Do you find yourself asking, "Why do I have eye bags if I'm not tired?" You're not alone. Many people struggle with under-eye bags, and it's not always related to lack of sleep. While a good night's rest can certainly help, sometimes eye bags are a result of genetics, aging, or other factors beyond your control. If you're looking for a long-lasting solution that's a little bit more of a permanent answer to this common concern, lower blepharoplasty might be the option for you. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of lower blepharoplasty surgery and how it can transform your appearance and boost your confidence.
Understanding Eye Bags
Eye bags, also known as under-eye bags or periorbital puffiness, are the swollen or puffy pouches that can develop under your eyes. They can create a tired and aged appearance, even if you've had plenty of sleep. There are various reasons why you might have eye bags:
- Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to develop under-eye bags, and this trait can be passed down through generations.
- Aging: As we age, the skin and muscles around the eyes naturally weaken, leading to the natural accumulation of fat and fluid under the eyes.
- Lifestyle Factors: Factors like smoking, excessive sun exposure, and poor dietary choices can exacerbate the appearance of eye bags.
- Allergies: Seasonal allergies or other allergies can cause eye bags due to inflammation and fluid retention.
- Sleep Patterns: While not the sole cause, insufficient sleep or poor sleep quality can contribute to the prominence of eye bags.
Non-Surgical Treatments vs. Lower Blepharoplasty
Before considering surgical options, many will want to first explore non-invasive options for managing eye bags. These might include using topical creams, applying cold compresses, using concealer makeup to camouflage the bags, or simply making lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep. As far as in-office treatments go, options can include technologies for skin tightening and firming like RF microneedling or laser skin resurfacing. However, these treatments may only provide temporary relief and may not address the root cause.Lower blepharoplasty, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure designed to address the underlying causes of eye bags and provide a long-lasting solution. These are some of the benefits of lower blepharoplasty:
- Long-lasting Results: Lower blepharoplasty offers a lasting solution to eye bags by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, and repositioning tissue.
- Improved Appearance: This surgery can rejuvenate your entire facial appearance, making you look more youthful and refreshed.
- Boost in Confidence: Eliminating eye bags surgically can significantly boost your self-esteem, as you'll no longer feel self-conscious about your tired or aged appearance.
- Minimal Scarring: Advanced surgical techniques result in minimal scarring, which are strategically placed to be virtually invisible.
- Customized Approach: When done by a skilled facial plastic surgeon, lower blepharoplasty is tailored to each individual's unique needs, ensuring a natural-looking result that complements your facial features.
Lower Blepharoplasty - Before & After - Partial View
Is Lower Blepharoplasty Right for You?
You may be wondering if lower blepharoplasty is suitable for you. Here are some factors to consider:
Age: There's no specific age requirement for lower blepharoplasty, but it's most commonly performed on individuals in their 30s and older who are experiencing noticeable eye bags. Those who are experiencing hereditary puffiness could be a candidate even as early as in their 20s, and could be a good candidate for what's known as the less-invasive transconjunctival (internal) lower blepharoplasty approach.
Health: Good overall health is essential for surgery. Your surgeon and their team will assess your medical history to ensure you're a suitable candidate.
Timelines: Recovery from lower blepharoplasty is often easier than most prospective patients think, but there is still some social downtime that comes with surgery as you heal from normal bruising and swelling. If you have major events coming up where you'll want to be looking your best, you'll want to make sure you have a few weeks worth of time to ensure optimal healing. Schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and goals. They will evaluate your specific case and recommend the most appropriate surgical plan individualized to you.
How Permanent is "Permanent"?
Another significant factor to determining if lower blepharoplasty surgery is the right procedure for you is what your expectations are like as a patient. As with any cosmetic procedure, realistic expectations are crucial. Lower blepharoplasty can produce remarkable results, but it won't change your entire facial structure or stop the natural aging process. While it can be considered a more permanent solution, the effects of aging will still continue to show over time and is a normal detail with any procedure whether surgical or non-surgical.If you aren't going in with reasonable expectations, you'll be less likely to find happiness in your results, making the surgery less worth undergoing. The most skilled facial plastic surgeons will always have this in mind when assessing a patient's candidacy for surgery.
Cost of Lower Blepharoplasty in Canada
The cost of lower blepharoplasty in Canada can vary based on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, geographic location, and the complexity of the procedure. On average, you can expect to invest between $7,000 and $13,000 for this surgery. Keep in mind that the cost may include surgeon's fees, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and post-operative care.
Is Lower Blepharoplasty Worth It?
The decision to undergo lower blepharoplasty is a personal one and should be based on your individual goals and circumstances. Many patients find the procedure to be worth it because it provides lasting results and enhances their overall appearance. However, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the cost and recovery time to determine if it aligns with your priorities. At 8 West Clinic, board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi and his team of patient care managers invite those in the research stage to explore the idea of lower blepharoplasty surgery in a one-on-one pre-assessment discussion. At this point in the surgery journey, you'll undergo an exploration of your goals with surgery through a complimentary photo review with Dr. Buonassisi and his team of patient care managers, to help uncover if lower blepharoplasty is right for your concerns and lifestyle at the point in time you are thinking about. You'll also gain important in-depth information on other factors to consider before making a decision to move forward with surgery. This can include things like cost of surgery, pre-op and post-op requirements, follow-up care, and timelines for booking a surgical consultation with Dr. Buonassisi if you feel you may be the right fit. Whether you decide to move forward or not, our team is committed to understanding your unique aspirations. Dr. Buonassisi's extensive skill coupled with excellent patient care ensures that your journey is supported every step of the way.
About Vancouver's Leading Blepharoplasty Specialist, Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD
As one of Canada's top cosmetic facial surgeons and an award-winning eyelid surgery specialist in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Thomas Buonassisi leads the team at 8 West Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Clinic and carries extensive experience, having performed facial cosmetic surgery for over 20 years. Dr. Buonassisi has travelled the world to train with renowned experts in the field, working closely with top surgeons in the United States and Australia.What makes Dr. Buonassisi one of the most respected and well-known facial cosmetic surgeons?
- Board Certification in Facial Plastic Surgery
- American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
- American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
- Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- Over 20 Years Experience
- Thousands of Facial Cosmetic Surgeries Performed
- RealSelf Verified Surgeon
- Voted 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 Best Cosmetic Surgeon in Vancouver
Being an expert in his field, Dr. Thomas Buonassisi has performed thousands of facial cosmetic procedures and has honed his surgical skills into an artform. As a surgeon who regularly performs blepharoplasty surgery for Vancouver, BC patients on a weekly basis, Dr. Buonassisi has a proven track record of high patient satisfaction.
''Reviews are an effective way to thank a person or business. In this spirit I was thrilled by Dr. Buonassisi and his staff at 8 West Clinic. I am a 60 year old male who had a Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty Subcilliary done and I am delighted with the experience. The consultation was reassuring, the procedure was very comfortable and the positive result was as predicted by Dr. Buonassisi.'' - BM
If you've been bothered by persistent eye bags that make you look tired even when you're not, lower blepharoplasty could be the lasting solution you've been searching for. This surgery can address the root causes of eye bags, providing a refreshed and youthful appearance that has you looking a little bit more like the version of you that you feel you are. If you're ready to explore this procedure, our team is here to answer your questions and guide you on your journey to a brighter and more rejuvenated look. No matter your questions, you'll be in the best hands. To start the pre-assessment process, fill out our online form, or call (604) 733-1669 today.