What Are the Risks of Transconjunctival Lower Eyelid Surgery with Skin Pinch?

 The primary goal for lower eyelid surgery is to  remove the fatty deposits creating the puffy look to the lower lids. This fat is removed through a trans-conjunctival approach on the inside of the lower lids. For most patients who are over 50 years of age, a small pinch of excess skin is taken at the lash line. In our practice we close  this incision with  tissue glue. For more information  and many before-and-after examples, please see video below

The transconjunctival blepharoplasty is meant for those with bulging fat pads and minimal skin excess. In those cases the remaining skin ideally should contract down and smooth out the area.  If there is excess skin it would need to be removed.  Occasionally laser skin treatments in conjunction with the transconjunctival b;epharoplasty can yield a good result.

All surgery carries some risk; eyelid surgery included. Whether the incision is made in the skin below the lid/lashes or in the conjunctival trough behind the lid margin, there are certain risks that may include unwanted bleeding, scarring, and even problems associated with loss of vision and/or cornea injuries.  But when patients are carefully selected and prepared for surgery (ie, no aspirin containing products for example, and no physical activity post operatively for awhile) this greatly reduces risks. Blepharoplasty is a very delicately performed procedure, and it is important to discuss details with the surgeon whether this is a facial plastic or plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon.  In most cases, the transconjunctival approach to removal or repositioning of lower eyelid fat ('bags") is a nice procedure, and can be combined with outer skin resurfacing (chemical peels or lasers) at the same time. This can lead to a very refreshed appearance with high patient satisfaction!