Lower Eyelid Lift

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Alhambra and Santa Ana

A lower eyelid lift, or a lower blepharoplasty, is a specialized facial rejuvenation procedure that revitalizes the lower eyelids, addressing concerns such as skin laxity, eye bags, puffiness, and more. (1)

Your eyes play one of the most important roles in expressing emotion and vitality. They reflect how rested, alert, and youthful you appear to the world around you. Over time, the skin around the lower eyelids can lose elasticity, creating puffiness, shadows, and wrinkles that can make you look tired or older than you feel. Many individuals find that even with proper rest and a healthy lifestyle, these changes persist due to genetics, sun exposure, and the natural aging process. For those who want to refresh their appearance without looking “overdone,” a lower eyelid lift offers a transformative solution that restores brightness and balance.

As leaders in facial rejuvenation, Dr. Hannah Vu and her staff at SkinZone Medical have performed countless lower eyelid lift treatments on patients across Los Angeles, Orange County, and beyond. Known for her artistry, precision, and use of awake yet relaxed local anesthesia, Dr. Vu performs eyelid surgery to achieve natural-looking, harmonious results. By rejuvenating the under-eye area, she helps patients regain a more youthful and energetic appearance while maintaining the unique features that define their natural beauty.

If you are ready to rediscover a refreshed, vibrant look, contact SkinZone Medical online or call one of our convenient offices to schedule your consultation today:

About the Lower Eyelid Lift

A lower eyelid lift, or lower blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that corrects the puffiness, loose skin, and under-eye bags that create a tired or aged appearance. The procedure focuses on removing or repositioning fat deposits and tightening delicate skin beneath the eyes to achieve a smoother, more youthful contour. (2) Over time, collagen loss, sun damage, and gravity contribute to the formation of under-eye bags and skin laxity. Even younger patients may experience puffiness due to hereditary fat herniation, which causes the tissue under the eyes to protrude. A lower eyelid lift addresses these concerns by reducing the look of fatigue and enhancing facial harmony.

Dr. Vu tailors each lower eyelid surgery to the individual. She evaluates whether excess skin, fat, or both contribute to the problem and determines the most effective surgical approach. Her focus on awake local anesthesia allows patients to remain comfortable and calm throughout the procedure while avoiding the risks and downtime of general anesthesia. The result is a smoother, firmer, and naturally rejuvenated under-eye area that brightens the entire face without an extensive recovery.

Benefits

A lower eyelid lift at SkinZone Medical offers both aesthetic and emotional benefits. Patients often report looking younger and feeling more confident and refreshed in daily life. A few of the main benefits Dr. Vu’s patients report include:

  • Reduced or eliminated under-eye bags and puffiness
  • Smoother, firmer skin beneath the eyes
  • A more alert, rested, and youthful facial appearance
  • Improved symmetry and facial harmony
  • Minimal discomfort with local anesthesia and no need for general sedation
  • Enhanced self-confidence and satisfaction with your overall appearance

If you are interested in exploring how this treatment can restore brightness and balance to your eyes, schedule your consultation online or call your closest SkinZone office:

Ideal Candidates

Lower eyelid lifts benefit patients who wish to correct puffiness, sagging, or wrinkles beneath the eyes that persist despite skincare or nonsurgical treatments. Ideal candidates are those who:

  • Have noticeable under-eye bags or loose skin
  • Appear tired or aged despite getting enough rest
  • Maintain good overall health and stable weight
  • Do not smoke or are willing to refrain from all nicotine use before and after surgery
  • Have realistic expectations about the results of surgery
  • Want to refresh their appearance while keeping a natural look

During your consultation, Dr. Vu will carefully assess your skin, facial structure, and aesthetic goals to determine whether a lower eyelid lift is the most appropriate option.

Personal Consultation

Your path to renewed lower eyelids begins with a private consultation at SkinZone Medical. During this visit, Dr. Vu will review your medical history, examine the under-eye area, and discuss the specific concerns you want to address. She will evaluate factors such as skin elasticity, muscle tone, and fat distribution before personalizing a surgical plan to your goals and anatomy. Dr. Vu will take time to answer all your questions, explain what to expect before, during, and after surgery, and discuss complementary treatments that may further enhance your results.

To schedule this personal consultation with Dr. Vu, contact SkinZone Medical online or call:

Preparation

Dr. Vu and her team will provide detailed preoperative instructions to help you prepare for your eyelid surgery safely and effectively. We may advise you to avoid certain medications or supplements that thin the blood. We also advise maintaining hydration, eating nutritious meals, and arranging for transportation on the day of your procedure. Patients should stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption in the weeks leading up to surgery, as these can delay healing. Because Dr. Vu uses awake local anesthesia, patients will not have to fast before treatment or plan for an extensive recovery, but we still recommend preparing a comfortable space to rest and taking some time away from work and other responsibilities.

Procedure

On the day of your lower eyelid lift, Dr. Vu will begin by ensuring you are fully relaxed and comfortable under local anesthesia with light sedation. This allows you to stay awake yet at ease while avoiding the risks of general anesthesia. The specific surgical technique Dr. Vu uses will depend on your individual anatomy and goals. For patients with excess fat but minimal skin laxity, Dr. Vu may use transconjunctival blepharoplasty, where she makes small incisions inside the lower eyelid to access and reposition or remove fat deposits. (1) This technique leaves no visible external scar and provides a smoother under-eye contour. (2)

For patients with more pronounced skin laxity, Dr. Vu may make a subciliary incision just below the lash line, allowing for both skin tightening and fat repositioning. (1)(2) After reshaping fat and trimming excess skin, she will meticulously close the incisions with fine sutures that heal with minimal visibility. Dr. Vu’s artistic eye and surgical precision ensure that your results appear balanced and natural, never overcorrected or hollowed. The procedure typically lasts one to two hours, and patients can return home the same day.

Results

Following surgery, patients will notice immediate improvements in the under-eye area, with swelling and mild bruising gradually subsiding over the next one to two weeks. The eyes will appear more open, alert, and youthful. (2) Fine lines and puffiness will diminish, and the skin beneath the eyes will look smoother and more even in tone.

Because Dr. Vu performs this procedure using local anesthesia, most patients experience a faster recovery compared to those undergoing general anesthesia. Once fully healed, a lower eyelid lift can provide results that last for many years. Patients often report looking more refreshed, confident, and energetic, with friends and family commenting on how well-rested they appear rather than noticing that they have had surgery. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine, protecting your skin from the sun, and leading a healthy lifestyle will help preserve your rejuvenated results long-term.

Recovery

For most of Dr. Vu’s patients, the lower eyelid lift recovery process is straightforward. Patients typically experience mild swelling or bruising that peaks within the first few days before fading gradually. Because Dr. Vu uses awake local anesthesia, there is minimal postoperative grogginess, and most patients can resume light activities within a few days.

Dr. Vu recommends using cold compresses and keeping your head elevated to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relief such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen usually suffices for comfort. If we place sutures externally, we usually remove them within one week. Most patients can return to work and social activities within seven to ten days, although they should avoid strenuous exercise for approximately two to three weeks. Dr. Vu and her team will remain available throughout your recovery to provide guidance and optimize healing. Regular follow-up visits allow them to monitor progress and confirm that results develop as intended.

Corresponding and Complementary Procedures

Many patients who undergo a lower eyelid lift choose to enhance their results with additional facial rejuvenation treatments. Dr. Vu offers a comprehensive range of surgical and nonsurgical procedures to complement the effects of eyelid surgery, including:

  • Upper Eyelid Surgery: For patients with drooping upper eyelids, combining upper and lower blepharoplasty creates a more balanced and youthful overall eye appearance.
  • Facial Fat Transfer: This procedure restores volume to hollowed areas such as the cheeks and temples, providing a softer and more natural rejuvenation that pairs beautifully with eyelid surgery.
  • Face and Neck Lift: Pairing a lower eyelid lift with a facelift and neck lift is an effective way to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation by addressing concerns such as sagging skin in the face and neck.

Cost of a Lower Eyelid Lift in Alhambra and Santa Ana

The cost of a lower eyelid lift at SkinZone Medical varies based on the technique Dr. Vu uses, the complexity of the case, and whether she performs any additional procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Vu will provide a personalized estimate and explain available financing options to make your procedure more accessible.

Schedule a consultation today to explore your treatment options. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Alhambra or Santa Ana offices at (626) 329-4555 or (714) 361-1555, respectively.

SkinZone Medical proudly serves patients from across Los Angeles County and Orange County, including San Marino, Arcadia, Pasadena, Montebello, Pico Rivera, Glendale, Hollywood, Buena Park, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach, and more, and we are excited to help you achieve your goals!

FAQ

How do I know if I need a lower eyelid lift?

If you notice persistent puffiness, dark circles, or sagging skin beneath your eyes that does not respond to skincare or rest, you may benefit from a lower eyelid lift.

Will I have visible scars from a lower eyelid lift?

In most cases, we place incisions in natural creases or inside the eyelid, resulting in scars that are minimal and well-concealed.

Is a lower eyelid lift painful?

No. Dr. Vu’s use of awake local anesthesia allows patients to remain comfortable throughout the surgery without the risks or side effects of general anesthesia.

How long do lower eyelid lift results last?

Results typically last many years. Aging will continue naturally, but the under-eye area will remain smoother and firmer than it would have without surgery.

Can I combine a lower eyelid lift with other procedures?

Yes. Many patients combine lower eyelid lift surgery with upper eyelid surgery or laser resurfacing for more comprehensive rejuvenation.

When can I return to normal activities after a lower eyelid lift?

Most patients resume regular daily activities within a few days and return to work within a week, but they should postpone exercise for at least two to three weeks.

References

  1. Rostami S, de la Torre JI, Czyz CN. Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448181/
  2. Bhattacharjee K, Ghosh S, Ugradar S, Azhdam AM. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty: An overview. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2020;68(10):2075-2083. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_2265_19