What is Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Lower eyelid surgery, medically known as lower blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating the under-eye region. As people age, they may develop bags under the eyes, excess skin, or fine wrinkles, giving them a tired or aged appearance. Lower blepharoplasty addresses these concerns by removing or repositioning excess fat, tightening the skin, and sometimes reinforcing or tightening the underlying muscle structures.

  • Average Cost: Starts at $3.5k (not including facility and anesthesia)
  • Typical Recovery Period: approximately 10 days
  • Discomfort Level: Mild
  • Anesthesia Options: General/heavy sedation 

Benefits of Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery in Nashville can help improve various aspects of the eyes. It is capable of:

  • Reducing the early signs of aging
  • Tightening loose skin along the lower eyelids
  • Minimizing dark circles and undereye bags
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Mary Lynn

Moran MD

Meet Dr. Mary Lynn Moran, M.D.

With over 28 years of experience, Dr. Moran has helped countless patients rejuvenate aging skin beneath their eyes and take years off their appearance. She is the only female Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Tennessee – and she’s known throughout the nation for her dedication to patient care and natural aesthetic results. She trained at Tufts, Boston University, and The University of Michigan, and is the first female president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The Surgery: What to Expect

Dr. Moran will tailor your procedure based on the quality of your skin and the telltale signs of aging you’d like addressed. The average lower eyelid surgery takes one to three hours to complete. When possible, Dr. Moran performs the procedure using an innovative technique called transconjunctival blepharoplasty, or TCB.

Instead of a skin incision, a small surgical incision is made inside the lower eyelid, usually with electrocautery, to remove a portion of the fat pads. No stitches are required and patients have no visible scars. Unlike conventional blepharoplasty methods, TCB does not harm the muscles under the eyelids and there is a lower chance of lid pull-down.

If you have significant excess skin and hypertrophic orbicularis muscle, you won’t be a candidate for TCB. Instead, Dr. Moran will make an external incision that is well-hidden within the natural crease of your lower eyelid. Once you’ve healed, the resulting scar will be virtually imperceptible.

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Am I a Candidate?

Dr. Moran will confirm your candidacy during your private consultation at our Franklin, TN office. In general, we perform lower eyelid surgery on younger patients with bulging fat and minimal extra skin. Ideal candidates for this procedure are:

  • Healthy and without an illness or medical condition that can impair healing
  • Non-smokers and in good general health
  • Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for surgery

In addition, please tell Dr. Moran if you have any eye diseases, such as glaucoma, dry eye, or a detached retina. She will also need to be informed if you are diagnosed with Graves’ disease, under- or over-active thyroid, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty

Unlike traditional blepharoplasty, Transconjunctival blepharoplasty involves making an incision inside the lower eyelid, ensuring that there is no visible external scarring. This approach allows for the removal or repositioning of excess fat, addressing issues like under-eye bags or puffiness. Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is ideal for patients with good skin elasticity and minimal excess skin. It offers a quicker recovery with less bruising and swelling compared to traditional techniques, resulting in a more refreshed and youthful eye contour. When patients come in for a consultation with Dr. Moran, he will determine if the treatment is suitable for their needs.

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FAQ

Where is lower eyelid surgery performed?

What anesthesia is used during lower eyelid surgery?

What is the recovery like?

Are there other procedures I should consider with my Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Where is lower eyelid surgery performed?

Lower eyelid surgery is performed in the Nashville and Franklin, TN area on an outpatient basis at a nearby fully accredited surgery center.

What anesthesia is used during lower eyelid surgery?

This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation.

What is the recovery like?

You will return home soon after surgery is completed to begin the healing process. Patients will have to take some time off from work to rest and recover. Most patients are well enough to resume work and their normal daily activities, including vigorous exercise, within seven to ten days.

Are there other procedures I should consider with my Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Lower Eyelid Surgery can be complemented by several procedures, including Upper Eyelid Surgery, Fillers, and Brow Lifts.

Discover Your Options

Lower eyelid surgery is designed to rejuvenate aging eyes and restore your youthful expression. If you’re interested in learning more about the procedure, please contact our Franklin, TN office today and schedule a consultation.

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