A. Eyebag removal has traditionally been done with a plastic surgery operation called a blepharoplasty. A traditional scalpel lower eyelid blepharoplasty must leave a visible scar on the lower eyelid. While traditional scalpel blepharoplasty does use an incision on the lower eyelid, more modern contemporary blepharoplasty is done with a laser through a small opening on the inside of the lower eyelid and leaves no visible scar. This technique, called the transconjunctival laser lower blepharoplasty not only avoids a scar but also preserves the beautiful natural shape of the eyelid. The traditional scalpel blepharoplasty done through an external incision often damages the supporting muscles of the lower eyelid and as a result the outside corner of the lower eyelid turns down into a “sad eyed” or ”hound dog” look.

A. All blepharoplasty procedures for eye bags and puffy eyes still do not totally rejuvenate the lower eyelid unless something is done to correct the eyelid wrinkles, brown spots, “crêpe” skin and other eyelid aging skin changes. The new Fraxel or ActiveFX Laser Peel is a revolutionary new eyelid skin peeling technique that removes eyelid wrinkles, sun damage, and aged skin and creates new fresh youthful looking skin on the eyelid. This new Fraxel or ActiveFX Laser Resurfacing can be done at the same time as the blepharoplasty so that true eyelid rejuvenation is possible, removal of eye bags, puffy eyes, dark circles under the eyes, and removal of wrinkles and eyelid skin aging changes.

This is the modern approach to eyelid rejuvenation, Total Laser Eyelid Rejuvenation for removal of eye bags, puffy eyes, dark circles under the eyes, eye wrinkles, and sun damage, all with no change in eyelid shape, no hound dog eyes, no sad eyed look, no hollow eyes, all with the help of the laser and the newest most modern eyelid rejuvenation techniques, the CO2 laser and the ActiveFX or Fraxel.

A. The post-operative effects are minimal and temporary. Minor swelling, bruising and discomfort should disappear within two weeks. Cold compresses will help alleviate these side effects.

A. Uneven appearance can be caused by the removal of uneven amounts of fat. Additional surgeries can usually reverse this problem. On very rare occasions, bleeding can occur in the socket.

A. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty generally takes about one to three hours to complete, depending on the technique used and the extent of the repair

A. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed on an out patient basis under the local anesthesia with oral sedation if needed.

A. Initially, you may feel a tight sensation around the eyes, with minor discomfort that lasts for a day or two. Tylenol can be taken as needed. People who have had the procedure are often surprised at how painless eyelid surgery can be. Many times, isolated eyelid surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with a total recovery time as short as 7 to 10 days. (Recovery time varies from person to person.)

A. In general, the best candidates for lower eyelid blepharoplasty are people:

• 18 years of age or older
• In good physical health
• Psychologically stable
• Understanding the procedure’s outcome
• Desiring correction of droopy, baggy eyelids
• With no known ophthalmic conditions such as glaucoma or detached retina
• With no known medical conditions such as high blood pressure, circulatory problems, hypothyroidism or other thyroid related conditions.
• Having realistic expectations for the outcome