Lower Lid Surgery in Tampa and St. Petersburg, FL
Bags and puffiness under your eyes make you look older and tired. You may try to hide the problem with concealers or even try over-the-counter topical applications. In some cases, excess fat and skin on the lower eyelid cause it to sag and expose the lower eyeball and soft tissue. Why not improve your bags completely with lower eyelid surgery? As a dual-board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and otolaryngologist, Dr. Dean G. Davis offers lower lid surgery to the men and women of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and surrounding areas in Florida.
What Is Lower Eyelid Surgery?
The lid directly below each eye is a collection of fat deposits and skin. Over time, issues such as sun damage and one’s genetics can lead to an increase in the fat deposits and sagging. Lower eyelid surgery is a simple procedure to reduce the fat, get rid of excess skin, and then tighten the remaining skin.
What Causes Bags Under Eyes?
While bags under the eyes are often thought of as being caused by allergies or a lack of sleep, the condition is actually caused by lower eyelid fat that prolapses or falls out of place. The eye is located in a space called the orbit, which has fat in its compartments. This orbital fat must be reduced or repositioned whenever it falls out of place to prevent bags from forming.
When excess fat is reduced, it can result in loose skin under the eyes being even more noticeable than it was before. Loose skin may automatically tighten after surgery by the orbicularis oculi muscle, which expands and contracts to tighten the loose skin underneath the eyes. Excess skin may also be surgically reduced during the procedure to provide you with a firmer, younger appearance.
Lower Eyelid Anatomy
Hollows in the skull where the eyes sit are known as orbits. The eyes also contain an orbital septum, which is a sheet of tissue that extends from the eyelid to the rim of the orbit. Orbital fat is situated around the eyes and behind the orbital septum, and provides cushioning for the eyes. The bulging of orbital fat and the thinning of the orbital septum is what gives the eyes a puffy look.
Thinning of the orbital septum is an inherited tendency that may first present itself during adolescence; however, it tends to become more prominent with age. As such, the presence of under-eye bags also becomes more noticeable as a person grows older.
You may notice your eyes appear puffier in the morning. After being reclined all night, water in the orbital fat may accumulate in one spot, thereby leading to a puffy appearance. As the day wears on, much of this water is absorbed, which is why the puffiness decreases.
As people age, the skin surrounding the eyes becomes looser, making under-eye bags more prominent. Allergies and a lack of sleep can also loosen eyelid tissue and give you a tired appearance.
Who Are The Best Candidates For This Surgery?
Lower eyelid surgery could be beneficial in a number of circumstances. Blepharoplasty could be right for you if:
- You always looking tired, even when you have had the right amount of sleep
- Your under-eye bags do not improve as the day goes on
- You have noticed loose or sagging skin around the lower eyes
- Applying eye makeup is becoming increasingly more difficult
- Others constantly ask you if you are tired
When Is The Procedure Facilitated?
Lower eyelid surgery can take place at any time, but we suggest that most patients undergo this treatment at the same time as any other corrective facial procedure. Many patients will have a facelift, lower eyelid surgery, laser resurfacing, and a brow lift all carried out at the same time. If the upper eyelids are drooping or baggy, they can be treated as well.
What Are Some Of The Major Benefits Of The Procedure?
Once you have recovered from lower eyelid surgery, you will notice an immediate change in the appearance of your face. This simple procedure will freshen up the look of your eyes, tighten skin, and improve wrinkles. Patients should remember that there are some issues that cannot be treated by lower eyelid surgery. This includes dark circles under one’s eyes or fine lines that are a result of aging. In order to get rid of fine lines, we suggest laser resurfacing that will smooth out your features and give your skin an even tone.
How Is Lower Eyelid Surgery Performed?
The exact surgical procedure depends on the condition of your lower eyelids. Generally, Dr. Davis begins with a non-visible injection to improve any fatty deposits just under the skin. If there is excess skin or any sagging, we can make a small incision just inside the eyelashes with a fractal laser to tighten the skin.
How Long Is The Recovery Time?
The recovery time changes between patients, but most can expect a recovery of at least 10 days.
What Does Recovery Involve?
Patients are prescribed medication for discomfort that they can begin taking immediately after the procedure. We also suggest the use of ointments and eye drops to prevent any burning or itching. During this period, you will need to keep your head elevated at all times and occasionally apply cold compresses that weigh an ounce or less to reduce swelling.
How Much Does Lower Lid Surgery Cost?
During your consultation, Dr. Davis will review your procedure costs. Davis Facial Plastic Surgery does not participate in any medical health insurance plans. Dr. Davis accepts all major credit cards, checks, CareCredit®, monthly payment plans, and cash for procedures. If you have any questions about financing your procedure, contact Davis Facial Plastic Surgery.
Are you tired of trying to conceal the bags under your eyes? If so, lower eyelid surgery may be right for you. Contact Davis Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule your personal consultation.
