33-year-old South Asian woman - Lower Blepharoplasty for Puffy Eyes: Is It Right for Me? (Photos)

Question

I’m a 33-year-old South Asian woman who’s struggled with dark, puffy under-eye bags my whole life. Recently, I consulted a provider who recommended lower blepharoplasty (removal of the fat pad through the inner eyelid, with no stitches). Would this procedure help with both the puffiness and dark circles under my eyes? I’m concerned about the results , as my dark circles are quite noticeable . Also, I was quoted $12,000 for the procedure, excluding anesthesia. Is this a reasonable price for this type of surgery? Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Tanya T. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, yes the recommendation you received regarding a lower blepharoplasty is accurate. Given the amount of visible fat prolapse, you will need those fat pads trimmed and excised. It is possible you achieve both smooth contours and reduction of dark circles just from the surgery, but more likely you may need to have some topical treatment to reduce hyperpigmentation on the lower lid skin, which can be achieved with laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and your skincare routine. Please see an experienced oculoplastic surgeon for best results.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

A Realself question for me to answer right after your own in today's questions is from a person complaining of unresolved hollowness under her eyes after blepharoplasty surgery (which she now regrets undergoing) that she had for under-eye bags. 
With this in mind, you might first consider a consultation with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatology injection expert before jumping into surgery. Your photos did not show enough of your cheeks to be able to comment, however, not uncommonly resupplying volume to the upper mid-cheek region (which is a major support for the under-eyes) using  a robust HA volumizing filler can address the problem quickly and easily and usually with immediate results and little to no significant downtime. 
Hope this helps and best of luck.

Catherine Weng, MD · Answer

Reviewing your photos, you do look like a candidate for a lower blepharoplasty.  This surgery comes with many variations and varying complexity.  Fat can be removed from a conjunctival incision (inside the eye) which would be scar less.  The fat can also be repositioned (taken from the area of puffiness and placed in an area of hollowing).  I cannot tell from your photos whether this would make sense for you since they are cropped pretty close around the eyes.    While $12000 does seem a bit high to me for a lower blepharoplasty, ultimately, its between you and your surgeon whether you feel it is worth it for the price you were quoted.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your nicely posted photos, the technique you’re discussing is called the trans conjunctival lower lid plasty. That is an incision is made in the inside of the lower eyelid and the fat is removed. In addition, you have some dark hyper pigmentation of the skin in my opinion, I would use the Endo laser during this procedure. You then ask about the fee quote to me. The fee is more on the high range, but if you add the Endo laser treatment it would come in line. In Miami the quote for a trans conjunctival lower lid plasty with Endo leas could range from $8000-$12,000. Best of virtual consult with Regards.

33-year-old South Asian woman - Lower Blepharoplasty for Puffy Eyes: Is It Right for Me? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Asian lower eyelid, excess fat treatment option options

Answer: Asian lower eyelid, excess fat treatment option options

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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33-year-old South Asian woman - Lower Blepharoplasty for Puffy Eyes: Is It Right for Me? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Asian lower eyelid, excess fat treatment option options

Answer: Asian lower eyelid, excess fat treatment option options

Browse related questions

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.