No More Under-Eye Bags Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty Can Restore Your Appearance

Transconjunctival lower eyelid laser blepharoplasty is a mouthful, but the complicated term describes an elegantly simple procedure. Herniated fat below the lower eyelids is a common problem, especially as we age. A transconjunctival blepharoplasty can resolve this issue on an outpatient basis without external scarring.

The most obvious route to remove excess fat below the eyes is through the skin. But doing so requires operating with a long skin incision and traversing an eyelid muscle layer and membrane called the orbital septum, which is unnecessarily invasive and leaves a scar. A transconjunctival laser blepharoplasty, on the other hand, involves removing the fat from the inside of the eyelid where no one will see the internal laser incision.

Dr. Scott performs this procedure weekly on an outpatient basis. Once patients are comfortably sedated and asleep, he places protective shields over the patient’s eyes and completes the procedure. For patients with minimal herniated fat, this fat removal may be all the patient needs to resolve the matter.

However, most patients will need an additional procedure performed at the same time involving fractional laser skin resurfacing. Dr. Scott compares the skin beneath the eyes to a balloon. When you remove the excess fat from the inside of the lower eyelid, the balloon deflates, often creating additional excess skin and new wrinkles. Fractional laser resurfacing is the ideal solution to tighten and rejuvenate this delicate area.

The CO2 laser shoots tiny beams of light in a dot pattern over your skin. The laser gently vaporizes tiny portions of the old skin in a precise formation to promote new collagen growth. Ultimately about 65% of the old skin is removed, and 35% is left behind. Dr. Scott calls this “the golden 35” because it does the hard work of making new tighter and smoother skin.

Laser resurfacing will not eliminate wrinkles created when your facial muscles move, called dynamic wrinkles, but the area treated with fractional laser resurfacing will be smoother, tighter and flatter “at rest.” Patients with wrinkles below the eye before their blepharoplasty should strongly consider having skin resurfacing for the best cosmetic results.

If you have excess fat or skin below your eyes that is making you look older, Eye Plastic Associates would love to help. During your visit, Dr. Scott can review your options and determine which treatments will work best for you. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Meet Dr. Scott - Your Dedicated Oculoplastic Surgeon

Renowned for his commitment to enhancing your eyelid and facial appearance while prioritizing your safety. Dr. Scott is board-certified in Ophthalmology and has specialized fellowship training in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  With extensive training at prestigious institutions, including the Medical College of Virginia, Manhattan Eye, Ear, & Throat Hospital, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Dr. Scott brings a wealth of expertise to his craft. His accolades, including recognition as a Top Plastic Surgeon by Northern Virginia Magazine, underscore his dedication to excellence. Dr. Scott's passion lies in helping you achieve the best aesthetic results while safeguarding your eyesight.

Location: Fairfax - Northern Virginia

Areas of Expertise: Cosmetic laser eyelid surgery ( blepharoplasty ), ptosis surgery, treatment of benign and malignant eyelid cancers, correction of eyelid malposition – ectropion, entropion repair, and Botox and filler treatment.