Am I An Ideal Candidate For Lower Eyelid Surgery?
The ideal candidate for lower eyelid surgery in Atlanta is in good general health and a non-smoker. During your consultation to discuss lower eyelid surgery in further detail, Dr. Killingsworth and his surgical team will review your health history, eye anatomy, medications, and more to ensure that this procedure is right for you. Patients should have realistic expectations for their results before opting for lower eyelid surgery.
If you struggle with pronounced fat pads, dark circles, tear troughs, or excess skin under the eyes, lower eyelid surgery may be right for you. Patients with a history of eye or vision issues may not be a candidate for this procedure. It is important to disclose your health history to your doctor to ensure your safety when undergoing this procedure. Oftentimes, patients choose to pair lower eyelid surgery with upper eyelid surgery to achieve more comprehensive results.
What Should I Expect During Lower Eyelid Surgery?
During lower eyelid surgery, patients will go under either local or general anesthesia, depending on the severity of their case. Before beginning, a special lens will be placed over the eyeball to protect it during surgery. Then, a small incision will be made, usually hidden within the crease of the eye under the lower eyelashes. In some cases, an incision is required on the inner portion of the lower eyelid to properly reposition the fat pads.
After the initial incision is made, our facial plastic surgery team will begin removing any excess skin and fat necessary. Fat pads will be re-positioned to fill any hollowing under the eyes and create a youthful appearance. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions will be closed with sutures. Lower eyelid surgery usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
What Should I Expect After Lower Eyelid Surgery?
After undergoing lower eyelid surgery, patients will be taken to a recovery room. The type of anesthesia administered helps determine how long patients must undergo monitoring following their procedure. Patients who opt for general anesthesia should expect a longer in-office recovery period. Once the anesthesia wears off, patients can expect mild bruising, swelling, and discomfort. However, these symptoms will subside in the weeks following your surgery.
Before returning home, Astra Plastic Surgery provides each patient with detailed aftercare instructions. We stress the fact that proper aftercare during the recovery period will help patients get the best results from their procedure. While healing, patients should avoid touching their eyes, wearing makeup and other skincare products, swimming, and excessive physical activity. It is recommended that patients take time to rest and maintain head elevation while recovering.