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What Is Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Lower eyelid surgery, also called lower blepharoplasty, targets the area beneath the eyes to reduce puffiness, smooth wrinkles, and improve skin tone. Fat is repositioned or removed through carefully placed incisions, and skin is gently tightened. This procedure can help with:

  • Bags or puffiness beneath the eyes
  • Loose or sagging lower eyelid skin
  • Fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes
  • Hollow or tired-looking eyes
  • Imbalance between the upper and lower eyelids

Choose Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa in Charlotte, NC

Patients turn to Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa for their trusted reputation, natural results, and ethical approach to care. Dr. Kara Criswell, one of Charlotte’s few female plastic surgeons, brings a detail-oriented perspective shaped by years of experience.

Dr. Bryan Criswell’s reconstructive and cosmetic expertise ensures safety and precision, even in complex cases. Together, they deliver results that look refreshed, never artificial. Patients also benefit from continuity of care, with RN injectors and estheticians supporting recovery and long-term skin health.

Above all, patients value that Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa puts safety and authenticity first. Every recommendation is tailored to the individual—not based on trends—and designed to achieve results that truly feel right.

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The expertise and attitude of everyone taking care of you here is superb. Trust is earned, and this business earns it. My skin is excruciatingly sensitive. It takes patience and exquisite, painstaking care to administer any sort of procedure to it at all. Criswell and Criswell have risen to that challenge, and they have a client for life.

M.G.

Lower Eyelid Surgery Benefits

This procedure restores youthfulness and vitality to one of the most expressive areas of the face. Subtle yet powerful, it can improve both confidence and overall appearance. Benefits include:

  • Reduction of under-eye bags and puffiness
  • Smoother, tighter skin beneath the eyes
  • Brighter, more refreshed expression
  • Restored balance to the face
  • Long-lasting, natural results

Before & After Lower Eyelid Surgery

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Am I a Candidate for Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Ideal candidates are healthy adults who are concerned about under-eye bags, sagging skin, or a tired appearance that cannot be corrected with skincare or injectables alone. Candidates should have realistic expectations and good overall health. During a private consultation, our surgeons will examine your anatomy and discuss your goals. This ensures your treatment plan is personalized and that you understand what results to expect.

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How the Procedure Works

Every lower eyelid surgery is tailored to the individual. The process generally includes:

  1. Anesthesia is administered for comfort.
  2. A discreet incision is made inside the lower eyelid or just beneath the lash line.
  3. Fat is removed, repositioned, or sculpted for a smoother contour.
  4. Loose skin is tightened as needed.
  5. The incision is closed with fine sutures to minimize visibility.

Recovery and Healing

Patients can expect mild swelling or bruising in the first one to two weeks, though makeup can often camouflage discoloration after a few days. Results gradually improve as healing continues, revealing smoother, more youthful contours under the eyes. Most people return to work and social activities within 10 to 14 days. Final results are long-lasting and help patients look rested and vibrant, often for years.

Different Approaches to Eyelid Surgery

Depending on anatomy and goals, your surgeon may recommend:

  • Transconjunctival Approach: Incision inside the eyelid to avoid visible scars.
  • Subciliary Approach: Incision just beneath the lashes for skin tightening.
  • Combined Techniques: Fat repositioning with skin tightening for advanced correction.

Related Facial Enhancements

  • Upper Eyelid Surgery: Lifts sagging skin above the eyes for a brighter look.
  • Brow Lift: Elevates drooping brows and smooths forehead lines.
  • Facelift: Restores youthful contours of the mid and lower face.
  • Fat Grafting: Adds volume beneath the eyes for natural balance.
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Frequently Asked Questions Lower Eyelid Surgery

Will I have visible scars?

No. Incisions are discreet and often hidden inside the eyelid or just below the lashes.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients resume normal activities within two weeks, though healing continues for several months.

Are the results permanent?

Results are long-lasting, but natural aging will continue. Many patients enjoy the benefits for 10 years or more.

What are the risks?

Risks may include swelling, bruising, scarring, or temporary dryness. Complications are rare when performed by board-certified surgeons.

Can it be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Lower eyelid surgery is often combined with upper eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facelift for comprehensive rejuvenation.

Schedule Your Consultation

If under-eye bags or sagging skin make you look tired, explore the benefits of lower eyelid surgery in Charlotte at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey to a refreshed appearance.

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Begin your transformation with confidence, care, and expertise.

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