Pocket under one eye - am I a candidate for lower blepharoplasty? (Photo)

Question

Hi, Whenever I smile I seem to have a larger eye bag under my one eye. It isn’t there when I’m not smiling and it seems to disappear when I squint my eye slightly. It has always been there but I am feeling particularly bothered by it as of late. The more I look at myself, the more I hate that under eye area, particularly because it protrudes so much more than the other side. I was considering lower blepharoplasty. Am I a candidate?

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

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The orbicularis role is a mound of lower eyelid muscle that can be asymmetrical in some people. If that bulge worsens when you smile, it likely is muscle. Frankly, I'm not sure if there are any good surgical approaches to remedy this situation. If it is muscular, it's possible that Botox may be helpful. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are a few different ways you can consider addressing the under eye contour.  Surgery is one, but you may also find improvement with fillers or Morpheus8.  This treatment combines RF technology with microneedling to improve overall skin tone and texture.  We also recommend using medical grade skin care products like Transform MD and wearing sunscreen every day.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and posting your photos. You would be a candidate for lower blepharoplasty. Make sure to see an experienced oculoplastic surgeon for comprehensive evaluation and discussion of treatment plan. 
Good luck!

Pocket under one eye - am I a candidate for lower blepharoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Treatment for prominent lower eyelid bags

Answer: Treatment for prominent lower eyelid bags

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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

Pocket under one eye - am I a candidate for lower blepharoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Treatment for prominent lower eyelid bags

Answer: Treatment for prominent lower eyelid bags

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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.