Introduction
The eyes are one of the most prominent and expressive features of the face. However, as we age, the lower eyelids often undergo various changes that can make us look older, tired, or sad. Lower eyelid suspension, also known as lower blepharoplasty, has become a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City to address these concerns. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of lower eyelid suspension in New York City, including what it is, the reasons for the procedure, the types of surgeries, leading surgeons, recovery, and more.
Understanding Lower Eyelid Aging
Before delving into the details of lower eyelid suspension, it's essential to understand what happens to the lower eyelids as we age. According to Top Google Search Results, several common changes occur:
- Loose Skin: Over time, the skin on the lower eyelids loses its elasticity, resulting in sagging and the formation of wrinkles and crow's feet.
- Festoons: The orbicularis oculi muscle around the eye becomes looser, leading to a condition called festoons, which are like small "pouches" under the eyes.
- Excess Fat Pockets: Fat deposits accumulate under the eyes, causing puffiness and a tired appearance.
- Dark Circles: Volume loss in the upper cheeks can create dark circles under the eyes.
- Drooping Lateral Canthus: The outer corner of the eye, known as the lateral canthus, may droop, changing the shape of the eyes from almond - shaped to rounder.
What is Lower Eyelid Suspension (Lower Blepharoplasty)?
Lower eyelid suspension, or lower blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the aging lower eyelids. By removing excess skin, muscle, and fat, and sometimes repositioning tissues, this procedure can tighten the lower eyelids, eliminate wrinkles, and reduce puffiness, giving the eyes a more youthful and rested appearance. This procedure can also improve eye function in some cases, especially when sagging eyelids are affecting vision. It can be performed on its own or in combination with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as upper blepharoplasty, facelift, or brow lift.
Reasons for Having Lower Eyelid Surgery
There are several reasons why people in New York City choose to undergo lower eyelid suspension:
- Aesthetic Improvement: As mentioned earlier, the visible signs of aging on the lower eyelids can significantly affect a person's appearance. Lower blepharoplasty can address issues like sagging skin, puffiness, and dark circles, making the person look younger and more refreshed.
- Enhanced Self - Confidence: When people are satisfied with their appearance, it can have a positive impact on their self - confidence. Improving the appearance of the eyes can make individuals feel better about themselves and more confident in social and professional situations.
- Vision Improvement: In some cases, severely sagging lower eyelids can interfere with peripheral vision. Lower eyelid surgery can correct this problem and improve visual function.
Types of Lower Eyelid Surgery
Non - Surgical Rejuvenation
For younger patients or those with mild lower eyelid issues, non - surgical options may be considered. These methods typically involve the use of injectables:
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Dr. Andrew Jacono, as cited in one of the sources, injects hyaluronic acid filler in the tear troughs beneath the eyes. This can camouflage puffy lower eye bags and add volume to the area, reducing the appearance of dark circles. The effects of these fillers usually last between 6 and 12 months.
- Botox: Botox can be used to smooth eyelid wrinkles by relaxing the muscles that cause them. Similar to fillers, the results are temporary and require regular maintenance.
However, as we age, non - surgical methods may become less effective as the eyelid bags become too large and the skin too loose. In such cases, surgical blepharoplasty is often recommended.
Surgical Blepharoplasty
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty
In this procedure, an incision is made inside the eyelid. This approach is suitable for patients who have excess fat under the eyes but good skin elasticity. The advantage of transconjunctival blepharoplasty is that there are no external incisions, so there are no visible scars. Dr. Jacono, Dr. John E. Sherman, and other surgeons in New York City perform this procedure. The surgeon accesses the fat pads through the inner eyelid and removes or repositions the excess fat to reduce puffiness.
Transcutaneous Blepharoplasty
A transcutaneous blepharoplasty involves making an incision just below the eyelashes. This method is used when there is a significant amount of excess skin that needs to be removed. The surgeon can then remove the excess skin, muscle, and fat. After the incisions are made, the surgeon tightens the eyelids and eliminates wrinkles. While the incisions will leave a scar, they are typically well - hidden along the lash line and heal relatively well.
Fat Transposition Lower Blepharoplasty
Instead of simply removing the fat bags under the eyes, which can sometimes create a hollowed - out look, fat transposition involves moving the orbital fat down into the tear trough. This is the hollowed area underneath the eyes that causes dark circles. By doing this, both the bags are removed and the hollows are filled in one procedure, resulting in a more natural - looking appearance. For example, Dr. Andrew Jacono is known for performing this type of procedure.
Canthopexy
Canthopexy is a procedure often performed in conjunction with lower blepharoplasty to maintain the shape of the eyelids. A common complication of lower eyelid surgery is a change in eyelid shape, such as the corner of the eye dropping (ectropion). During canthopexy, the surgeon strengthens the lateral canthal tendon of the lower eyelid. This helps prevent the lower eyelid from changing shape after the blepharoplasty and can recreate the almond - shaped eyes of youth.
Fat Transfer to the Lower Eyelids
Some patients may have excess skin, loose muscles, and eyelid hollowing but no significant fat bags. Others may have had a previous surgery that removed too much fat. In these cases, a lower blepharoplasty with fat transfer can be performed. The surgeon removes fat from areas such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs and injects it into the tear troughs. After the fat injection, the skin and muscle are tightened for the best results.
Leading Surgeons in New York City for Lower Eyelid Suspension
Dr. Andrew Jacono
Dr. Andrew Jacono is a well - known facial plastic surgeon in New York City. He is double - board certified with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Jacono tailors each blepharoplasty to the patient's individual needs. He offers a variety of lower eyelid surgery options, including fat transposition blepharoplasty and canthopexy. He has also shared many patient case studies on his website, showing impressive before - and - after results of lower eyelid surgeries.
Dr. John E. Sherman
With over four decades of surgical experience, Dr. John E. Sherman is one of the most sought - after board - certified plastic surgeons in New York City. He frequently performs transconjunctival eyelid lifts to avoid visible scarring. He can address even the most complicated cosmetic concerns and improve the facial contour with a short procedure. His patients can schedule a private consultation at his practice located across from Central Park.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker brings vast experience, technical finesse, and artistry to eyelid rejuvenation. He offers a range of eyelid rejuvenation techniques, including non - surgical lower eyelid rejuvenation, laser resurfacing, skin - pinch blepharoplasty, transconjunctival blepharoplasty, fat grafts for tear trough and volume loss, and lower eyelid fat repositioning. Dr. Kolker emphasizes the importance of maintaining the natural shape and "personality" of the eyes during the procedure.
Dr. Philipp Franck
Dr. Philipp Franck is a board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who completed his training at two prestigious Ivy League university hospitals. He is an expert in facial plastic surgery, including advanced blepharoplasty. Named one of New York's rising star surgeons by the New York Times Magazine, he serves as a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University Hospital in New York. Dr. Franck tailors the blepharoplasty procedure to each patient's unique needs and goals.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a top NYC plastic surgeon who is board - certified and Ivy League educated at the Weill - Cornell Medical Center. He has over two decades of experience and is a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Weintraub provides festoon removal in NYC, which is related to lower eyelid surgery. He has a keen eye for natural - looking results and beauty and uses advanced techniques to achieve the best outcomes for his patients.
Dr. David Cangello
Dr. David Cangello is one of the top board - certified plastic surgeons in New York City. His practice is based on the principles of artistry, allowing him to create beautiful aesthetics that complement a patient's natural anatomy. He offers a variety of blepharoplasty options for both upper and lower eyelids. Dr. Cangello takes great care to make incisions in areas that will be naturally hidden, ensuring minimal visible scarring.
Dr. Lara Devgan
Dr. Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS, is known for performing blepharoplasties with beautiful, natural results. She performs the procedure under sedation administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist and uses protective corneal shields to keep the eyes safe. Dr. Devgan's patients have reported high satisfaction rates with their eye lift surgeries, as evidenced by numerous positive testimonials on her website.
Preparing for Lower Eyelid Surgery
Before undergoing lower eyelid surgery, patients need to follow several steps to ensure a successful procedure and recovery:
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's medical history, current eye condition, and cosmetic goals. They will also discuss the surgical options, potential risks, and expected outcomes. Patients should ask any questions they have and express their concerns during this meeting.
- Medical Evaluation: The surgeon may require the patient to have a comprehensive medical evaluation, including blood tests, a physical examination, and an eye examination by an ophthalmologist. This is to ensure that the patient is in good health and suitable for the surgery.
- Pre - operative Instructions: Patients will receive pre - operative instructions from the surgeon. These may include discontinuing certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding risks, such as aspirin and some herbal supplements. They will also be advised to avoid smoking and nicotine use, as these can impair the healing process. Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and fill prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics if needed.
The Lower Eyelid Surgery Procedure
The specific steps of the lower eyelid surgery depend on the type of procedure being performed. However, the general process typically includes the following:
- Anesthesia: Lower blepharoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's needs and the complexity of the procedure. For example, transconjunctival blepharoplasty may be done under local anesthesia with sedation, while more extensive surgeries may require general anesthesia.
- Incision Placement: As mentioned earlier, incisions can be made inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach) or just below the eyelashes (transcutaneous approach). The surgeon carefully marks the areas for the incisions based on the patient's anatomy and the desired outcome.
- Tissue Manipulation: Once the incisions are made, the surgeon removes excess skin, muscle, and fat as necessary. In some cases, fat may be repositioned or transferred to other areas. For example, in fat transposition blepharoplasty, the orbital fat is moved to the tear trough.
- Closing the Incisions: After the necessary tissue manipulation, the surgeon closes the incisions using fine sutures. The sutures are typically removed within a few days to a week after the surgery.
Recovery after Lower Eyelid Surgery
The recovery process after lower eyelid surgery is an important part of the overall experience. Here's what patients can expect:
Immediate Post - Operative Period
After the surgery, patients will recover in a recovery room under the supervision of medical staff. They may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Cold compresses are often used to minimize swelling and bruising around the eyes. Patients will typically be given pain medication to manage any pain.
First Week
During the first week, swelling and bruising are usually at their worst. Patients should keep their head elevated when lying down to help reduce swelling. They may also need to use eye drops as prescribed by the surgeon. Most patients can expect to have their sutures removed within 5 - 7 days.
Return to Normal Activities
Most patients can return to work within one to two weeks following the surgery, depending on the nature of their job and individual healing progress. However, strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for a few weeks to allow the body to heal properly.
Final Results
As the swelling and bruising gradually subside, the final results of the lower eyelid surgery will become more apparent. It may take a few months for the full effects of the surgery to be visible, but patients will start to notice a smoother, more youthful - looking appearance around their eyes much sooner.
Cost of Lower Eyelid Surgery in New York City
The cost of lower eyelid surgery in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the surgeon's experience, the type of procedure, the complexity of the case, and the location of the practice. It is best to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to get a personalized cost estimate. In general, the cost should be considered in terms of the value of achieving the desired aesthetic and functional results. It's important to remember that while cost is a factor, choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon is crucial for a successful outcome.
Is Lower Eyelid Surgery Worth It?
Lower eyelid surgery can be a worthwhile investment for many people. For those who are bothered by the visible signs of aging on their lower eyelids, such as sagging skin, puffiness, and dark circles, this procedure can provide significant aesthetic improvement. It can make patients look years younger and more refreshed, which can boost self - confidence. Additionally, if the sagging eyelids are affecting vision, the surgery can also improve visual function. While there are risks and a recovery period associated with the surgery, when performed by a skilled surgeon, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks for many patients.
Conclusion
Lower eyelid suspension, or lower blepharoplasty, is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City for rejuvenating the aging lower eyelids. With a variety of surgical and non - surgical options available, patients can choose the approach that best suits their needs and goals. There are many highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeons in New York City who can perform these procedures with excellent results. If you are considering lower eyelid surgery, it is essential to do thorough research, schedule consultations with multiple surgeons, and have realistic expectations. By taking these steps, you can make an informed decision and achieve the beautiful, youthful - looking eyes you desire.
Call - to - Action
If you're interested in learning more about lower eyelid suspension in New York City, take the next step and schedule a consultation with one of the leading surgeons mentioned in this article. They can provide you with personalized advice, answer your questions, and help you determine if this procedure is right for you. Don't hesitate to take control