Everything You Need To Know About Under Eye Surgery

Do you ever just want to scream “I’m not tired. This is just how my face looks!” when people comment on your under eye circles? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of people buy one eye cream after another or splurge on face masks that don’t work. If you are sick of looking perpetually exhausted, it may be time to consider a surgical solution and try under eye surgery. 

What Is Under Eye Surgery And Why Should I Get It To Rejuvenate My Face?

Under eye surgery is also called lower eyelid surgery and Lower Blepharoplasty. It is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic removes the extra skin and fat that make up the bags under your eyes. Depending on your needs, it is also possible to graft extra fat around your eyes to reduce the appearance of sunkenness. This procedure can be done usually in an hour under local or general anesthesia and is most commonly done as an outpatient procedure. 

A Lower Blepharoplasty can treat both cosmetic concerns and vision concerns, such as: 

• Bagginess and puffiness under the eyes
• Asymmetrical lower eyelids
• Sagging eyelids 
• Wrinkles on the lower eyelids
• Sunken eyes
• So much puffiness under the eyes that it obstructs your vision

If your vision is obstructed, then it is very important that you talk to a plastic surgeon right away. Vision defects can make it unsafe to drive and operate other heavy machinery. Whether your concerns are medical or cosmetic, Qazi Cosmetic Clinic can help! If you qualify for lower eyelid surgery, then Dr. Qazi’s team of expert Orange County plastic surgeons can perform the treatment in-house. 

The benefits of under eye surgery are not only cosmetic, they can also be internal. After having the procedure, many patients feel rejuvenated, like they have been de-aged by several years. 

When you look in the mirror, you will feel lighter, younger, and more ready to take on the world. Some patients have even reported better success in the workplace because they are perceived as having more energy. 

Causes & Remedies For Under Eye Circles

Puffiness, swelling, and dark circles under the eyes are one of those cosmetic annoyances that happens to everyone. 

A variety of factors can cause them to worsen over time. With aging, the muscles and tissues around the eyes weaken and the supporting fat around the eyes moves into the lower eyelids. Fluids can also accumulate under the eyes, which adds to the puffy look.

Other factors like lack of sleep, allergies, smoking, and extra fluid retention can cause under eye problems to worsen. They can also run in your genes, so if your parents and grandparents have large undereye bags, then you probably will too. 

There are a few ways to mitigate the appearance of under eye bags at home. Reducing your salt intake, quitting smoking, getting enough sleep, and avoiding allergens can help. Things like using a cold compress on your eyes and masking your undereye circles with cosmetics can also help, but only in the short term. 

If your under eye bags show no sign of going away, it might be time to call Dr. Nadir Qazi and think about a surgical solution. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Under Eye Surgery

1. Is there an age limit on this procedure? Who is the ideal candidate?

Some surgical procedures are best only for older people; others are more popular among younger people. Many people notice that the bags below their eyes become more pronounced as they age. This is because the skin naturally loses its elasticity and definition as time goes on. Many older people opt to have a Lower Blepharoplasty in conjunction with an Upper Blepharoplasty or surgical facelift in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. However, this procedure does not have an age limit.

If you don’t like the bags under your eyes, you could get lower eyelid surgery as early as your 20s or 30s. Many younger people who opt for this procedure choose it because they work in front of the camera or because they don’t want to be mistaken for being older than their years. In some cases, the procedure can be more successful on younger people because their skin has more collagen and is capable of bouncing back faster.

In some cases, Dr. Qazi recommends that patients also have surgery on their upper eyelid. Doing both will provide the best anti-aging result and give you an overall more refreshed look. Upper eyelid surgery is also ideal because, when you get cosmetic procedures in one area of the face, it can sometimes draw attention to other areas of the face. Getting a procedure on both eyelids is a great way to have a more natural looking and complete transformation. 

The ideal candidate for this procedure is anyone who is in good physical health, has pronounced enough under eye conditions to warrant a surgical approach, and who is able to take the time for a proper recovery. 

2. If I am not ready for a surgical procedure, do I have non-surgical options for treating my sunken eyes and dark circles? 

Yes! Surgical procedures are not fit for everyone. Some people don’t want the risk of side effects associated with this surgical procedure; others simply don’t have the downtime required for the recovery. 

Depending on what is causing your under eye circles, it may be possible to treat them effectively with dermal fillers. Fillers are a skin-safe injectable that improve your appearance in two ways: first, they provide instant volume to correct sunken areas; second, they boost your collagen levels to improve skin texture over time. 

Dr. Qazi prefers to use Voluma or Restylane products for the Under Eyes – a specially formulated filler specifically for this use – to give his patients the best results. This non-invasive procedure involves injecting the filler in the mid-cheek area. The filler is able to lift and support the under eye area for improved appearance. This approach has very little risk of damaging the eyes or resulting in side effects. 

3. How do I know if a Lower Blepharoplasty or Voluma Under Eye Fillers are right for me? Is surgical or non-surgical better?

The best way to determine which procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Qazi. Depending on your cosmetic needs, your budget, your goals, and your time constraints, he will make a recommendation. 

In general, Dr. Qazi usually recommends going for the non-surgical option unless you are 100% sure that you are ready for surgery. Non-invasive procedures like fillers are quick, painless, and the results eventually wear off. Whereas a surgical procedure is much more involved and the results can last for up to a decade. 

4. What are the side effects associated with under eye surgery?

Every procedure has certain risks and side effects. The most common side effects of a Lower Blepharoplasty are: temporary double vision, temporary blindness, numbness, eye dryness, itching, and discomfort near the treatment area. These usually remedy themselves within a day or two. Eye discomfort, itching, and dryness can be mitigated with medicated eye drops or an oral prescription until it wears off. 

Other, rare side effects can include: bleeding, cysts near the stitches, drooping upper eyelid, excessive muscle removal, necrosis of the fat tissue under the eye, infection, skin discoloration, lasting vision loss, and wounds that won’t heal. 

The best way to avoid the risk of dangerous side effects is to always receive procedures from expert plastic surgeons who are experienced at doing the procedure. 

It is also important for patients to do their research, ask lots of questions during the consultation, and follow all the pre-procedure instructions. 

5. Is lower eyelid surgery suitable for men? 

Yes! Men can get under eye surgery too. In fact, many male celebrities have had this procedure to rejuvenate their appearance, including: Bono, Tom Cruise, Paul McCartney, George Clooney, and even the badass OG himself, Al Pacino. 

Lower Blepharoplasties are ideal for men because it is a natural-looking solution that can remedy premature aging.  A long-lasting surgical boost to your appearance could revitalize you, make you feel younger, and improve your confidence. 

Many men, especially older men, opt to get upper eyelid surgery at the same time as their lower blepharoplasty. This prevents any part of their eyes from revealing their age. It is also common for men to experience drooping of the eyelids and narrowing vision as they age. Once this is corrected, they are perceived as more approachable, more alert, and more active. 

Before The Procedure: How To Prepare For Your Lower Blepharoplasty

If Dr. Qazi determines that lower eyelid surgery is right for you, he will give you instructions for how to prepare. It is very important that you follow these instructions very closely. Depending on the needs of the surgery, you may need to refrain from eating and drinking after midnight on the day before the surgery. You may also be prescribed special eye drops and other medications to prepare you for surgery. 

There are things that you will need to prepare for after the surgery. You will need to get someone to drive you home from surgery. It is also a safe idea to have people check in on you after the procedure. Other preparations may include buying ice packs to apply cold consistent compresses, and making sure that you have sunglasses or another face covering to protect the treatment area from sun damage. 

What To Expect During The Procedure 

The first thing the surgeon will do is mark your lower eyelids; this is where the incision will be made. The location of this will depend on your individual goals and anatomy. When the surgeon goes to mark your lower eyelids, they will have you sit up so that they can get a better view of your eye bags. Sometimes the treatment is done from inside the eye on the lower lid. 

The surgery can be done under general or local anesthesia. If you opt to have multiple procedures done at the same time, then you may have the option to be put under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia can be helpful to the surgeon because it allows them to test your eye muscle movement, which can reduce the risk of damage to those muscles. In both cases, the patient will be comfortable and not feel the procedure being done. 

Once you are under anesthesia or fully numbed, an expert will monitor your vitals while the surgeon makes the incisions. These cuts in the lower eyelid are used to access that region to remove excess skin and fat. 

However, if you have hollow areas under your eyes, then a surgeon may inject or graft more fat into that area for a fuller appearance. 

Aftercare: How To Get The Best Results

The best way to ensure that you get your desired results is to follow all your doctor’s aftercare instructions. Doing so will result in faster healing, reduced risk of infection, and more natural-looking results. 

In the first 48 hours after the surgery, you will need to apply a cold compress to the treatment areas. This will help reduce swelling and will promote healing. You will also be prescribed ointments and eye drops to prevent infections and treat dry eyes. Some bruising and overall discomfort is to be expected. You will also be prescribed medication to prevent pain. 

It is important to limit strenuous exercise for at least a week. You will also need to wear darkly tinted sunglasses for 7 to 10 days to protect your eyes as the skin heals. Depending on the type of stitches used in the procedure, it may be necessary for them to be removed between 5 and 7 days after surgery. However, if absorbable sutures were used, then your body will dissolve them on its own after the skin heals. 

After 10 to 14 days, the bruising and swelling will have gone down considerably. At this point, most patients feel comfortable being in public and returning to work.

If you experience bleeding, fever, hot to the touch skin, or worsening pain then you should contact Dr. Qazi immediately. These symptoms are a sign that something is seriously wrong. 

Tips & Tricks For Maintaining Your Youthful Glow

Once your skin heals from the procedure and you see how years have been taken off your face, you may ask “how can I stay looking this young?” The key to maintaining a youthful look is to take good care of your skin. Of course, aging is inevitable; wrinkles are just part of life. The results of under eye surgery can last up to 10 years, but the rest of your face will continue to age as time goes on. 

One option is to consider a face lift so that no part of your face gives away your age. Other options like a non-surgical neck rejuvenation or hand rejuvenation can also keep you looking young and vibrant. 

Another way to maintain your new look is to take good care of your skin. This means that you should avoid excessive sun exposure, always wear sunscreen, refrain from smoking, quit tanning, keep your weight stable, maintain a skincare regimen that works for you, and stay hydrated. 

Ready To Look Amazing? Contact Qazi Cosmetic Clinic

You’re about to hear “you look tired,”  “did you sleep last night?” and  “wow, I didn’t know you were that old” for the last time. If you have under eye bags, dark circles, or puffiness, then Qazi Cosmetic Clinic has the solution! Schedule a consultation to learn more about under eye surgery.