How Many Times Can Lower Blepharoplasty Be Done?

Hi BJ, There is only so much skin in the lower lid, and only so much fat.  The majority of patients only need one lower blepharoplasty, some may have a second or revision, but it is certainly not an area where multiple procedures are indicated.  Good luck and be well. Dr. P

To babyjoe, Hi! A revision of the lower eyelids is not that unusual, and very rarely someone might need a third operation. But the key thing to understand is that a "lower blepharoplasty" is not just one operation that you keep doing over and over again. There are about 10 different ways to operate on the lower eyelids. Usually, in a revision, you try to UNDO what was done before. For example, if too much fat was removed, you can replace it or reposition it. If the lower... more

Surgery can be repeated on the eyelids more than once. Each time the eyelids are operated on scar tissue forms. This scar tissue can pull the lid down ( retraction or ectropion). This is more likely to occur if the surgery is performed through a skin incision ( transcutaneous) versus through the conjunctiva ( transconjunctival). When the incision is made through the skin there is a septum that becomes shortened which can retract the lid. Most patients that have eyelid surgery usually... more

Lower blepharoplasty is one of the most technical procedures in facial rejuvenation. Revision lower lid surgery carries more potential risks due to repeat scarring, possibility for development of ectropion (exposure of the eye ball leading to dryness). A good knowledge of anatomy and good command of several techniques to avoid these side effects is a must in repeat surgery. There is no specific number of times after which lower lid surgery becomes obsolete .Your Board certified plastic ... more

Babyjoe, There is no correct number. Any secondary or revisional blepharoplasty risks further scarring and the 2nd blepharoplasty is harder than the first. The most common blepharoplasty revisional surgery is correction of the sagging lower eyelid, also called the hound dog eye or sad eyed look. This procedure involves tightening the canthal ligament near the corner of the eye, does not require opening the entire incision, and is fairly easy to do. The correction of hollow eye following too... more

Aging in the lower lid can be caused by many factors such as thinning of the septum which holds back the fat to create bags, thinning of the skin with laxity, relaxation of the muscle causing festoons on the cheek, laxity in the supporting structure in the lid with a floppy lid prone to pull down called ectropion. Any or all of these issues can be addressed with the initial lid procedure and it is usual for results to last ten years. Still some lid procedures can miss the mark and revision... more

Generally eyelid surgery, upper and lower, is a once in a lifetime endeavor.  Redoing the lids is occasionally indicated but revisional surgery, especially with the lower lids, introduces more risk.  With the lower lid that risk is lid position.  Great care should be exercised by the plastic surgeon redoing lower eyelid surgery.

A lower blepharoplasty can be done usually no more than twice in a lifetime of a person because of the fear of changing the shape of the eyelids. The goal of lower blepharoplasty surgery is primarily to remove the fat pads and bags underneath the lower lids, and then if needed, to pinch a small portion of excess skin which is present at repose, not at animation.

Lower blepharoplasty is a term which describes cosmetic treatment of the lower eyelid. This treatment can include: excess skin removal, tightening of the eyelid muscle, tightening of the ligament at the corner of the eye, injection of fat in the tear trough and/or removal of excess fat from around the eye. Any procedure may include some or all of these procedures. You may need different aspects of a blepharoplasty at different times. Thus, you may have several procedures over time which... more