Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Lower Blepharoplasty?
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Lower Blepharoplasty?
By Pradeep Mettu, MD, Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
Lower blepharoplasty can improve under-eye bags, but it isn’t the right treatment for every under-eye concern. If you don’t have puffiness caused by prominent lower eyelid fat, you generally won’t be a good candidate for the fat-removal technique I use. Your medical history and medications also play a role in determining whether surgery is appropriate.
What if I don’t have puffiness under my eyes?
My approach to lower blepharoplasty focuses on removing prominent fat to improve the contour beneath the eyes. If that fullness isn’t present, there may not be a meaningful benefit from this technique.
The important question is what’s causing the appearance that bothers you. Dark circles, shadows, hollowness, and puffiness can look similar in the mirror, but they aren’t interchangeable. Lower blepharoplasty won’t address every cause of an under-eye concern.
Can I tell whether I’m a candidate from looking in the mirror?
Not always. What you describe as a hollow or dark circle may include a shadow beneath an eye bag. You may also have subtle puffiness that is easier to recognize during an evaluation.
That’s why I wouldn’t encourage you to rule yourself out based only on your own assessment. An eyelid evaluation can help identify what’s contributing to your concerns and what surgery could realistically improve.
How do medical conditions and medications affect candidacy?
Having under-eye bags doesn’t automatically make someone a surgical candidate. We also review your medical history, eye health, medications, and previous procedures.
Certain health conditions or medications may affect whether surgery is appropriate, whether additional evaluation is needed, or when surgery should be scheduled. These decisions are individual. A diagnosis or medication doesn’t necessarily rule you out, but it is important to share your complete history. Don’t stop prescribed medications on your own to prepare for surgery.
What should I do if I’m unsure?
You don’t need to determine your candidacy before contacting us. At Raleigh Eye and Face Plastic Surgery, we evaluate both your eyelid anatomy and your health to help determine whether lower blepharoplasty is a good fit.
For more on what makes someone a suitable candidate, read How Do You Know If You’re a Good Candidate for Lower Blepharoplasty?
If you’re unsure whether we can help, call or text our Raleigh office at 919-626-8783. Our team can guide you on the best next step, whether you live nearby or would be traveling to see us.
