Lower Eyelid Lift with Dr. Malena Amato in Austin, TX
As one of Austin’s foremost oculoplastic surgeons, Dr. Malena Amato offers upper blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty to restore her patients’ confidence and youthful appearance. Her compassion and commitment to thorough, personalized care have made blepharoplasty safe and accessible for cosmetic patients. Lower blepharoplasty is the perfect choice to create a morel refreshed appearance and combat the common signs of aging, which include downward migration of the midface, bulging of lower eyelid fat pads and drooping or wrinkling of the skin.
To learn more about what this procedure can do for you and how you can benefit from an eyelid lift to resolve lower eye bags, call the office of Dr. Malena Amato and her team today!
Patient Experiences
I contemplated eyelid surgery for years. It was not until I had a consult with Dr. Amato, that I knew this was the one Doctor that I would trust to do the procedure. Her credentials are top notch, but it is her bedside manner that will get you through the ordeal. Calm and confident is exactly what you want from a surgeon, and she is just that. I consulted with three doctors in Austin prior to this surgery, and Dr. Amato was the best choice by far.
Do You Need a Lower Eye Lift?
An eyelid lift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that improves the contours of the eyelids by removing excess skin, and removing or repositioning fat to reduce bags or hollowness. Lower blepharoplasty focuses on the reduction of under-eye bags, hollowness, and skin laxity. Cosmetically, this procedure can reduce wrinkles and folds around the eyes, creating a vibrant, rested, and welcoming expression.
It may be time for a lower blepharoplasty if you have stubborn eye bags that are hard to conceal with makeup, a sunken, tired appearance, or dark circles, no matter how much sleep you get or how many topical products you apply. A lower eyelid lift is the perfect way to reduce and firm sagging undereye skin, which can otherwise make you, appear stern or tired.
Meet Malena Amato MD FACS
Learn more about the Georgetown and Stanford alumna and why you should visit Dr. Amato for your next procedure.
How is a lower eyelid lift performed?
Lower blepharoplasty involves the removal or repositioning of fat from below the eyes through a tiny incision along the lash line (or within the eyelid). Sometimes excess skin is also removed during this procedure, depending on the age of the patient and his or her individual needs. In older patients, the loose tendon on the outer corner of the eyelid is also tightened to prevent complications with a loose lower eyelid, an unnatural appearance or difficulty eyelid closing after surgery.
Lower blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia but is often performed with IV sedation and takes between one to three hours. Patients can return home on the same day they have surgery. Dr. Amato wants to make sure patients have a good understanding and will discuss with you the optimal surgery tailored to each patient including the risks and benefits before your decision to have lower eyelid blepharoplasty.
Customizing your Procedure with Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation
In addition to your lower eyelid lift treatment, non-surgical procedures can be used to accentuate the cosmetic results of blepharoplasty, without significantly adding to the patient’s recovery time. Laser eyelid surgery, laser skin resurfacing, or dermal peels may be used to remove age spots, fine lines, and signs of sun damage around the eyes. Dermal fillers can be used to fill in hollows around the eyes temporarily, or the patient can choose to treat these depressions with fat transfer surgery. Botulinum injections and medical-grade skincare can also enhance the aesthetic outcome of eyelid surgery. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Amato will discuss your goals with you and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
What is the recovery from lower eyelid surgery?
Most patients are highly comfortable after they awake from surgery and are released home with a loved one or caretaker. Over the next three weeks, patients will notice swelling and bruising around the treatment area gradually dissipate. Vision is slightly blurred from antibiotic ointment and swelling, and it is recommended not to drive the first few days after surgery. Patients typically do not require pain medication by the next day and are asked to use ice packs diligently the first two days, then periodically for the first few weeks. Avoidance of strenuous activity including bending, heavy lifting or heavy exercise is recommended the first two weeks after surgery to avoid complications such as bleeding, prolonged swelling, opening stitches or infection. In the weeks after surgery, a temporary pulled or tight appearance in the outer corners of the eyelids is common before the final result. Though the majority of healing occurs in the first two to three weeks, final results are seen closer to 6 months after surgery.
Lower eyelid surgery is commonly performed in conjunction with other procedures including upper blepharoplasty, eyelid lift, midface lift, fat transfer, TCA peel or laser resurfacing. For a smoother appearance of the lower eyelid skin; she may recommend a TCA peel or laser facial resurfacing which can enhance the results of the blepharoplasty. Dr. Amato’s goal is to provide each patient with the gratification of long-lasting results and a refreshed more youthful appearance.
ALTERNATIVE TO ICE PACKS AFTER SURGERY
Finding the Best Lower Blepharoplasty Surgeon in Austin
Dr. Malena Amato provides 20 years of experience with training from Stanford and Georgetown Universities while specializing in cosmetic procedures of the face and around the delicate eye area. As an eyelid lift is a detailed procedure, patients require the care of a surgeon with the training and experience necessary to achieve their desired results. As a board-certified Ophthalmologist, she also knows to manage co-existing eye conditions including dry eye, tearing or eye irritation and can minimize complications that may occur from surgery around the eye. Dr. Amato achieves natural-looking and beautiful results with lower blepharoplasty and offers in-depth consultations to help patients understand what their procedure will entail.
While many plastic surgeons may offer facial procedures, only a facial and eye specialist can provide the focused skill needed to treat the soft tissue and structures around the eyes. Dr. Amato is an expert in oculoplastic surgery, completing a 2-year accredited ASOPRS fellowship in Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery, and treats each patient with compassion.
Before: Lower Blepharoplasty (Fat Removal Only)
After: Lower Blepharoplasty (Fat Removal Only)
Blepharoplasty FAQs
Common questions in the weeks to months after eyelid blepharoplasty
Eyelid redness can occur after eyelid surgery from eye irritation, allergies, and pinkish color on the incision lines. It is okay to use mild eye moisturizers, Aquaphor, or Vitamin E oil on the eyelid skin only. If allergic in nature, you can resume or take over the counter allergy eye drops or oral allergy medications.
Itching can occur after eyelid surgery from scar healing, dryness, dry skin and allergies. If allergic in nature, you can resume or take over the counter allergy eye drops or oral allergy medications.
Eye burning, itching, redness and tearing can occur as the eyes adjust to a new eyelid position, or from tightness of the eyelids from mild swelling and scarring that will eventually resolve. Continue to use preservative free artificial tears during the day 2-6 times a day as needed. You can also add a gel nighttime eye lubricant such as Refresh PM or Genteel Gel.
Occasionally, you can have a bruise that just won’t go away. Continue warm compresses on the area for a minute or two a few times a day. Topical Arnica cream can be helpful. This will go away!
The oil glands and scar tissue can leave temporary bumps on the eyelid scars that should go away between 6 and 12 months. Massaging the scars gently twice a day with Vitamin E oil can improve this. If the bumps persist after this time, please come in to see Dr. Amato. Rarely bumps or prominent scars need to be treated with a steroid injection or removal in the office.
Your eyes may look red and irritated at times especially when tired, at the end of the day, after prolonged reading and with allergies. If so, continue preservative fee artificial tears as needed 2-6 times a day and if necessary, topical allergy drops (e.g. Alaway) twice a day and oral allergy medication.
You may have been looking great then suddenly you notice more swelling than before, often resting on the lashes or below the eye. This can happen with weather changes, as you get more active, and allergies. Ice packs can sometimes help this, as well as allergy medication and time. This will improve but can be a frustrating setback.
Asymmetry is typical just after surgery but if it persists after 6 months, please come in to see Dr. Amato. In the end, I want to you be pleased with your result and asymmetries should be addressed. An office procedure may be indicated to improve this.
For most, final healing is about a year after surgery. Residual puffiness, redness of the scar, small bumps, asymmetries, should have improved by then. In some cases, you may see mild improvement of the scars up to 2-year s after surgery as healing continues.
Please return to see Dr. Amato to address your concerns. You should be thrilled you’re your results but results after healing aren’t always perfect or what you expected. She may suggest a scar revision, laser procedure for scarring, or treatment that may improve your appearance, usually a small office procedure.
If you’re wondering “how much is a lower blepharoplasty,” you need to know that this procedure is not a one size fits all. The extent of your procedure, skill of your surgeon, anesthesia fees, and more will decide the price. We can provide you with a comprehensive price breakdown after you meet with Dr. Amato.
Ready to book your procedure?
If you are ready to take the next steps, or simply want more information about a procedure, please contact our team! Dr. Amato is looking forward to speaking with you soon!