Puffy Lower Eyelids: Causes and What You Can Do About Them
Puffy lower eyelids are a common problem. There are a variety of causes for puffy lower eyelids, from lifestyle habits to side effects from medication. They can make you look tired and older than you are. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the puffiness of your lower eyelids.
Based in Buffalo, NY, Dr. David Sherris can assess your lower eyelids and possibly recommend lower eyelid surgery. Let’s consider the causes of this aesthetic issue and how a blepharoplasty procedure can help.
How Do You Get Puffy Lower Eyelids?
Many factors can lead to your lower eyelids becoming puffy. The most common causes of this condition are allergies, sinus infections, dry eye, vitamin B deficiency, dehydration, and the natural aging process.
Preventing Puffy Lower Eyelids
If you have puffy lower eyelids, there are ways to reduce their appearance.
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Avoid using oil-based products like moisturizers or foundation. These products can cause your pores to become clogged and make existing fat cells stickier than normal. This makes it more difficult for them to drain properly, causing them to grow larger over time.
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Use skin products that contain caffeine instead of those made with alcohol, which is an astringent. The caffeine helps tighten your skin while also helping reduce swelling to minimize puffiness under the eyes.
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Make sure to get enough sleep every night, aiming for seven to nine hours. Sleeping with your head slightly raised can also help prevent fluid retention around the lower eyelids.
Lower Eyelid Surgery for Puffy Eyes
If you’ve tried various preventative measures for puffy eyes and none have been effective, lower eyelid surgery may be a viable option. This form of blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can address puffiness and bags that develop under your eyes.
During a consultation at our Buffalo facial plastic surgery center, Dr. Sherris will determine if you are a good candidate for lower eyelid surgery.
The Surgical Procedure
Lower eyelid surgery is performed under general anesthesia at a surgical center or hospital. It can take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s needs.
During the surgery, the surgeon will make an incision along the natural crease along the insides of your lower eyelids. Through this incision, any excess fat deposits or skin that may be present can be removed. This incision heals quickly and leaves no visible scarring.
The Recovery Process
After the lower eyelid surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, or discomfort around your lower eyelids. You may also notice that your vision is blurry or that your eyes feel dry. However, these symptoms should improve as your body heals from the operation.
You will be given ointment and eyedrops to keep your eyes moist and properly soothed as you recover. Follow-up visits will be scheduled so Dr. Sherris can monitor your healing progress.
Find Out If Lower Eyelid Surgery Is Right for You
Do you have puffy lower eyelids and wish there was something you could do about them? If so, we are here to help. To schedule a consultation for lower eyelid surgery, contact our practice online. You can also reach our office in Buffalo, NY, by phone at (716) 884-5102.