Lower Blepharoplasty West Palm Beach & Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Name: Lower Blepharoplasty
Brand: Oculoplastic & Orbital Consultants
Rating: 4.9 (193 reviews)

The lower eyelids are a unique and delicate area of the face. Unlike other parts of the face, the skin around the lower eyelids is thinner and more susceptible to changes caused by aging, environmental factors, and genetics. For individuals bothered by these cosmetic concerns, lower eyelid surgery can often be an effective solution.

woman with short brown hair with her hand touching her cheek

Rejuvenating the Lower Eyelids

As we age, the natural fat pads that help support the lower eyelids begin to shift, causing changes like volume loss, fine lines, and the development of dark circles. Additionally, the skin becomes less elastic, leading to the formation of wrinkles and a crepey texture. These changes can be further exacerbated by external factors such as swelling, allergies, or even lifestyle choices.

Given the complexity of the lower eyelids and the many factors that affect them, addressing these concerns often requires a personalized, expert approach. Lower eyelid surgery in West Palm Beach & Palm Beach Gardens with Dr. Michael Connor can be an effective solution for rejuvenating this sensitive area and restoring a more youthful and refreshed look.

Dr. Connor looking at patient's eyes while he looks at handheld mirror

What Is a Lower Blepharoplasty?

A lower blepharoplasty, often called lower eyelid surgery, is designed to remove excess skin and under-eye bags while subtly tightening the lower lids for a more rested, refreshed appearance. Because of the delicate anatomy involved, the procedure is considered technically complex and is best performed by a surgeon with specialized training and experience. At Oculoplastic & Orbital Consultants, Dr. Michael Connor takes a highly personalized approach to lower eyelid surgery, carefully evaluating each patient’s features and concerns to create results that look natural, balanced, and true to the individual.

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Lower Blepharoplasty Before & After

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Lower Eyelid Concerns and Their Treatments

Under-Eye Bags

Under-eye bags develop when the fat pads around the eyes shift forward as the skin and tissue lose their elasticity with age. This can create a puffed or swollen appearance beneath the eyes. Treatment typically involves either removing excess fat or repositioning it through a small, discreet incision, helping to smooth the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek for a more youthful, refreshed look.

Hollowness and Volume Loss

In contrast to puffiness, some patients develop a hollowed or sunken appearance beneath the eyes due to a loss of volume in the under-eye area. This is often the result of fat loss that naturally occurs with aging, or it can be exacerbated by significant weight loss or a naturally thin facial structure. To address this, fat repositioning can be performed to move existing fat into the hollowed areas, or fat transfer can be used to restore lost volume by taking fat from another part of the body. Both techniques help restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance to the under-eye area.

Loose or Crepey Skin

Excess lower eyelid skin can contribute to a wrinkled, aged appearance.

A Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty addresses both fat and skin through either a hidden incision on the back of the eyelid (for fat removal or repositioning alone) or a discrete incision beneath the lash line (to address fat and remove excess skin).
A Skin Pinch Procedure is a less invasive option for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and no significant fat prolapse. It involves removing a small strip of redundant skin just beneath the eyelashes without disturbing deeper tissues or fat pads.

Fine Lines and Texture Irregularities

Surgery alone cannot fully correct fine lines in the delicate lower eyelid skin. To enhance skin quality and smooth remaining fine wrinkles, laser resurfacing or a TCA chemical peel is often performed alongside lower blepharoplasty, improving tone, elasticity, and surface texture.

Dark Circles

Dark circles are one of the most common yet often misunderstood concerns. They can be caused by a variety of factors, each contributing to the appearance of tired, aged eyes. These causes include:

Shadowing from puffiness or volume loss, where the contours of the lower eyelid create deep shadows
Thin skin around the eyes, which may reveal underlying blood vessels or muscle, leading to a bluish or purple tint
Pigmentation irregularities, such as excess melanin, which can create dark patches under the eyes, often aggravated by genetics or sun exposure

While topical skincare products may offer temporary relief for pigment-related dark circles, they cannot address structural changes such as hollowing, shadowing, or fat prolapse. For these concerns, a more comprehensive approach involving surgical intervention, such as fat repositioning or fat transfer, paired with treatments like laser resurfacing or chemical peels, can offer the most effective and lasting improvement by addressing both the underlying causes and surface appearance.

How the Procedure Is Performed

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty in West Palm Beach & Palm Beach Gardens with Oculoplastic & Orbital Consultants is customized for each patient, considering eyelid anatomy, skin quality, and areas of volume change. Incisions are placed either inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach) when addressing fat pockets alone, or just beneath the lash line (subciliary approach) when excess skin also needs to be removed.

Fat Repositioning: Instead of simply removing fat, which can leave the eyes looking hollow, Dr. Connor often repositions the natural fat pads. By carefully releasing and redistributing them, he smooths the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek, helping restore a more youthful, natural contour.
Volume Restoration: When hollow areas are present, volume can be restored by repositioning existing fat or, in some cases, by performing a small autologous fat transfer. This technique uses a patient’s own fat from another part of the body to gently fill deeper hollows and soften facial transitions.
Skin Tightening: Excess or lax skin is conservatively removed to create a smoother, firmer look. In cases of mild to moderate skin redundancy, a skin pinch technique may be used, allowing for precise excision without disturbing deeper tissues. When performed on its own, this can often be comfortably done under local anesthesia in the office.
Enhancing Skin Quality: For patients concerned about fine lines or overall skin texture, laser resurfacing or a chemical peel may be performed at the same time. These treatments help improve skin tone, elasticity, and overall quality around the eyes.

Where Is Your Lower Eyelid Surgery Performed?

Given the delicate nature of lower eyelid surgery, procedures are typically performed in an accredited outpatient surgery center under monitored IV sedation. This approach helps ensure comfort, ideal surgical conditions, and a smoother recovery. Dr. Connor will review the specific details of your surgical setting and anesthesia plan during your consultation.

Recovery and Healing

A smooth, successful recovery requires both careful surgical technique and the patient’s active participation in the healing process. Detailed post-operative instructions will be provided to guide you through each stage of your recovery, outlining everything from incision care to activity restrictions. Dr. Michael Connor provides you with his personal cell phone number to use for any questions or concerns that may arise.

The first few days after surgery are an important part of the healing process. Consistently applying cold compresses and following your post-operative instructions closely will help minimize swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Most patients describe a mild sense of tightness or pressure around the eyes, which is easily managed with Tylenol and icing during the initial 48–72 hours.

Additional Recovery Details to Expect

Keeping your head elevated while resting and sleeping will help reduce swelling more quickly. Many patients prefer using extra pillows or sleeping in a recliner for added comfort during the first few nights.
Dr. Connor will see you for your first post-operative visit 8–10 days following surgery to remove any sutures (if placed), assess your healing, and answer any questions you may have.
Most patients feel ready to resume work, light activities, and social events within 10–14 days. While mild swelling may linger for several weeks, it is typically subtle enough not to interfere with daily routines.
If laser resurfacing or a chemical peel is performed alongside surgery, expect a peeling phase lasting about two weeks, followed by temporary redness that may take up to a month to fully resolve. During this time, sun protection and gentle skincare are especially important to support proper healing.

“I am so pleased with my eyelid surgery!”

"I look refreshed and years younger! Highly recommended!”

– Catherine Z.

Frequently Asked Questions Lower Blepharoplasty

Why don’t topical eye creams correct under-eye bags or hollowness?

Many topical products can temporarily improve skin texture or hydration, but they cannot address the structural changes that cause puffiness or hollowness. Under-eye bags are caused by fat pads shifting forward, and hollowness results from volume loss or tissue descent, both of which require surgical or procedural correction. While medical-grade skincare can complement surgery, it cannot replace the physical adjustments made through lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

Is it possible to look worse or hollowed out after lower blepharoplasty?

When too much fat is removed from the lower eyelid without repositioning or volume restoration, it can result in a hollow, aged appearance. This is why fat repositioning and preservation are critical to modern lower eyelid surgery. Dr. Connor prioritizes creating a smooth, natural contour between the lower eyelid and cheek by carefully repositioning existing fat or adding volume when needed.

Will lower eyelid blepharoplasty affect how my eyes function or close?

When performed by a fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, lower blepharoplasty is carefully planned to preserve eyelid function and protect eye health. Over-resection of skin or poor surgical technique can cause eyelid malposition, but modern techniques emphasize fat preservation, conservative skin tightening, and respect for the delicate support structures of the lower eyelid. Dr. Connor assesses each patient’s lower eyelid position, skin quality, and muscle tone before surgery to avoid complications and maintain natural function.

Is lower eyelid surgery more difficult for patients who have already had prior cosmetic procedures?

It can be. Previous eyelid surgery, laser treatments, or dermal filler in the tear trough area can affect skin elasticity, fat position, and tissue support. Revision blepharoplasty requires advanced experience in oculoplastic surgery, as scar tissue and altered anatomy must be addressed thoughtfully to avoid complications and ensure a natural result. Dr. Connor frequently treats patients seeking revision procedures and will carefully assess your history before recommending a plan.

Will lower eyelid surgery improve my skin texture or fine lines?

Lower blepharoplasty primarily addresses fat pockets, volume loss, and excess skin. While mild skin tightening occurs with skin excision, fine lines and textural changes require separate treatment. This is why Dr. Connor often combines lower eyelid surgery with laser resurfacing or a chemical peel to improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity, complementing the surgical result.

Schedule Your Consultation for Lower Eyelid Surgery in West Palm Beach or Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Dr. Michael Connor, an experienced oculoplastic surgeon in Palm Beach Gardens, is widely regarded as one of South Florida’s leading specialists in lower eyelid surgery. With years of experience and a thoughtful, individualized approach, he is known for creating results that look natural, balanced, and refined. If you would like to learn more about lower blepharoplasty and what to expect from the procedure, we invite you to contact Oculoplastic & Orbital Consultants today.