Dallas Lower Eyelid Surgery

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Dallas Lower Eyelid Surgery with Dr. Law

Men and women are choosing to have blepharoplasty procedures (aka cosmetic eye surgeries) to attain a more youthful appearance. One of these procedures is the lower blepharoplasty (aka lower eyelid surgery). A lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that facial plastic surgeons use to address the bags and dark circles that develop beneath the eyes. While performing a lower blepharoplasty, surgeons can also remove excess skin and tighten the lower eyelids. At Law Plastic Surgery in Dallas, Dr. Huay-Zong Law performs a variety of facial plastic surgeries, including the lower blepharoplasty. Using the most advanced plastic surgery techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, Dr. Law helps his patients look more refreshed. Dr. Huay-Zong Law’s artistic vision, surgical skill and dedication to providing each patient with beautiful, natural-looking results have made him a top facial plastic surgeon in the Dallas area.

What Issues Can Dr. Law Address with Lower Eyelid Surgery in Dallas?

With a lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Huay-Zong Law can make dramatic changes to the lower eyelid, as well as the area beneath the eyes.

By addressing issues related to the lower eyelid area, Dr. Law can:

• Eliminate the bags underneath the eyes by reducing the puffiness through the repositioning of fat or by removing tissue, muscle and fat.
• Remove the sagging, crêpey skin beneath the eyes.
• Reduce the visibility of dark circles beneath the eyes by repositioning the fat, creating a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and the cheekbone.
• Correct conditions like ectropion (i.e., a lower eyelid that turns outward), which negatively affects the appearance of the lower eyelid, as well as its ability to function properly.

Who is a Good Candidate for Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Individuals who are considered a good candidate for a lower blepharoplasty include those who are unhappy with how the areas beneath their eyes look (e.g., bags, dark circles). In addition, individuals with conditions like ectropion may be good candidates for eyelid surgery.

Good candidates for lower eyelid surgery are physically and psychologically healthy.

Most of Dr. Huay-Zong Law’s blepharoplasty patients are 35 years of age and older. Nevertheless, he does perform lower eyelid surgery to help individuals under the age of 35 who are genetically predisposed to developing under eye bags and darkening beneath the eyes.

The Lower Eyelid Surgery Techniques Dr. Law Uses in Dallas

Dr. Huay-Zong Law can perform a lower blepharoplasty in Dallas using the transcutaneous or transconjunctival technique.

During lower eyelid surgery in Dallas, while performing the transcutaneous procedure, Dr. Law strategically places the incision on the outside of the lower eyelid, just along the lash line.

The transconjunctival approach involves Dr. Huay-Zong Law creating an incision along the lash line just inside the eyelid.

Dr. Law also performs the lateral tarsal strip canthoplasty and lateral canthal suspension canthopexy to address malpositioned lower eyelids.

The lower eyelid surgery technique Dr. Huay-Zong Law decides to use depends on the particular needs of the patient:

If a patient needs Dr. Law to address aging issues, such as loose skin, dark circles and under-eye bags, he or she may be a good candidate for the transcutaneous approach. During a transcutaneous procedure, Dr. Huay-Zong Law can remove excess skin, reposition or remove excess fat, as well as tighten the lower eyelid.

During the transconjunctival approach, Dr. Law addresses issues that are responsible for creating under-eye bags and dark circles; however, if Dr. Huay-Zong Law uses the transconjunctival approach, he does not remove any excess skin.

What Causes Under-Eye Bags?

The eyelids consist of many delicate layers of tissue, muscle and skin. In addition, the skin and bones that surround the eye (i.e., the orbit) can contribute to the characteristics that develop beneath the eye. When the fat within the eye’s orbit pushes downward, it places pressure on the lower eyelid, causing the development of under-eye bags.

A Lower Blepharoplasty at Law Plastic Surgery in Dallas

On the day of surgery, patients should:

• Fast (i.e., stop eating and drinking) the night before surgery. The length of time a patient needs to fast can vary; however, six hours is usually an acceptable amount of time.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing. For some time following surgery, patients will not be able to wear tops that they need to pull over their head. Therefore, on the day of surgery patients need to wear a top with buttons, a zipper or snaps.
• Leave all their jewelry and valuables at home.
• Not wear contacts. After lower eyelid surgery, patients have to switch to wearing their eyeglasses for some time; consequently, patients need to avoid wearing their contacts on the morning of their surgery.
• Not apply makeup or lotion to the face on the day of surgery.
• Remove their nail polish prior to surgery.
• Present their photo ID to the receptionist.

When Dr. Law performs a lower blepharoplasty, it usually takes him about an hour. Since a lower blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, patients do return home following their surgery.

Patients who are interested in having multiple procedures during their lower eyelid surgical session do remain in the surgical area longer. For example, a patient may choose to have upper and lower eyelid surgery during the same surgical session. With a combination procedure such as this, patients and their drivers should expect that the overall treatment time would lengthen beyond the single-surgery procedure time.

Prior to surgery, Dr. Huay-Zong Law determines whether the transconjunctival or transcutaneous approach can address his patient’s concerns the best. After he chooses an approach, he consults with the patient. At his time, patients should feel free to ask Dr. Law questions. He wants his patients to feel comfortable about their upcoming lower eyelid surgery and excited about their results.

Pre-Op

One of Dr. Huay-Zong Law’s staff members escorts the patient to the pre-op area. Surgery preparation usually includes taking the patient’s temperature, blood pressure and oxygen level. In addition, Dr. Law usually visits the patient while he or she is in the pre-op area. Dr. Huay-Zong Law encourages his patients to ask any last-minute questions they have while they are in pre-op.

Lower Eyelid Surgery in Dallas — The Procedures

Since Dr. Law needs the patient to follow his directions as he performs a lower blepharoplasty, patients do not receive general or twilight anesthesia. Instead, they take an oral medication (e.g., Diazepam and Tylenol). This medication allows the patient to relax and remain comfortable during surgery.

Before he begins transcutaneous, transconjunctival, lateral tarsal strip canthoplasty or lateral canthal suspension canthopexy, Dr. Huay-Zong Law uses lidocaine or Xylocaine to numb the patient’s eyelid.

Dr. Law may also apply a topical numbing medication to the sclera (i.e., the white part of the eye). After applying the numbing medication, he places a protective shield over the patient’s eye.

The Transcutaneous Approach in Dallas

Using the transcutaneous approach, Dr. Huay-Zong Law creates an incision on the outside of the eye, along the patient’s lower lash line. Using this approach, Dr. Law can address a variety of age-related issues.

To accomplish the results his patient desires, he eliminates or repositions the excess skin and fat beneath the eye. Using the transcutaneous approach, Dr. Huay-Zong Law can also tighten the lower eyelid’s muscles.

The Transconjunctival Approach

When Dr. Law uses the transconjunctival approach, he creates a small incision on the inside of the patient’s lower eyelid. Through this incision, he removes the excess tissue and fat responsible for creating the patient’s under-eye circles and bags. However, with the transconjunctival approach, Dr. Huay-Zong Law is unable to remove excess skin.

Eyelid Surgery Techniques in Dallas to Address Malpositioned Lower Eyelids

When addressing a lower eyelid that is incorrectly positioned, Dr. Law uses the lateral canthal suspension canthopexy approach or the lateral tarsal strip angioplasty approach.

The Lateral Canthal Suspension Canthopexy Approach

During a lateral canthal suspension canthopexy, Dr. Huay-Zong Law lifts the lower eyelid and then stabilizes it.

The Lateral Tarsal Strip Canthoplasty Approach

While using the lateral tarsal strip canthoplasty approach to address a malpositioned lower eyelid, Dr. Law lifts and then tightens the patient’s lower eyelid.

Both of these approaches allow Dr. Huay-Zong Law to enhance the appearance of the patient’s lower eyelid and resolve issues that are affecting his or her vision.

Closing the Incisions Following Lower Eyelid Surgery in Dallas

Following transconjunctival, transcutaneous, lateral canthal suspension canthopexy or the lateral tarsal strip canthoplasty approach, Dr. Law closes the incisions with tiny sutures. Once the incisions are closed, he applies a lubricating ointment to the patient’s eyes and then covers them with gauze. Upon removal of the gauze, patients should expect their vision to be somewhat blurry and their eyes to be sensitive to light.

Patients receive instructions on how to care for their eyes. These instructions may include how to apply lubricating ointment or use cold compresses to reduce inflammation. In addition, one of Dr. Huay-Zong Law’s staff members schedules the patient’s post-surgical follow-up appointment. During this visit, Dr. Law ensures that the patient is healing well and removes any stitches that are still in place.

Recovering from Lower Eyelid Surgery

Bruising and eyes that look irritated are common side effects of surgery. Patients experience the most bruising during the first 10 days of recovery. Some patients also experience excessive tearing and changes in sensation.

Inflammation lasts longer than the bruising, slowly dissipating month after month.

Pain following a blepharoplasty procedure is usually minimal. However, Dr. Huay-Zong Law may prescribe medication or recommend over-the-counter medications to his patients, especially those who had multiple procedures during the same surgical session.

If a patient’s pain worsens during the first week of recovery, this could be a sign of infection or some other complication. Therefore, it is critical that patients experiencing higher levels of pain call Dr. Law’s office at 972.331.1900.

After the initial week of recovery, most patients can already see that the area beneath their eyes looks more defined.

Patients who have a blepharoplasty using the lateral canthal suspension canthopexy, transcutaneous or transconjunctival approach should expect their recovery to last from seven to 14 days.

About a week after a transcutaneous or a transconjunctival surgery, many of Dr. Huay-Zong Law’s patients look and feel well enough to return to work or school.

After about two weeks, patients who undergo a blepharoplasty using the lateral canthal suspension canthopexy approach are ready to return to work or school.

Individuals who have a lateral tarsal strip canthoplasty will experience a longer recovery time than is seen with the other lower eyelid surgery options. The recovery for patients who have a blepharoplasty using this approach can last anywhere from 10 days to 12 weeks. Some patients experience swelling for up to four months. The amount of time the patient needs before returning to school or work varies from one individual to the next.

Addressing Surgical Side Effects (e.g., Inflammation)

Patients can reduce swelling by sleeping with their head raised and using cold therapy throughout the day. When it comes to cold therapy, gel packs are much more comfortable than ice cubes. Therefore, Dr. Law recommends that his patients purchase a couple of these before they have their surgical procedure. These packs are relatively inexpensive and can usually be found at the local pharmacy.

Post-Surgical Restrictions

During the first few weeks of recovery, patients need to avoid participating in strenuous activities, including exercising and lifting heavy objects; nonetheless, the patient can safely perform light daily tasks (e.g., washing dishes).

Patients who wear contacts can usually return to wearing them within three weeks of surgery.

Patients should avoid straining their eyes by minimizing the amount of time spent using a computer, reading and watching television.

Minimal Scarring

Since Dr. Huay-Zong Law creates the incisions for lower eyelid surgery beneath the outer lashes, or just within the inside of the lower lid, any resulting scars are well hidden. With time, these scars fade, becoming nearly invisible.

To reduce the likelihood of visible scarring, patients need to avoid spending time in the sun until their incisions are healed completely (i.e., no longer pink). Patients who disregard this recommendation and spend time in the sun could cause their incision lines to darken, permanently.

Results

About six-weeks after surgery, most patients see their full results.

Transconjunctival and transcutaneous lower eyelid surgery offers patients long-term functional and cosmetic improvements. Although the results achieved with these two lower blepharoplasty approaches are long-lasting, since the aging process continues, the patient should expect to see changes in the way his or her eyes look as time passes. Nonetheless, if the patient desires, Dr. Law can perform another lower blepharoplasty at some point in the future.

Eyelid surgery using the lateral tarsal strip canthoplasty approach offers patients long-term results; however, they may need to return for a follow-up procedure at some point in the future. Another procedure may be necessary because as time passes, the tightening achieved with the lateral tarsal strip canthoplasty approach tends to loosen.

The lateral canthal suspension canthopexy approach provides long-lasting results because the changes made during this surgery will not loosen over time.

An Initial Consultation for Lower Eyelid Surgery in Dallas

The consultation allows Dr. Huay-Zong Law to gather pertinent information about the patient to determine if a lower blepharoplasty in Dallas can provide the changes that he or she desires.

Dr. Law needs the patient’s complete medical history.

This information must include:

• Chronic health conditions (e.g., cardiac disease, hypertension).
• Allergies to medications and latex.
• Surgical procedures and treatments, including the year of the surgery or treatment.
• Lifestyle choices relating to using products that contain nicotine, as well as participating in recreational drug use and drinking alcoholic beverages. All of this information is completely confidential because it is part of the patient’s medical record. The only reason Dr. Huay-Zong Law gathers this information is to ensure that his patient remains safe during surgery, as well as while the patient recovers.
• Patients who wear contacts or eyeglasses may need to bring the results of their last eye exam.
• Current prescription medications with dosage information and the reason for the medication.
• Over-the-counter medications (e.g., daily aspirin) with dosage amounts and the reason he or she is taking the non-prescription medication.
• Vitamins and herbal supplements that the patient takes on regularly. All of this information is vital because some medications, vitamins and herbs increase the likelihood of excessive bleeding. These products include blood thinners like Coumadin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), vitamin E and Ginkgo Biloba. Therefore, these types of products must be discontinued two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Nonetheless, for safety’s sake, a patient should never discontinue taking, or reduce the dose of, a prescribed or recommended medication without first speaking with a physician.

After Dr. Law reviews the patient’s medical records, he will ask the patient what he or she would like to accomplish with lower eyelid surgery in Dallas. Patients need to be candid with Dr. Huay-Zong Law because he can only provide the patient with what he or she wants by knowing exactly what that is. If a patient is also interested in other facial enhancement procedures, please let Dr. Law know about these interests during the initial consultation. Patients can feel comfortable about asking these questions because Dr. Huay-Zong Law would never try to coerce a patient into having a surgical procedure or cosmetic treatment. Dr. Law’s goal is to provide each patient with the information he or she needs to determine which procedures the patient would want to consider.

Dr. Huay-Zong Law examines the physical aspects of the patient’s eyes. At this time, he may also take measurements and photos.

Dr. Law may perform a tear-gland test, checking to make sure the patient’s tear glands are open.

Once he gathers all the necessary information (e.g., measurements, photos), Dr. Huay-Zong Law recommends the lower eyelid surgery approach that he believes will serve the patient best.

If the patient decides to move forward with a lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Law uses the information from this consultation to create the patient a custom-designed lower eyelid surgery treatment plan.

Patients who choose to have multiple procedures may have additional examinations performed at this time, as well as measurements and photos. By gathering all this information during the patient’s initial consultation, Dr. Huay-Zong Law can create a comprehensive treatment plan that includes all the procedures he or she wants to have during a single surgical session.

Personalized Lower Blepharoplasty Treatment Plans at Law Plastic Surgery

As an experienced facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Huay-Zong Law understands that each patient is unique. For this reason, he creates each of his patients a custom-designed lower blepharoplasty surgical treatment plan.

Preparing for Lower Eyelid Surgery in Dallas

Patients can use the information below to ensure the day of surgery runs smoothly, and their recovery is uneventful.

Patients Need a Driver

Following surgery, the patient’s eyes are covered with gauze; therefore, he or she cannot drive. For this reason, patients need to bring someone they trust with them on the day of their surgery to serve as their chauffeur. Additionally, patients need to have someone stay with them for at least 24 hours. Ideally, the patient’s chauffeur can also serve as his or her overnight caregiver.

At Law Plastic Surgery, patient safety remains at the top of the list; therefore, Dr. Huay-Zong Law does not permit his patients to use transportation services after surgical procedures.

Although for-hire transportation is beneficial for a typical appointment, Dr. Law recognizes that following surgical procedures his patients may be somewhat vulnerable. This vulnerability could make the patient an easy target for those with nefarious intentions. It is this concern that has led to Law Plastic Surgery’s No For-Hire Transportation After Surgery Policy. Patients who arrive for a surgical procedure, or a procedure requiring any type of sedation, without their own driver will have to reschedule.

Refrain from drinking alcohol for two days before and two days after lower eyelid surgery in Dallas.

Discontinue using any type of product that contains nicotine for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. These products include traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, smoking cessation products and chewing tobacco.

Avoid taking products that thin the blood (e.g., vitamin E, aspirin, Ginkgo Biloba, NSAIDs).

Risks and Potential Complications of Lower Eyelid Surgery

Every procedure comes with its own risks, and a lower blepharoplasty in Dallas is no exception. Therefore, patients need to consider these possibilities before having surgery.

Potential complications following lower eyelid surgery include:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Dry eyes.
• Irritated eyes.
• Visible scarring.
• Corneal abrasion.
• Vision changes.
• Nerve damage.
• Blurry vision.
• An undesirable result.
• Droopy eyelid.
• Incomplete closure of the eye.
• Entropion.
• Ectropion.
• Reaction to medications used during surgery or while in recovery.
• Asymmetrical results.
• Canthal webbing.
• Suture granuloma.
• Vision loss is an extremely rare complication that is caused by bleeding behind the eye.

Post-Surgical Symptoms Requiring Medical Treatment

Following lower eyelid surgery in Dallas, the patient and caregiver need to watch for the symptoms below. If any of these symptoms arise, please call Dr. Huay-Zong Law’s office at 972.331.1900. If the symptoms the patient is experiencing could be life-threatening, please seek medical treatment at the nearest emergency room or dial 911.

Symptoms to watch for after lower eyelid surgery include:

• Excessive bleeding.
• Trouble breathing, wheezing, labored breathing or shortness of breath.
• Confusion.
• Pain, pressure or tightness in the chest.
• Fainting.
• Heart palpitations.
• Unresponsiveness.
• Inability to go to the restroom.
• Changes in the patient’s alertness level.
• Ongoing pain, despite the use of pain medication.
• A fever that is higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Unexpected drainage, swelling, redness or pus.
• Redness, pain in the leg or swelling. If these symptoms occur in the calf, seeking medical treatment right away is vital because these symptoms could result from a postsurgical blood clot.

Patients can reduce their likelihood of experiencing a complication by choosing a seasoned facial plastic surgeon to perform their lower eyelid surgery in Dallas.

How Much Does Lower Eyelid Surgery in Dallas Cost?

Every patient is unique, which is why Dr. Law creates personalized treatment plans; therefore, the only way to determine how much a patient’s eyelid surgery will cost is with a consultation.

Will Health Insurance Pay for a Lower Blepharoplasty?

If a lower blepharoplasty is necessary to address a functional issue, insurance may cover it (e.g., ectropion).

If you reside in, or will be visiting, the Dallas area, and you would like to find out more about functional and cosmetic lower eyelid surgery, contact Law Plastic Surgery at 972.331.1900 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Huay-Zong Law. Using his artistic vision, years of experience and extraordinary surgical skills, Dr. Law provides each patient with beautiful results that look completely natural. Law Plastic Surgery’s Dallas location is 7777 Forest Lane, C-258.