What is Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty?

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is a kind of plastic surgery that is performed on the lower eyelid to make the area look smoother and less puffy. This sort of surgery is usually performed on younger patients who do not have a great deal of sagging skin to remove. Instead, these patients have fat deposits that have collected under their eyes that cause their eyes to look puffy or swollen. Older patients may also have fat removed from underneath their eyes, but this would be part of a procedure that also involved the trimming and tightening of the skin around the lower eyelids. In some cases, a patient may elect to have transconjunctival blepharoplasty while her plastic surgeon is performing other cosmetic procedures as well.

During the transconjunctival blepharoplasty procedure, a plastic surgeon makes an incision on the inside of a patient's lower eyelid. Fat that has collected underneath the lower eyelid is removed via this incision. Depending on the plastic surgeon's preferred technique and the patient's needs, the transconjunctival blepharoplasty incision will either be closed using a kind of suture that will dissolve or without the use of any sutures at all. As with all forms of surgery, there is a period of recovery following transconjunctival blepharoplasty. During this period, the patient must follow her doctor's orders regarding the care of her eyes and the surrounding area.

Swelling and bruising that can last for one to two weeks following transconjunctival blepharoplasty surgery. During this period, the puffiness under one's eyes may look far worse than it did before the surgery. Once the swelling goes down, however, the area under the eyes should look much less puffy. It is also important not to engage in any strenuous activities during this time period that might cause an increase in blood flow to the eyes or that might cause they eyes to become dry. Doctors usually tell transconjunctival blepharoplasty patients to avoid reading, watching television, wearing contact lenses, using a computer, exercising, and participating in sports.

All surgical procedures involve a level of risk. These risks should be discussed with one's doctor prior to taking part in any kind of surgical procedure, especially elective or cosmetic procedures. There are certain health issues such as high blood pressure and thyroid conditions that may cause complications for patients who undergo transconjunctival blepharoplasty or any other kind of plastic surgery.