Lower Blepharoplasty in Cape Town: Specialist Eyelid Surgery

Lower blepharoplasty, also known as lower eyelid surgery, is a specialised procedure that treats under-eye bags, puffiness, loose skin, and age-related changes beneath the eyes. Whether these concerns are caused by ageing or genetics, lower blepharoplasty is designed to restore smoother under-eye contours and a refreshed, natural appearance while preserving your unique facial features.

At Your Eyelids, our experienced oculoplastic surgeons personalise every Lower Blepharoplasty Cape Town procedure to your individual anatomy and treatment goals. Depending on your needs, surgery may involve removing or repositioning fat, tightening supporting tissues, and refining excess skin using advanced techniques such as transcutaneous, transconjunctival, or fat repositioning approaches to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results. Explore our real patient transformations in our dedicated Lower Blepharoplasty Gallery to see natural-looking results.

Benefits of Lower Blepharoplasty

• Eliminates stubborn under-eye bags (Scarless under-eye bag surgery options available).
• Smooths loose skin beneath the eyes
• Smooths the tear trough and improves lower eyelid contours.
• Restores a refreshed, well-rested appearance
• Maintains natural facial expression
• Long-lasting results

How Is Lower Blepharoplasty Performed?

• A lower eyelid surgery in Cape Town can be performed under different types of anesthesia, including local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia, based on patient preference and medical history.
• Compared to upper blepharoplasty, it is a more intricate procedure.
• The surgeon makes a fine incision just below the lashes in the lower eyelids, extending to the corners of the eye.
• Excess fat is either removed or repositioned through this incision, and any redundant lower eyelid skin is tightened or removed.
• Younger patients with genetic predisposition to eye bags but no excess skin may opt for a transconjunctival blepharoplasty or scarless under-eye bag surgery.
• This technique involves a small incision inside the lower eyelid, avoiding external scarring.
• Post-operatively, antibiotic cream is applied to the incision area, with instructions to use it three times a day for up to a week to prevent infection.
• Bandages or padding are rarely used after the procedure, and if needed, they are removed shortly after surgery.

Recovery After Lower Blepharoplasty

You are encouraged to start walking on the same day of your procedure. Pain is minimal after lower blepharoplasty Cape Town procedures and can be easily controlled with simple painkillers. Lower lid blepharoplasty may require up to four weeks for swelling reduction, but this varies from individual to individual.

To help you plan your healing process smoothly, here is what you can expect day by day:

• Days 1–4: Swelling around the lower eyes and upper cheeks is completely normal. Use cold compresses regularly and keep your head elevated while resting. Make sure to keep the wounds dry for the first 48 hours. After that, you can gently wash – but not scrub – the area.
• Days 5–7: Any post-operative discomfort will start dropping quickly. You will visit our Cape Town clinic for a follow-up, and your sutures/stitches will typically be removed between days six and ten. You can resume normal washing once the sutures are out.
• Week 2 & Beyond: Most of the visible bruising will fade, allowing you to comfortably return to public life and desk jobs. However, please remember that you will be advised not to wear eye make-up for the first two weeks to protect the healing incisions.

Apart from the antibiotic ointment that you will be asked to apply regularly in the first week (three times a day to prevent infection), wound care is very straightforward.

What are the risks?

• Eyelid position: For the first few days after your procedure, it is common for the eyelash of the lower lid to be pushed away from the eye. This is typically temporary and the result of swelling of the tissues.
• Scars: Scarless lower eyelid bag surgery depends on the technique used. A transconjunctival blepharoplasty involves an incision behind the lower eyelid, so there will be no external scarring afterwards. The other approach consists of an incision made just below the lash line and, once healed, should be virtually invisible.
• Bleeding: Significant bleeding after an under-eye bag surgery is a rare but severe complication that could result in permanent vision loss.
• Infection: The use of antibiotic cream for the first week after surgery means you should avoid this rare complication.
• Allergic reaction: In rare cases, an allergic reaction to the tape, stitches or solutions used has been reported. If you have an allergic reaction, you may require extra treatment.
• Increased or reduced sensation: This is a common change that happens after any surgical procedure but is usually temporary.
• Asymmetry: Everyone has some degree of asymmetry between the eyes, but a significant difference in appearance after eyelid surgery may require revision eyelid surgery. Meticulous planning and precise measurements are conducted to avoid this potential complication.
• Unsatisfactory result: Sometimes patients are not satisfied with the results of lower blepharoplasty,  which is often due to unrealistic expectations about what can be achieved. During your consultation, your concerns will be discussed before explaining what is possible to achieve and ensuring you are fully informed about every aspect of surgery.

How is the procedure carried out?

Lower Blepharoplasty Cost & Consultations in Cape Town

If you are considering lower blepharoplasty, a consultation is an essential first step. Consult a Surgeon with Your Eyelids to discuss under eye issues, facial structure, your overall health and what treatment options are available. Our experienced surgeons provide you with information about the procedure and how it is performed, potential risks, recovery and results, and so you can make an informed decision.  During your consultation at Your Eyelids, we will provide a personalized breakdown of the Lower blepharoplasty cost in Cape Town based on your specific treatment plan.