Lower Eyelid Surgery

See beauty with fresh eyes thanks to our eye bag removal surgery options with eye bag specialist and New York and New Jersey top doctor, female eyelid surgeon, Dr Baljeet Purewal.

At Fresh Face + Eye, board-certified surgeon — Dr. Baljeet K. Purewal — offers lower eyelid rejuvenation in New Jersey to clients who are seeking to refresh their faces and restore their confidence.

WHY HAVE I DEVELOPED EYE BAGS?

As we age, it’s common for eyebags to develop.

The skin surrounding our eyes is actually the thinnest on our bodies and so is often the first part of the body to show the signs of aging: think wrinkles, eye bags, fine lines and looser skin.

There are several reasons for eye bags including skeletal changes and aging skin, however the main cause is due to a weakening of the tissues and muscles that support the eyelids.

Once these have weakened, they are unable to provide adequate support and allow the natural fat in the orbit of the eye to move forward into the lower lid. This fat previously helped support the eyes but once it moves forward the areas beneath the eyes begin to appear swollen or puffy.

Eye bags may also result from an accumulation of fluid and/or the onset of inflammation beneath the eyes.

If you experience repeated puffiness beneath your eyes and it’s something that bothers you, you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery or a cosmetic procedure for under eye bags.

A board-certified Oculoplastics and Reconstructive Surgeon, Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery and Minimally-Invasive Facial Rejuvenation Specialist, let Dr Baljeet Purewal use her advanced skill and innovative techniques to address your eye bags.

See some of our eye bag surgery before and after pictures and patient diaries here.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER CAUSES OF BAGS UNDER THE EYES?

Other factors, including lifestyle factors, that can cause eye bags include:

Lack of sleep.
Fluid retention.
Poor diet.
Sun damage.
Medical conditions that can cause eye bags include:
Kidney disease.
Nasal congestion.
Seasonal allergies.
Eyelid dermatitis.
Thyroid disease.

WHAT IS BLEPHAROPLASTY AKA EYELID SURGERY?

Eyelid surgery is one of the ways that Dr. Purewal can eliminate under eye bags. Dr. Purewal is a surgical expert in eyelid surgery and this is the focus of her practice.

When excess fat is the reason for puffiness beneath the eyes, a blepharoplasty can be performed to remove this fat. Dr. Purewal can also tighten any lower eyelid skin that sags during the same treatment.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY INITIAL CONSULTATION AT FRESH FACE + EYE?

Once you’ve scheduled your initial consultation, preparing a list of questions to ask can ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

Here are some of the most common questions our patients ask us:

What do you think is causing my symptoms?
What Is this eye condition temporary? If not, what treatment approach would you recommend for me?
How much will the recommended treatment or under eye bag surgery cost?
Will I need follow-up appointments or additional treatments? If so, what are they and what can I expect?
What can I expect in relation to results?
Is there anything I can do at home to reduce my under-eye puffiness?
Will my health insurance cover this type of treatment?
At Fresh Face + Eye, we encourage you to ask any and all questions. We’re always more than happy to answer them all. We believe knowledge is true beauty.

Questions that Dr. Purewal will most likely ask you during your initial consultation:

How long have you had bags under your eyes?
Do these bags develop occasionally or are they always present?
Have you found anything that decreases the visibility of the bags under your eyes?
Is there anything that seems to worsen the bags under your eyes?

HOW MUCH DOES THIS TREATMENT COST?

As with under eye bag surgery cost and laser eye bag surgery cost, eye bag surgery cost can vary. During your initial consultation, Dr. Purewal can give you an accurate indication of how much your treatment will cost. Each individual patient is different and Dr. Purewal’s recommendations are tailored towards your specific goals.

Consultation for Eye Bag Removal Surgery

The first step of your surgical journey is a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Purewal.

During this consultation, we will review your medical history and perform a physical examination of your eyes and face.

You’ll have the opportunity to share any medical conditions, allergies, and information on current medications or supplements. Having this information helps us put together the most appropriate surgical plan for you.

Pre-Operative Instructions

Dr. Purewal will provide you with detailed instructions on what you should do before surgery. Every patient’s case is different, but you may receive guidelines on:

What to eat and not eat
Alcohol consumption and smoking
What activities to avoid

Since smoking in particular affects your body’s ability to heal, it’s best to stop smoking several weeks before and after eyelid surgery. We’ll also offer guidelines on medications and supplements.

Preparations for Surgery Day

A blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, so you will need to prepare the following:

Someone to drive you to and from surgery
Your home recovery space
Your mentality

During eye bag removal surgery, you will receive general anesthesia, so you’ll need someone who can drive you home after surgery.

When preparing your home recovery space, stock up on essential items like hygiene products, easy-to-prepare meals, and your favorite drinks and snacks. Create a cozy, comfortable space where you’re able to rest and sleep with your head slightly elevated.

Mental preparation can involve speaking with your surgeon or a therapist if you have anxiety about surgery.

Your individual journey will be unique, but following these preparation steps can help ensure that your lower eyelid blepharoplasty goes smoothly while also setting you up for a rejuvenating recovery.

What Happens During a Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

The exact process of each individual blepharoplasty may vary depending on your individual needs. For example, sometimes clients patients want an upper blepharoplasty in addition to lower eyelid surgery. Here are some general steps during most blepharoplasty procedures.

Anesthesia

During a blepharoplasty, you receive anesthesia first. This will help increase your comfort throughout the surgery.

Incisions

Dr. Purewal then makes precise incisions. Depending on the surgical approach needed, she will either make these inside the lower eyelid or just below the lash line. Where the incisions are located depends on your specific needs.

Adjustments

Through the incisions, Dr. Purewal is able to remove or reposition excess fat and skin. This is the step of surgery that reduces under eye puffiness and bags while simultaneously smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines.

Sutures

Once the adjustments and enhancements to your eye area are complete, Dr. Purewal closes the external incisions using sutures and internal incisions do not require sutures.

Recovery

Once the blepharoplasty is done, we cover your eyes with gauze and a cold compress to minimize potential discomfort. We then move you to a recovery room, where we can monitor you until you’re cleared to go home.

The entire process from start to finish usually takes anywhere from one to two hours, depending on how complex the surgery is. For example, if you get an upper eyelid blepharoplasty in addition to under eye surgery, your surgery will last longer than if you were getting lower eyelid surgery by itself.

Recovering from a Blepharoplasty

Recovering at home takes time, patience, and care. Here’s what you can typically expect during your at-home recovery period.

Immediately Following Surgery

Immediately following surgery, you might experience blurred vision from the lubricating ointment we put on your eyes after the procedure. You may also experience sensitivity to light. These symptoms are usually temporary and dissipate after a few days.

The First Days at Home

In the first few days after surgery, it’s important that you rest. Keep your head elevated as much as possible, even during sleep. This helps reduce swelling.

You can use a cold pack on your eyes intermittently to help increase comfort.

You should avoid certain activities that can strain your eyes, such as:

Heavy lifting
Too much reading, especially in dim light
Using electronics

Make sure you follow Dr. Purewal’s instructions on cleaning the incisions and eye area and using any eye drops or ointments you may be prescribed.

One to Two Weeks Post-Surgery

After a week or two, you’ll probably feel ready to return to work and/or social activities. Even if you’re feeling well enough to be out and about, you need to protect your eyes from the sun and wind by wearing sunglasses and applying sunscreen.

Long-Term Recovery

It may take several weeks for the full, optimal results of your surgery to become apparent as the swelling goes down. Your recovery process will vary based on your body, so don’t rush the process. Attend your follow-up appointments, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and enjoy your new, refreshed, rejuvenated look.

Eye Bag Removal Surgery vs. Non-Surgical Alternatives

At Fresh Face + Eye, surgery isn’t the only treatment method we have to help clients deal with the lower eye area.

If you’re not quite ready for eye bag removal surgery but still want to address your lower eye area, you can try some of our non-surgical alternatives, like dermal fillers, or laser resurfacing or RF microneedling.

The results of these treatments may be temporary, but they are less invasive than surgery and require less downtime.

Whether you move forward with surgery or stick with a non-invasive treatment will depend on:

Your personal preferences
Your health
Your specific under eye issues

A consultation with our team can help you determine the best approach to help you achieve your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions we receive about blepharoplasty.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Blepharoplasty?

Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty are usually those who have puffy, sagging, or baggy lower eyelids that they feel make them look tired or older. You should also be in good health overall.

How Long Does Recovery from a Blepharoplasty Take?

Recovery times vary per individual, but most of our clients feel ready to return to normal activities about 10 to 14 days post-surgery.

How Long Do I Need to Take Off Work After a Blepharoplasty?

How long you need to take off work largely depends on how you recover from surgery. Most of our clients take off between 10 to 14 days.

How Long Do the Results of a Blepharoplasty Last?

While the results of non-invasive methods like dermal fillers can last for several months, blepharoplasty results can last for years. Generally, the results from your eyelid or under eye surgery will last from 10 to 15 years.

Can a Blepharoplasty Be Combined with Other Procedures?

In some cases, under eye surgery can be performed alongside other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as an upper blepharoplasty.

What Is the Difference Between Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty?

Upper and lower blepharoplasty address different issues. An upper blepharoplasty usually removes excess skin from the upper eyelid that is obstructing vision or causing an aged appearance, while lower blepharoplasty removes or repositions fat deposits under the skin in order to reduce puffiness and smooth out wrinkles.

Does Under Eye Surgery Work for Dark Circles?

If the dark circles under your eyes are caused by shadows from eye bags or general puffiness, then yes, under eye surgery can work for dark circles. But if dark circles are caused by hyperpigmentation, we may need to discuss a different approach to help you achieve the results you want.

Can a Blepharoplasty Improve My Vision?

Lower eyelid surgery typically doesn’t impact vision, but an upper blepharoplasty can. If your upper eyelids are drooping to the point of interfering with your vision, then an upper blepharoplasty can help improve your vision by removing drooping skin.

How Soon After a Blepharoplasty Can I Wear Makeup?

You should avoid wearing eye makeup until Dr. Purewal gives you the go-ahead. For most clients, this is after your post-operative check-up.

Why Choose Fresh Face + Eye?

Dr. Purewal is an award-winning surgeon who has a reputation for both precision and excellence. She’s been serving the Northern New Jersey area for well over 10 years, and including out of state and international patients. She has extensive experience in cosmetic, reconstructive, and plastic surgery procedures.

She is also an expert injector who specializes in cosmetic eyelid surgery and non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments.

Dr. Purewal is committed to patient safety and uses her highly-developed, experienced surgical skills to provide exceptional service and natural results to each and every patient.

Lower Eyelid Rejuvenation at Fresh Face + Eye

Lower eyelid surgery can give you the long-lasting, natural-looking results you are looking for. To schedule a consultation for a blepharoplasty with our board-certified Oculoplastics Surgeon, Dr. Purewal, contact our team today.