Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery is one of the most effective procedures available for facial rejuvenation. Because of its complex anatomy and central location, lower eyelid surgery provides a global improvement to the entire face. To fully understand this, it is crucial to recognize two aesthetic concepts:

Concept #1- There are multiple anatomic layers in the lower eyelid, and they either enhance or detract from your appearance.

Layer #1- External Skin and Orbicularis Muscle (Also called the Anterior Lamella)

The lower eyelid is defined as the area between the lower eyelashes and the line where the lower eyelid becomes the cheek (aka the lid-cheek junction). Within this area, there are three major anatomic layers that work in tandem to produce your lower eyelid appearance, and provide coverage to the lower pole of your eye. The most obvious layer is the external skin. The lower eyelid is invested with some of the thinnest skin in the human body, and as such, it tends to reflect the signs of aging earlier than other areas because it has less dermis for support, and because it is located centrally in the human face. Sunlight, airborne toxins such as smoke, and metabolic factors such as poor diet or lack of sleep can easily manifest in the lower eyelid skin due to its relatively thin profile, and due to its central location, this manifestation can appear prominent in both real life, and in photography. When planning lower lid blepharoplasty, clinical analysis of the lower eyelid skin is crucial towards success.

The orbicularis oculi muscle lives directly underneath the skin plane of the lower eyelid. It assists in maintaining lower eyelid position, and is an accessory muscle for blinking. This muscle has three separate areas: Pretarsal, Preseptal, and Preoprbital. The pretarsal and preseptal parts overlie the soft tissue components of the lower eyelid, while the preorbital component lives on top of the orbital bone. The orbicularis muscle plays an important role in eyelid position and function.

Layer #3 – The Septum (also called the Middle Lamella)

The lower eyelid septum is essentially a thin wall which separates the orbicularis muscle and skin from the fat pads of the lower eyelid. This critical structure helps to maintain lower eyelid position and function. The integrity of this structure also has a significant impact on lower eyelid aesthetics, as a weak septum is one of the major contributing factors to “lower eyelid bags”.

Layer # 4 – Lower eyelid fat pads

There are three fat pads that live in the lower eyelid. These fat pads are what drive people into our office for “bag removal”. The pads are shown below. In between the medial and middle fat pads lies a very important muscle called the inferior oblique muscle. This muscle is not altered during lower lid blepharoplasty, and in general is identified and avoided to minimize alteration of lower eyelid function.

Layer #5 – The Tarsal plate and the conjunctiva (also called the Posterior lamella)

The tarsal plate is the horizontal structure that holds the lower lid eyelashes. This dense connective structure serves as the “clothesline” of the lower eyelid. It should have a slight tilt upwards as it proceeds from the nose side to the ear side of the face, which is referred to as “positive Canthal tilt“. The tarsal plate itself is commonly repositioned during lower eyelid surgery to minimize chances of eyelid malposition, and to improve or re-establish positive canthal tilt. Dr. Durkin strongly believes in creating or maintaining positive canthal tilt in his lower lid blepharoplasty procedures, regardless of the approach type.

Other Structures of Note- Lower Eyelid

1. Arcus marginalis – This structure refers to the junction of the the septum and the covering of the orbital bone (aka the periosteum). This structure is commonly released during lower eyelid surgery
2. Orbitomalar ligament – This is a ligament that projects from the bone to the skin at the level of the arcus marginalis. It is commonly released in patients who have a prominent line between their eyelid and their cheek

• Medial Canthus – This is the confluence of the upper eyelid and lower eyelid on the nasal side of the eye.

1. Lateral Canthus – This is the confluence of the upper eyelid and lower eyelid on the ear side of the eye.

CONCEPT #2 – Lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) refers to a group of procedures, rather than a single uniform one.

Now that you have seen the rich tapestry of lower eyelid anatomy, it should be obvious that with the lower eyelid, not one single procedure will satisfy all patients. Rather, it is incumbent upon the plastic surgeon to clearly identify the individual structures that require improvement prior to undertaking lower eyelid blepharoplasty. In some cases, the skin quality is excellent, and without excess, but there are prominent fat pockets. In other cases, there is excess skin as well as prominent bags. Many patients want to improve their canthal tilt, but do not have any excess skin or fat. Because of this, the most critical component for success with lower eyelid surgery is experience. At Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Durkin routinely provides the entire spectrum of lower eyelid blepharoplasty. We will go through the different types of lower lid blepharoplasty below.

Wrinkly skin, no excess fat, tear trough

These patients can be treated nonsurgically with a combination of injectable fillers and laser therapy. Results are outstanding, and can last over a year without further therapy. This type of lower eyelid rarely requires surgical treatment, but a skin-only blepharoplasty can be considered in this scenario. However, most patients with this type of lower eyelid proceed with a combination of injectables and laser therapy. We commonly use Restylane-L and Belotero Balance, but can also provide fat grafting for those looking for longer lasting results.

Excess fat, minimal excess skin, no tear trough –

In this instance, we undertake what is known as a Transconjunctival approach, and combine it with external laser resurfacing to firm up the superficial skin following fat removal. This approach is unique in that there is NO EXTERNAL SCAR. For patients with good overall skin, but prominent lower eyelid bags, this procedure is tailor made for you. It addresses only the issue at hand, without any unnecessary trauma to your eyelid. Recovery is usually within 5-7 days. This approach can be done with local anesthesia, but we strongly recommend use of a “twilight” level of sedation. Patients who present with neutral or negative canthal tilt will also undergo canthoplasty to produce positive canthal tilt. Results are very durable, lasting upwards of 15 years with proper maintenance.

Excess fat, excess skin, minimal tear trough

This presentation requires a more thorough approach to create a natural, harmonious result. In this instance, two separate incisions are made in the eyelid: one in the transconjunctival plane (inside the eyelid), and one in the transcutaneous plane (externally along the eyelid skin. This combined approach allows Dr. Durkin to remove fat as needed, as well as skin. The external incision is placed underneath the lower eyelid lash line, and is hidden within the lateral “crows feet” wrinkles of the eyelid. In cases of skin excision, Dr. Durkin strongly believes in maintaining lateral support for the lower eyelid, and always provides a canthoplasty to enhance canthal tilt, and minimize the chances of eyelid droop (aka ectropion). Recovery from this procedure is usually 7-10 days. This approach is provided with a “twilight” level of anesthesia. Results are very durable, lasting upwards of 15 years with proper maintenance.

Before and after lower eyelid procedure.

Excess skin, fat, and a tear trough

This type of presentation is treated with a lower eyelid “septal reset” procedure. One of Dr. Durkin’s favorite procedures, the septal reset allows comprehensive treatment of the lower eyelid bags, tear trough, and excess skin. This is our most advanced procedure for lower eyelid blepharoplasty. With this procedure, an incision is made on the external skin, and the skin and muscle are released from the septum. The septum is then advanced downwards to cover up the line between the lower eyelid and the cheek (aka the tear trough). Prior to advancement, any excess fat is removed from the lower eyelid fat compartments. After insetting the new septal position, excess skin is trimmed away, and the muscle is used to lift the lower eyelid upwards and laterally. Lastly, a canthoplasty is undertaken to provide positive canthal tilt.