Lower Eyelid Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Honolulu, HI

A lower eyelid lift, or lower blepharoplasty, is a facial rejuvenation procedure that restores a more youthful look to your lower eyelids and under-eye area. (1)

The eyes are the windows to the soul, and they are one of the most prominent features of the face. As you age, the thin-skinned area around the eyes can start to lose its elasticity, causing wrinkles, creases, puffiness, and hanging skin to develop. While these changes are natural, they can cause you to look more worn or tired than you may actually feel.

Dr. Robert Peterson of Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery can perform a lower eyelid lift to help you refresh and rejuvenate your appearance with ease. Dr. Peterson is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience. He is well-known for combining science and artistry in every procedure he performs, and he takes pride in producing natural-looking results.

To schedule a consultation and explore your lower eyelid lift options, please submit our online contact form or directly call our Honolulu office at (808) 944-8551.

Before and After Photos

Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #2451
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #2451
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #2452
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #2452
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #2478
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #2478
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About Lower Eyelid Lifts

A lower eyelid lift enhances the appearance and function of the lower eyelids. This procedure can address loose or hanging skin, under-eye bags, and puffiness that can diminish your overall appearance. Eyelid lifts are one of the most widely performed cosmetic surgical procedures in the country, reaching more than 120,000 procedures in 2024 alone. (2)

Benefits

Lower eyelid lifts carry several notable benefits, including:

  • Refined Aesthetics: The primary benefit of a lower blepharoplasty is its ability to restore a more youthful-looking appearance by addressing visible signs of aging from around the lower eyelids.
  • Smoother-Feeling Skin: This procedure can eliminate loose and sagging skin from beneath the eyes.
  • Eliminated Puffiness: Dr. Peterson can perform this procedure to reduce the accumulation of fat or fluid beneath the eyelids, such as eye bags or festoons.
  • Elevated Confidence: Many patients report improvements in their self-esteem after seeing their renewed appearance.
  • Durable Results: The results of a lower eyelid lift can last for several years, especially with proper maintenance and care.

Candidates

Suitable candidates for a lower eyelid lift are those interested in addressing visible signs of aging beneath the eyes, especially if they resist skincare treatments or lifestyle adjustments. These signs of aging may include concerns such as festoons, under-eye bags, puffiness, and hanging skin, as well as wrinkles, fine lines, creases, and more.

Prospective patients should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding what this procedure can achieve. Patients should be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine. Dr. Peterson will finalize each patient’s candidacy during their personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step to rejuvenating your lower eyelids begins with a personal consultation. During this meeting, Dr. Peterson will meet with you individually to assess your medical history, discuss your concerns, and assess your facial anatomy and structure. Through this evaluation, he will also examine the condition and quality of your skin, how fat has shifted, as well as the integrity of your muscle tone.

Dr. Peterson will use this information to establish your candidacy and create your treatment plan. He will select the most effective surgical techniques and may suggest pairing your eyelid lift with another procedure for deeper rejuvenation. Throughout the consultation, he will also take the time to address any questions or concerns you may have.

To schedule this consultation, please submit our online contact form or call our Honolulu office at (808) 944-8551.

Preparation

Once you schedule your procedure, we will provide personalized pre-operative instructions to help you prepare. These instructions may vary depending on the details of your surgical plan, but they typically include the following:

  • Cease the use of blood-thinning medications and supplements.
  • Discontinue nicotine use and alcohol consumption in the weeks before and after your procedure.
  • Prepare to take time away from your career and other commitments to focus on resting.
  • Pre-arrange transportation home after your appointment.
  • Fill any prescriptions in advance.

By following these instructions, you can ensure a safe and successful procedure and the optimal results.

Procedure

When you arrive for your procedure, a member of our team will lead you to a private treatment room where we begin by cleansing and sanitizing your skin. After this, you will receive anesthesia to ensure a comfortable and relaxing experience.

Once the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Peterson will begin placing incisions around your lower eyelids using one of two incision techniques. These may include:

  • The Subciliary Approach: The subciliary approach places an incision beneath the lash line. With this technique, Dr. Peterson can address loose or sagging skin.
  • The Transconjunctival Approach: The transconjunctival approach places an incision within the lower eyelid, leaving no external scarring. This technique best suits more minimal concerns and corrections, and it does not remove loose or excess skin. (3)

After making the necessary incisions, Dr. Peterson will perform your desired corrections. He may tighten and strengthen weakened eyelid muscles and reposition excess fat to eliminate the appearance of puffiness. When he achieves your desired appearance, he will close incisions and allow you to begin your recovery.

Recovery

When recovering from a lower eyelid lift, it is common to experience some swelling, discomfort, or bruising around the treated areas. These effects are temporary and will gradually subside on their own, but you can also manage them by resting with your head elevated and using a cold compress. After resting for approximately one to two days, you will be able to return to your career and other light activities. However, you should continue to avoid any physically demanding or strenuous tasks until Dr. Peterson clears you to return.

Dr. Peterson will have you return for regular follow-up appointments throughout your recovery. Here, we will remove your sutures (as necessary) and monitor your recovery progress.

You will receive a full set of post-operative instructions to guide your recovery. These directions will help you manage any potential side effects, navigate activity restrictions, and help you care for your incisions.

Results

You will be able to experience the full results of your lower eyelid lift once you fully recover and any residual swelling subsides. You will be able to enjoy smoother and tighter skin, as well as a more youthful-looking appearance overall.

The results of a lower eyelid lift are long-lasting, with many patients experiencing their effects for years. However, it is important to continue utilizing sun protection and an effective skincare routine, as the natural effects of aging will continue to alter your appearance with time.

Cost of Lower Eyelid Lifts in Honolulu, Hawaii

Dr. Peterson will provide a comprehensive cost estimate for your lower eyelid lift after establishing a treatment plan at your consultation. This is because he tailors each lower eyelid lift to the individual, with the cost varying depending on the type of corrections, the extent of each correction, whether you include any additional procedures, and several other factors. Our practice additionally offers financing for those interested.

To learn more about the cost of your eyelid lift procedure, please schedule a consultation online or call (808) 944-8551.

FAQ

What concerns can a lower eyelid address?

A lower eyelid lift can address the development of visible signs of aging, such as under-eye bags, loose or hanging eyelid skin, weakened muscles, malpositioned fat, and more.

Can a lower eyelid lift change the shape of my eyes?

A lower eyelid lift refreshes and rejuvenates the natural appearance of your eyes rather than creating a completely new eye contour.

How long will the results of my lower eyelid lift last?

With healthy lifestyle habits and an effective skincare regimen, the results of your eyelid lift can last for years.

Are there any risks of a lower eyelid lift?

Every surgical procedure has certain risks, regardless of how significant or subtle the results will be. However, Dr. Peterson will fully outline all risks during the consultation and explain how to avoid them.

Can I combine a lower eyelid lift with another cosmetic procedure?

Yes! A lower eyelid lift can effectively pair with another cosmetic procedure for more comprehensive and cohesive results. We recommend scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Peterson to learn more about the other procedure you may be eligible for.

Will lower blepharoplasty improve my vision?

Lower blepharoplasty generally does not improve vision. If you have vision obstructions from hanging skin above the eyes, upper blepharoplasty may better suit your concerns.

What are my anesthesia options for a lower eyelid lift?

Dr. Peterson typically recommends twilight anesthesia (IV sedation) with supplemental local anesthetic around the face. You can undergo general anesthesia, but this also comes with the risk of side effects like nausea and grogginess.

References

  1. Rostami S, Jorge, Czyz CN. Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty. Nih.gov. Published April 24, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448181/#article-38190.s6
  2. ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
  3. Kubo T. Eye-Opening Effect Achieved by Modified Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2024;45(2):126-135. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjae205