San Diego Lower Eyelid Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty Surgery

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty is a very common cosmetic procedure that is often performed in conjunction with other facial procedures such as upper eyelid blepharoplasty, eyelid ptosis repair, brow or forehead lifting, or facelifting.  Common reasons for lower eyelid blepharoplasty include puffiness (eyelid bags or dark lines) from fat prolapse (herniation), excess skin, muscle and wrinkles.  There are several ways to perform lower eyelid blepharoplasty and the technique must be customized for each specific patient and eyelid condition. 

When lower eyelid puffiness from herniated fat is the main concern, then the transconjunctival approach is the ideal technique. 

Young patient with lower eyelid puffiness from prolapse fat

In this photograph shown above, this patient has lower eyelid fat prolapse as shown by the yellow arrows.  When lower eyelid fat prolapses, the yellow-appearing color of the fat can be visible against the thin lower eyelid skin.  Her main concern is the puffiness of the lower eyelids.  On examination, she has lower eyelid fat prolapse but no excess skin.  The ideal treatment for her condition is a transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty.  In this approach, the excess, prolapsed fat is removed through an incision made in the conjunctiva (inner mucuous membrane lining of the eye).  By removing the fat through the conjunctiva, a skin incision is avoided and recovery is quicker.  

Same patient after lower eyelid blepharoplasty (pt is wearing colored contact lenses)

A conservative lower eyelid transconjunctival blepharoplasty was performed by Dr. Korn in his San Diego office.  Note the smoothening of the lower eyelid and the natural contour.  Since no skin incision was made, there is no visible scar.  

Profile view of same patient before and after lower eyelid blepharoplasty

On profile view, the bulging lower eyelid fat can be easily seen.  After transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty, note the marked improvement in her appearance.  With the transconjunctival approach, excess skin can be tightened with skin resurfacing if necessary. Particular care must be taken during transconjunctival blepharoplasty to avoid the critical structures in and around the eye.  As an eye plastic surgeon, Dr. Korn is keenly aware of the important relationship between the eyelids and the eye itself and exquisite attention is paid to protecting the eye at all times.  

When there is both prolapse of lower eyelid fat and extra skin, the transconjunctival lower eyelid approach is often not enough.  In these cases, transcutaneous lower eyelid blepharoplasty is the preferred technique.

For more before and after photographs, please see the photo gallery.

Contact San Diego, CA area Oculoplastic Surgeon Dr. Bobby Korn to schedule a Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty consultation.