Lower Blepharoplasty in St. George, UT
Under-eye bags and puffiness can make you look tired even after a good night’s rest. With age, the skin and fat beneath the eyes can also shift, creating a heavier or less smooth lower eyelid contour.
At Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery in St. George, UT, Dr. Kent E. Gardner performs lower blepharoplasty to address these changes while preserving the natural shape and expression of the eyes.
What Is Lower Blepharoplasty?
Lower blepharoplasty, also called lower eyelid surgery, reshapes the tissue beneath the eyes. Depending on your anatomy, Dr. Gardner may remove or reposition excess fat and address loose skin to create a smoother lower eyelid contour.
For patients with both upper-lid hooding and under-eye bags, Dr. Gardner may combine lower blepharoplasty with upper blepharoplasty in the same surgical session.
Are You a Good Candidate for Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Lower blepharoplasty may be appropriate for healthy adults with persistent changes beneath the eyes that are unlikely to improve with skin care or non-surgical treatments alone.
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Prominent under-eye bags or puffiness
- Loose or wrinkled lower eyelid skin
- A consistently tired appearance caused by changes beneath the eyes
Certain eye conditions, significant dry eye, and other health concerns can affect candidacy. Dr. Gardner will review your medical history, eyelid anatomy, and goals before recommending surgery.
What to Expect During Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty may be performed in the office or an operating suite. Anesthesia depends on the extent of surgery and may include local anesthesia with oral or intravenous sedation. More extensive procedures may require general anesthesia.
Dr. Gardner places the incision inside the lower eyelid or just beneath the eyelashes, depending on the correction needed. Through this incision, he can remove or contour prominent fat and address excess skin when appropriate.
In some cases, laser or chemical resurfacing may be recommended to improve the quality of the surrounding eyelid skin. The surgical plan is based on your anatomy rather than a standard approach for every patient.
Lower Blepharoplasty Recovery
Swelling and bruising are expected after lower eyelid surgery because the skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive. Cold compresses during the first few days can help reduce these effects. Discomfort is generally mild.
Most patients return to work and normal social activities after about one week. Makeup can usually be applied at that point to cover any remaining bruising.
Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are typically limited for about two weeks. Dr. Gardner will give you specific aftercare instructions and monitor your progress during follow-up visits.
Benefits of Lower Blepharoplasty
For the right patient, lower blepharoplasty can reduce under-eye bags and create a smoother transition between the lower eyelids and cheeks. The result is a more rested appearance without changing the natural character of the eyes. Results are generally long-lasting. Natural aging continues, but repeat surgery on the lower eyelids is rarely necessary.
How Much Does Lower Blepharoplasty Cost in St. George?
The cost of lower blepharoplasty depends on the amount of correction needed, the surgical approach, anesthesia, and whether another procedure is performed at the same time. Dr. Gardner will first evaluate your eyelids and develop a surgical plan before pricing is determined.
The team will review the expected fees with you during your consultation. Financing options are also available for patients who prefer to spread the cost over time.
Why Choose Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery?
Dr. Kent E. Gardner is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon whose practice focuses on procedures of the face and neck. He is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Gardner earned the top score in the nation on the Facial Plastic Surgery Board Exam and received the Jack Anderson National Award for scholastic excellence in facial plastic surgery. His advanced training includes head and neck surgery, microvascular surgery, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Gardner has performed thousands of surgical and non-surgical facial procedures and has served as Chief of Surgery at Dixie Regional Medical Center. His focused experience with facial anatomy guides how he evaluates and treats the delicate lower eyelid area.
Lower Blepharoplasty FAQs
Where are the incisions placed for lower eyelid surgery?
The incision may be placed inside the lower eyelid or just beneath the eyelashes. Dr. Gardner selects the approach based on your anatomy and whether fat, excess skin, or both need to be addressed.
How long does lower blepharoplasty recovery take?
Most patients return to work and social activities in about one week as swelling and bruising improve. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are usually restricted for approximately two weeks.
How long do lower blepharoplasty results last?
Lower eyelid surgery generally provides long-lasting improvement. Aging continues over time, but repeat surgery on the lower eyelids is rarely necessary.
Can lower blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Lower blepharoplasty can be performed with upper eyelid surgery when aging affects both areas. If drooping brows are also contributing to heaviness around the eyes, a brow lift may also be considered as part of the surgical plan.
Feel More Rested With Lower Blepharoplasty in St. George
If under-eye bags or loose lower eyelid skin are making you look more tired than you feel, a consultation can help you understand what is causing the change and whether surgery is a good fit for you.
Dr. Gardner will examine your eyelids, listen to what you would like to improve, and explain what lower blepharoplasty can realistically accomplish.
Contact Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery or call (435) 628-1704 to schedule your consultation.
