa. Here, you will receive tailored advice from an accredited professional performing transformative surgeries for over 15 years. For any initial queries, please see our most frequently asked questions:
Recovery following lower lid blepharoplasty can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a few months. In most cases, patients can return home on the same day of surgery as long as they pass all general checks.
The most prominent bruising and swelling should subside within 2 weeks, and from that point onwards you may experience slight swelling until full recovery, which can range between 6 weeks to 6 months. You can likely return to work within 2 weeks depending on your profession, but driving should be avoided for up to 2 weeks to ensure you can see clearly. Workplace adjustments may need to be arranged so be sure to confirm this with your employer.
Following under eye bag surgery, you can expect the appearance of eyebags to lessen, but keep in mind that this is not the case for all patients. Darkness of the under eyes is often the result of age-related fat protrusion beneath the thin layer of skin. During lower eyelid lifts, your surgeon will remove or reposition the excess fat deposit, which ultimately can deter signs of ageing. Although this is not guaranteed, most patients report a much brighter and refreshed look in their eyes.
The cost of lower lid blepharoplasty starts at £6,000. During your consultation, Kshem Yapa will be able to provide comprehensive insight as to what this price includes. If additional treatments are requested, this can also be determined during a consultation.
Due to swelling and dressing requirements, patients may only see the first signs of change up to 6 weeks following surgery. If lower lid blepharoplasty is completed as a stand-alone treatment, this time may be reduced, however, for combination procedures the time frame to see final results will differ, so be sure to speak with Mr Yapa for accurate timelines.
The majority of swelling and bruising will be visibly gone within 6 months at most. To support a safe and speedy recovery, you must follow the advice of Kshem Yapa, keep the wound clean, apply creams when permitted to do so, and stay out of direct sunlight to reduce the risk of visible scarring.
Make-up should be avoided for at least 2 weeks post-surgery. Doing so will ensure the healing area is protected from possible infection.
Wearing makeup on or close to the lower lid blepharoplasty area can also irritate the healing process and cause adverse reactions to the delicate skin around the eyes. This time may be extended depending on your healing journey, so be sure to consult with the Yapa Plastic Surgery team during post-operative checkups to confirm when it is safe to wear makeup.
In most cases lower eyelid lifts will be performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will be able to return home the same day.
However, if you are having combination treatments, such as additional upper lid lifts and eyebrow lift treatments, it may be advised to stay overnight for close monitoring. The possibility of an overnight stay will also be subject to your general health status. All of the surgical process details of your lower lid blepharoplasty will be discussed during your consultations with Kshem Yapa.
Preparation is key when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Rest assured that Mr Yapa will outline all of the essential surgical steps of your lower Lid blepharoplasty. Transparency and communication are essential, Mr Yapa will work closely with you until you feel comfortable and ready to begin the process.
Adjust Medications: During your consultation, Mr Yapa will require details of current medications to ensure nothing you are taking will interfere with the surgical process. Blood thinners and herbal supplements for example will be advised to be paused throughout the process.
Stop Smoking/ Drinking: You will also be advised to stop smoking and drinking 2 weeks before and following your surgery. This is to reduce any health risks and to ensure that nothing interferes with anaesthesia during surgery.
Arrange Post-Op Care: You will not be advised to drive or perform any strenuous tasks for at least 2 weeks following your under eye bag surgery. Momentarily, your vision may be impaired and blurry, therefore you should arrange for support at home during the early stages of recovery.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Guidelines: The best preparation for risk prevention would be to follow your surgeon’s advice. Kshem Yapa will provide a tailored pre-surgical preparation plan depending on your unique treatment pathway.
