How to improve lower eyelid and under-eye area?

Question

I would like to achieve a smoother transition from the eyelid/under-eye area to the cheek area. What are the treatment options (surgical and non-surgical)? The upper eyelids/eyebrows are fine.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. A formal evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are both surgical and non-surgical options to correct this, depending on your specific situation.

For less significant puffiness and sagging UNDER the eyes, or more mild improvement, there are nonsurgical treatment options: we often use Renuvion helium plasma radiofrequency (RF) energy to achieve incredible results and take years off of your appearance. Combining RF energy and cool helium plasma, the signs of aging (wrinkles, pigmentation, skin laxity) are improved in a ‘Nonsurgical Lower Eyelid Lift.' The focused heating tightens and peels the outer skin layer with extreme precision, leaving the surrounding area undamaged, smoothing and tightening the periorbital skin, and improving the overall skin quality around the eyes. It's an aggressive treatment, and the recovery time is longer than with other nonsurgical procedures, but the results can be life-changing.​

Surgery (a lower blepharoplasty with or without canthopexy/canthoplasty or orbicularis muscle suspension) is a great option for more significant improvement- for example if there are more severe lower eyelid bags / bulging present. Sometimes the surgery can also be used to intentionally adjust the shape and/or size of your eyes, or correct any asymmetries!

Dr. Donald Groves is an expert facial plastic surgeon that I work with, who specializes in these types of procedures. It is important that if you are considering surgery that you go to someone who is well trained and very experienced with these delicate operations to get the best results. I suggest getting a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and facial sculpting expert, or an aesthetic facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Groves; we are both located right here in Los Angeles.

Best, 
Dr. Emer

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The best procedure would be a lower blepharoplasty with fat transition to minimize the problems with the tear troughs.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is very likely that a combination of lower transconjuctival bleparoplasty and fat grafting to augment your cheek bone underneath the eyelids would be a good procedure. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

To be candid, and without the benefit of an examination, your brows are ptotic and you need either an upper lid blepharoplasty with internal brow plication or a brow lift. In terms of the lower lids, you would benefit from a lower lid blepharoplasty, possibly fat injections or filler. Aesthetic procedure are, of course, elective, and much will depend on your end goals. Best wishes.

How to improve lower eyelid and under-eye area?

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Answer: Lower lid issue

Answer: Lower lid issue

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How to improve lower eyelid and under-eye area?

Answers (4)

Answer: Lower lid issue

Answer: Lower lid issue

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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.