Can blepharoplasty cause fat atrophy in the cheek area of the face?

Question

I had blepharoplasty 1 year ago. The 'bags' under the eyes were corrected and the skin smoothed out remarkably well. However, I noticed that my facial features altered - previously I had quite a wide breathe along my cheek line. Once swelling subsided, my cheeks now appear 'dropped'. Can this occur or do surgeons reposition fat from around the cheeks to smooth out the lower eyelid area? Also, my eyes were too tightly pinched as the outer corners were sewn back. Can this be corrected? Thank you.

Franklin D. Richards, MD · Answer

Typically fat would not be
transferred from the cheek to the lower eyelids and it is unusual for a lower
blepharoplasty to affect the cheek in any way.If the eyes are tightly pinched then this could be from a canthopexy or
canthoplasty.If this does not settle
down than this can be revised if needed.

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A photo would be helpful.  A lower eyelid blepharoplasty will not cause cheek atrophy,   Discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Best wishes.

Arthur Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Typically eyelid surgery has no relationship to the atrophy of the cheek area. Atrophy is caused by factors such as aging, genetics, lifestyle, and hormonal changes. There are some procedures where fat can be repositioned in the malar area through the lower eyelid incision, but this is not as common as it used to be. Most surgeons are now using fat grafting and volume to treat facial wasting.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

When blepharoplasty is performed on the lower eyelids, the herniated fat is addressed and may be removed or repositioned.  Normally, fat from the cheek would not be repositioned with this procedure and fat atrophy should not occur in the cheek after a lower blepharoplasty.  Pictures of your eyes before and after surgery would be helpful to give you further advice.

Mohammed Alghoul, MD · Answer

A classic blepharoplasty should not cause atrophy of the cheek fat. The fat inside the orbit which forms the "fat bags" is repositioned to the cheek to create a smooth transition between the lid and the cheek. Sometimes the surgery can unmask a hollowed upper cheek that wasn't noticed before. I suggest you share before and after pictures to help you better understand the problem.

Can blepharoplasty cause fat atrophy in the cheek area of the face?

Answers (5)