Lower Eyelid Aesthetics

What Causes Lower Eyelid Sagging and Bagging?

Sagging and puffiness in the lower eyelids are often a natural part of the aging process. However, this condition isn’t just about age; genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits can also accelerate this process.

The main reasons are:

Aging: Over time, skin loses elasticity, muscle tissue weakens, and fat begins to shift. This causes sagging and puffiness in the lower eyelids.

Genetic factors: If a family member has under-eye bags at an early age, it may make it easier for a person to experience this condition as well.

Sleep disturbance: Insufficient sleep or excessive fatigue can lead to edema and swelling around the eyes.

Consuming salty foods: Excessive salt intake causes water retention in the body, which leads to puffiness in the under-eye area.

Smoking and alcohol use: These habits, which negatively affect skin health, can cause signs of premature aging around the eyes.

Allergic reactions and eye scratching habits: Irritation of the skin around the eyes can increase bags and sagging.

In some cases, under-eye bags are not only a cosmetic problem but can also be a sign of deterioration in the lymphatic drainage system.

In Which Situations Is Lower Eyelid Aesthetics Performed?

Lower eyelid surgery is preferred by individuals who want to address the tired and aged appearance of the eye area. This procedure can be performed not only for aesthetic reasons but also to address certain functional issues.

Lower eyelid aesthetics can be performed in the following cases:

Formation of visible fat bags under the eyes

Sagging skin and wrinkles in the lower eyelid

Under-eye circles become deeper and more permanent

Constant swelling of the under-eye area

Under-eye hollows that cannot be hidden even with makeup

Distortion of eye shape by pulling the lower eyelid downwards

A person’s facial expression constantly appears tired or sad

These conditions often become more pronounced over time and negatively impact an individual’s aesthetic appearance. In some advanced cases, lower eyelid laxity can lead to eye exposure and dryness. Such conditions require both aesthetic and medical intervention.

How is Lower Eyelid Aesthetics Performed?

Lower eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure. It’s usually performed with local anesthesia, although in some cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be preferred. The procedure takes between one and two hours, depending on the procedure method and the individual’s needs.

The basic stages of the surgical process are as follows:

Making the Incision: The lower eyelid begins with a thin incision parallel to the lash line. Making this incision in harmony with the natural eye structure reduces the risk of scarring.

Reorganization of fatty tissue: Fat pads that accumulate under the eyes are removed or repositioned. This eliminates puffiness and creates a smoother transition.

Excess skin is removed: Loose and sagging skin is carefully incised and removed. At the same time, the under-eye muscles can be strengthened and supported.

Stitches: The incision is closed with fine stitches, usually using a cosmetic stitching technique. These stitches will be removed within a few days or may dissolve on their own.

After surgery, mild swelling and bruising may occur. These effects subside within a few days with cold compresses and creams and medications recommended by your doctor. While the exact healing process varies by individual, significant improvement typically occurs within 1-2 weeks.

Lower Eyelid Non-Surgical Treatment Options

There are also non-surgical methods available for mild lower eyelid deformities that can be performed without the need for surgery. These methods generally offer advantages such as shorter recovery times, lower risks, and the absence of anesthesia. However, they are not suitable for every patient, and their effects can be temporary.

Non-surgical lower eyelid aesthetic methods include:

Filler injection (Under-Eye Light Filler): Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are used to reduce under-eye hollowness and dark circles. They improve light reflection, creating a more rested appearance. However, they do not correct bags.

Laser treatments: Fractional laser systems are used for skin rejuvenation, the reduction of fine wrinkles, and lightening of pigmentation. They improve skin quality, but their effectiveness on fat pockets is limited.

Radiofrequency and ultrasound technologies: They stimulate collagen production by heating the lower layers of the skin. Over time, the skin becomes firmer and smoother.

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma): Growth factors obtained from the person’s own blood are injected into the under-eye area to provide skin regeneration.

Botox: It reduces the appearance of crow’s feet by relaxing the facial muscles around the eyes. However, it has no direct effect on sagging lower eyelids.

These methods generally last between six months and one year and require regular repetitive sessions. While less invasive than surgery, they may be inadequate in cases of severe bags and sagging skin.

Recovery Process After Lower Eyelid Aesthetics

The recovery process after lower eyelid surgery may vary depending on the surgical technique used, the individual’s skin type, and their overall health. However, it’s generally normal to experience mild swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness around the eyes in the first 48 hours.

Applying a cold compress to the eye area during the first few days helps control swelling and bruising. Sleeping with your head elevated helps reduce swelling. Avoid strenuous exercise and eye-straining activities during the first week.

Stitches are usually removed within 5 to 7 days, or if self-dissolving stitches were used, they will be absorbed by the body within this timeframe. Most people can return to their daily activities within approximately 10 days. However, full healing and final aesthetic results may take several weeks to become apparent. Because the eye area is a very sensitive area, it is crucial to use sunscreen throughout the healing process, avoid rubbing your eyes, and follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.

Is Lower Eyelid Aesthetics a Permanent Solution?

Lower eyelid surgery is a procedure that provides long-lasting, often permanent, results. Surgical procedures such as tissue removal and fat removal or reorganization address the root cause of the deformity in that area. This largely eliminates bags, sagging, and under-eye puffiness.

However, as the aging process continues, skin may lose elasticity again over time. This means that general signs of aging, rather than new bags, may gradually reappear. This process typically develops over years, and the effects of the initial surgery can persist for a long time.

The permanence of this aesthetic procedure can be further increased with a healthy lifestyle, careful skin care, and regular dermatological check-ups.

Will There Be Any Scars After Surgery?

The surgical incisions made during lower eyelid surgery are typically made very close to the lash line and are positioned within natural skin folds. This minimizes the risk of scarring and makes it virtually invisible over time.

Scar formation can vary depending on individual skin type. Scars heal more quickly in fair-skinned individuals with thin skin, while dark-skinned individuals may take longer to fade. Because the skin around the eyes is quite thin, procedures performed with aesthetic suture techniques generally do not leave permanent or noticeable scars.

The visibility of scars can be minimized with regular wound care, sun protection, and the use of products recommended by your doctor.

Lower Eyelid Aesthetics Reviews and Before-After Images

The most frequently cited comment from people who have undergone lower eyelid surgery is that the “rested, youthful, and fresh” appearance achieved after the procedure positively impacts their daily lives. People report feeling less tired, their makeup looks smoother, and they feel more confident in social situations.

The before-and-after images clearly demonstrate the results of the procedure. Instead of bags, sagging, and lined appearances, the under-eye area appears firmer, smoother, and more luminous. The images demonstrate the significant impact of this procedure, which makes a significant difference even in cases of mild deformities.

The swelling and bruising seen in the first few days after surgery are usually temporary, so the images mostly reflect the appearance achieved after the second week.

Lower Eyelid Aesthetics Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, lower eyelid surgery carries risks and potential complications. When performed by an experienced surgeon under sterile conditions, these risks are quite low. However, there are still potential issues to be aware of:

Temporary swelling and bruising

Slight asymmetry

Temporary feeling of tightness in the eyelid

Dryness, stinging or watering

Infection (rare)

Pulling down of the lower eyelid (ectropion) – this condition is rare and can usually be corrected

Preventing these complications is largely possible with the surgeon’s experience, the correct choice of technique, and the patient’s full compliance with postoperative recommendations.

How to Choose a Doctor Who Performs Lower Eyelid Aesthetics?

Because lower eyelid surgery is performed on one of the most sensitive areas of the face, it should be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon or a physician specializing in eye aesthetics. Choosing the right doctor is crucial for both satisfactory aesthetic results and minimizing potential complications.

Factors to consider when choosing the right doctor:

The specialist must be experienced in facial and eye contour aesthetics.

Ability to provide patient comments and images of previous procedures

Mastering facial anatomy and making personalized plans

Analyzes the expectations accurately by conducting a detailed preliminary interview with the patient.

The procedure must be performed in a sterile and licensed center.

Choosing a doctor should be based not only on price or reputation, but also on their expertise, individual approach and reliability.

Lower Eyelid Aesthetics Prices 2026

As of 2025, lower eyelid surgery prices will vary depending on the procedure used, the scope of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience, and the facility’s equipment. Factors such as whether the procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia and whether additional procedures are required also influence the price.

Additionally, in some cases, combined procedures performed with upper eyelid aesthetics may be more economical, while plans specific to the lower eyelid alone may be priced differently.