Lower Eyelid Surgery

What is lower eyelid surgery?
With aging, the skin and muscles of the lower eyelid gradually lose tone. Lower eyelid surgery, also known as lower blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to correct signs of aging caused by this loss of tone in the lower eyelid area.

What is the purpose of lower eyelid surgery?
The purpose of lower eyelid surgery is to achieve a smoother and more youthful appearance by tightening and repositioning the eyelid skin and underlying tissues.

Is lower eyelid surgery a difficult procedure, and how long does it take?
Lower eyelid surgery is generally not considered a difficult or particularly painful procedure. It is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes approximately 1 hour.

How is lower eyelid surgery performed?
During the procedure, an incision is made just below the lower eyelashes. Excess skin responsible for the sagging appearance is carefully removed. Fat pads in the deeper layers of the lower eyelid may also be reduced or repositioned, and the muscles of the lower eyelid are tightened when necessary.

At the end of the procedure, the incision is closed with fine sutures and covered with surgical dressings or tapes.

What are the possible risks and complications of lower eyelid surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, lower eyelid surgery carries certain risks, including bleeding, bruising, swelling, asymmetry and scarring. These risks can be minimized as much as possible through an appropriate surgical approach and by carefully following your surgeon’s postoperative recommendations.

Are there any side effects of lower eyelid surgery?
Lower eyelid surgery does not generally carry risks greater than those associated with other aesthetic surgical procedures. Temporary swelling, bruising, tightness, irritation and changes in sensation may occur during the healing period.

Will there be scars after lower eyelid surgery?
Because the incision is made very close to the lower lash line, a fine scar may initially be visible in this area. Over time, the scar generally fades and becomes significantly less noticeable.

In the long term, the scar is usually difficult to see unless examined very closely.

How long do the results of lower eyelid surgery last, and will I need another operation in the future?
The results of lower eyelid surgery generally last for many years. However, aesthetic surgery does not stop the natural aging process. Therefore, although uncommon, some patients may require another lower eyelid procedure later in life as aging continues.

What should be done before lower eyelid surgery?
Before lower eyelid surgery, your surgeon will evaluate your eyelid structure, discuss your expectations and determine the appropriate surgical plan. The surgery date will then be scheduled.

As with other surgical procedures, smoking should be stopped at least 2 weeks before surgery. Blood-thinning medications, herbal teas, vitamins and weight-loss medications should generally be discontinued 1 week before surgery unless otherwise advised by your doctor.

Medications that are necessary for existing medical conditions should only be continued with your doctor’s knowledge and approval.

You will also be informed about how many hours you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery.

Why is it important to stop smoking before lower eyelid surgery?
Smoking can significantly impair blood circulation and wound healing. For this reason, patients are strongly advised not to smoke for at least 15 days before and 15 days after surgery.

Smoking is one of the most important factors associated with delayed or poor wound healing.

How should I sleep after lower eyelid surgery?
After lower eyelid surgery, it is recommended to sleep with your head elevated using 2-3 pillows in order to help prevent excessive swelling and allow swelling to gradually decrease.

How is wound dressing performed after lower eyelid surgery?
As long as the surgical tapes applied during the procedure remain in place, additional dressing is generally not required. A small amount of drainage or staining may occur around the dressing area.

Your surgeon will examine the incision sites through the tapes at regular intervals. The tapes are generally removed after approximately 7 days.

After this period, additional dressing is usually unnecessary. Your surgeon may recommend specific creams or scar-care products for the incision line.

When can I return to work after lower eyelid surgery?
The tissues generally begin to heal sufficiently within approximately 5 days after lower eyelid surgery.

However, bruising usually decreases significantly around the seventh day, and the surgical tapes are generally removed at approximately the same time. This should be taken into consideration when planning your return to work.

When can I start exercising after lower eyelid surgery?
During the first 3 days after surgery, patients are generally advised to rest, take short walks at home and perform only light daily activities.

After the third day, short and careful walks outside may be possible. However, heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided during the first few weeks.

Most sporting activities can generally be resumed after approximately 1 month, depending on the healing process and your surgeon’s recommendations.

Will the stitches need to be removed after lower eyelid surgery?
Non-absorbable fine sutures are generally used in the lower eyelid incision. These sutures are usually removed easily together with the surgical tapes on approximately the seventh day after surgery.

Is lower eyelid surgery painful?
Many patients report little or no significant pain after lower eyelid surgery. However, mild tightness, tenderness or discomfort may occur in the treated area.

Regular use of prescribed pain medication and antibiotics, when indicated, is generally sufficient to control postoperative discomfort.

When can I take a shower after lower eyelid surgery?
During the first few days after surgery, the incision areas should generally be kept dry.

Face washing and showering are usually permitted after approximately 7 days. Extremely hot or cold water should be avoided during the early recovery period.

When can I swim in the sea or a swimming pool after lower eyelid surgery?
It is generally recommended to wait approximately 1 month before swimming in the sea or a swimming pool.

When can I travel after lower eyelid surgery?
Short-distance road travel may generally be possible after approximately 2 days.

For a short flight lasting 1-2 hours, it is usually advisable to wait approximately 5 days after surgery.

How long should sexual activity be avoided after lower eyelid surgery?
Sexual activity may increase blood pressure, which can potentially increase the risk of postoperative bleeding around the eyelid.

For this reason, it is generally recommended to avoid sexual activity for approximately 2 weeks after surgery.

When can I sunbathe or use a solarium after lower eyelid surgery?
Sunbathing and solarium use should generally be avoided for the first 3-4 months after surgery.

Excessive sun exposure during the healing period may affect the surgical area and cause scars to become darker or more noticeable.

How much does lower eyelid surgery cost?
In order to provide accurate information about the cost of lower eyelid surgery, the patient’s concerns, aesthetic expectations, eyelid structure and individual treatment requirements must first be evaluated.

The final surgical plan and pricing information can be determined after a medical consultation.

If you have any questions regarding surgeries or would like to be evaluated by Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Fatih Söylemez, you can request an appointment via WhatsApp or Contact Form now.