Is It Common for a Lower Eyelid Skin Pinch to Alter the Shape of One's Eye?

Question

A plastic surgeon told me I have excess skin on my lower eyelids. CO2 fractional laser was recommended as first step. That was done 3 months ago. Mild improvement but did not tighten much. Botox under the eye and on the sides made my under eye bunch more. It is saggy & redundant skin under my eyes rather than just fine lines. When I smile it pleats & folds. Regarding a lower eyelid skin pinch - my main concern is that it could alter my eye shape. Is rounding the eye a risk? Thank you.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Lower lid skin pinch can affect the lower lid contour and position if done aggressively and incorrectly.  It is not supposed to if done correctly, as proven in a paper I published entitled "Lower transconjuctival blepharoplasty with and without skin pinch" (referrence is on my website).  Consult an oculplastic surgeon.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Generally yes, removing skin from the lower eyelid has the risk of altering the shape of the lower eyelid.  For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  This can be even more dramatic because some doctors don't just do a skin pinch but use this term to lull individuals into having what is actually a much more radical lower eyelid transcutaneous lower eyelid procedure.  So generally you really need to know your surgeon before agreeing to a "skin pinch."  Consider reposting your question with photos for a more specific answer.

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

It can pull down one&rsquo;s eye and change the shape.  Fraxel CO2 laser can sometimes help, but it can also pull the lid down more.  I would see the doctor and possibly get another opinion to see if any further correction should be done.

Jen Yuan Chow, MD · Answer

When done for the appropriate reasons (e.g., excess skin of the lower lid, as well as good lower lid "tightness," on exam by your facial plastic surgeon, among other things), the skin pinch does not commonly cause rounding of the lower eyelid. That said, over-aggressive skin removal can lead to problems, including change in the shape of your eyelids.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A skin pinch blepharoplasty really should not change the shape of your eye.  If a canthopexy is performed to maintain support, then the eye may appear a bit almond shaped. This usually softens with time.

Is It Common for a Lower Eyelid Skin Pinch to Alter the Shape of One's Eye?

Answers (7)

Answer: When Done Appropriately, Lower Lid Skin Pinch Does Not Alter Eyelid Shape

Answer: When Done Appropriately, Lower Lid Skin Pinch Does Not Alter Eyelid Shape

Answer: Skin pinch

Answer: Skin pinch

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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Is It Common for a Lower Eyelid Skin Pinch to Alter the Shape of One's Eye?

Answers (7)

Answer: When Done Appropriately, Lower Lid Skin Pinch Does Not Alter Eyelid Shape

Answer: When Done Appropriately, Lower Lid Skin Pinch Does Not Alter Eyelid Shape

Answer: Skin pinch

Answer: Skin pinch

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.