What is the difference between a SOOF eye lift and a typical Lower Lid Blepharoplasty?

Question

What is a SOOF eyelift, how is it performed, what are the benefits, average costs, and is it the same as a having lower eyelid blepharoplasty? I would like to have my eye bags removed & my cheek lifted and wondering if a SOOF eyelift will take care of both.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

I suspect that you will get yourself into trouble by over researching these issues. I repair SOOF lift. The SOOF falls vertically and surgeons primarily lift laterally. The implants for this area that are available off the shelf primarily create very unnatural midface volume so I take out a lot of these. SOOF stands for suborbicularis oculi fat pad.  There is a lot of misunderstand of this structure. The SOOF is actually part of the malar fat pad. I rely on lifting the SOOF in repairing damaged lower eyelids. I do not recommend routinely lifting the SOOF with lower blepharoplasty.  This type of research is not a substitute for actual personal consultations with eyelid experts.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

SOOF is an abbreviation for "sub-orbicularis oculi fat," but there is NO standard widely adopted single method of managing this fat during blepharoplasty.  The best approach for your eyelids depends on your own individual anatomy and the outcome you desire.  SOOF is removed by some doctors, ignored by others, and repositioned by many to restore youthful contours.  It's best, in my opinion, for patients to focus on results and risks rather than specific anatomic technical variations that laypeople cannot possibly understand.  Be sure your doctor has before and after photos of patients with your situation and results you like.  If so, you're likely in good hands, and can be confident of proper care and a pleasing improvement.

Soheila Rostami, MD, FAAO, FAACS · Answer

The SOOF lift is usually combined with subcilliary lower eyelid blepharoplasty to prevent ectropion formation as well as more improvement in mid face. during that surgery, the fat of the lower cheek is lifted; therefore, the cheek is lifted. It is a better procedure hen is combined.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

A lower lid blepharoplasty most commonly addresses the lower eyelid skin and fat bags. The SOOF eye lift goes further down into the midface and helps resuspend the fat of the upper check which has fallen with gravity and age. 
Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It's important to understand that the mid-face does not descend vertically with the aging process, therefore we do not perform a vertical mid-face lift. We perform cheek implants to restore volume in that area which is lost due to the aging process. Lower lid blepharoplasty is performed in patients have fat bags creating the puffy look. For more information  and many examples of both procedures, please see the link and the video below

What is the difference between a SOOF eye lift and a typical Lower Lid Blepharoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: Eye lift and lower lid blepharoplasty

Answer: Eye lift and lower lid blepharoplasty

Answer: What's the difference between a lower blepharoplasty and eye lift

Answer: What's the difference between a lower blepharoplasty and eye lift

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What is the difference between a SOOF eye lift and a typical Lower Lid Blepharoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: Eye lift and lower lid blepharoplasty

Answer: Eye lift and lower lid blepharoplasty

Answer: What's the difference between a lower blepharoplasty and eye lift

Answer: What's the difference between a lower blepharoplasty and eye lift

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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.