Lower Eyelid Surgery in Houston

Under-eye bags and puffiness can make you look exhausted even after a full night's sleep. Lower eyelid surgery with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Arroyo smooths the under-eye area for a fresher, more rested appearance.

Achieve a Refreshed Look Without Looking "Done"

Small changes on the lower lid make a big difference, which is why precision matters. Dr. Christian Arroyo is a board-certified plastic surgeon trained at Mayo Clinic, the University of Connecticut, and Houston Methodist Hospital. His goal is to preserve the natural shape and support of the lower lid, so he takes a conservative surgical approach.

Patients travel from across Texas to his Houston practice for that combination of skill and patient education. Before any procedure, Dr. Arroyo walks you through the benefits, recovery, and possible complications in detail. You make your decision with complete information, in English or Spanish.

What Is Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Lower eyelid surgery, or lower blepharoplasty, reduces bags and puffiness beneath the eyes. Aging stretches the eyelids and weakens their supporting muscles, allowing fat to gather and form bags under the eyes.

Depending on your anatomy, lower eyelid surgery may involve:

Removing excess fat that creates visible bags or puffiness
Repositioning fat into hollow areas for a smoother under-eye contour
Tightening or removing loose skin on the lower lid, when needed

Incision placement depends on your needs. Small incisions may be made along natural eyelid creases or on the inside of the lower lid to remove or reposition tissue. When the incision is made on the inside of the lower lid, stitches are typically not needed.

Are You a Candidate for Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Good candidates for lower eyelid surgery often share these traits:

Persistent bags or puffiness under the eyes that do not improve with rest
Loose or crepey skin on the lower lids
A tired appearance that makeup and skincare cannot correct
Good overall health and no serious eye conditions
No smoking, or willingness to quit before surgery
Realistic expectations about the outcome

Eye health also plays a role. People without chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, and those without serious eye problems, tend to experience fewer issues after blepharoplasty.

Not every under-eye concern responds to surgery. For example:

Dark circles caused by pigmentation or thin skin usually need a different treatment
Hollowness in the tear trough may call for added volume rather than tissue removal

Dr. Arroyo identifies the source of your concern at the consultation and recommends the approach most likely to help.

Benefits of Lower Eyelid Surgery

Reduced puffiness and bags beneath the eyes
A smoother transition from the lower lid to the cheek
A more rested, energetic look that concealer alone cannot create
The option of a hidden, internal incision for many patients
Long-lasting results, although natural aging continues
Easy pairing with upper eyelid surgery or other facial procedures

Lower Eyelid Surgery Techniques

Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty

The transconjunctival approach uses an incision on the inside of the lower lid, leaving no visible external scar. This technique is often well-suited to patients with prominent fat bags and good skin tone.

Transcutaneous Lower Blepharoplasty

The transcutaneous approach uses an incision just below the lash line. This approach allows Dr. Arroyo to remove excess skin and tighten underlying tissue in addition to addressing fat.

Fat Repositioning

Fat repositioning moves fat from the bag into the hollow below it rather than removing it. The goal is a smoother lid-cheek junction without a sunken look.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Lower Eyelid Surgery

Consultation

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports an average surgeon's fee of $3,876 for lower blepharoplasty, which excludes anesthesia, facility, and other related costs. Your final cost for lower eyelid surgery in Houston will reflect your individual treatment plan.

Several factors influence the total price, including:

Surgical technique, such as a transconjunctival approach, a transcutaneous approach, or fat repositioning
Combined procedures, such as upper eyelid surgery or facial fat transfer, are performed in the same session
Anesthesia and surgical facility fees
Pre-operative testing and post-operative medications

Because lower eyelid surgery is generally cosmetic, it is typically paid out of pocket. Financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit, United Medical Credit, and Alphaeon Credit. Dr. Arroyo offers both in-person and virtual consultations and provides a personalized quote after your visit.

Procedure

Lower eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Most procedures follow these steps:

Anesthesia is administered for your comfort.
Dr. Arroyo makes an incision inside the lower lid or just below the lash line.
Fat is removed, repositioned, or both, depending on your plan.
Excess skin is trimmed and underlying tissue tightened, if needed.
Any external incisions are closed with fine sutures.

Recovery and Results

Recovery after lower eyelid surgery follows a predictable course. Temporary effects can include blurred vision from lubricating ointment, watering eyes, light sensitivity, puffy or numb eyelids, and bruising similar to black eyes.

Most patients can expect the following:

First few days: Swelling and bruising peak. Cold compresses and rest help.
First two weeks: Some patients experience dry eyes, though it rarely lasts longer than two weeks.
10 to 14 days: Most people feel comfortable being seen in public.
Several months: Complete healing can take a few months. Your final result gradually becomes clear.

Procedures That Pair Well With Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery is often part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan. Complementary procedures include:

Upper eyelid surgery for heavy, hooded lids
Facial fat transfer to restore volume in the cheeks and under-eye area
Cheek augmentation to support the lid-cheek junction
Facelift to address sagging in the lower face and jawline

Why Choose Dr. Arroyo for Lower Eyelid Surgery in Houston?

Choosing Dr. Arroyo for lower eyelid surgery in Houston means working with a surgeon who treats education as part of care. You will understand how your procedure works, what recovery involves, and what functional changes to expect. Dr. Arroyo wants every patient to feel completely informed, prepared, and comfortable.

His standard is simple. In his words, "If I'm not 100% pleased, we don't leave the operating room."

Surgery takes place in his private, AAAASF-accredited surgery center, built for plastic surgery with safety and comfort in mind. Recovery support continues after you go home. Dr. Arroyo makes himself fully available to answer questions and address concerns throughout your healing.

Non-Surgical Alternatives for Under-Eye Concerns

Non-surgical treatments can improve mild under-eye concerns, although they cannot remove true fat bags. Options available at Arroyo Plastic Surgery include:

Dermal fillers to soften hollowness in the tear trough
Morpheus8 to firm and smooth thin, crepey skin
HALO laser to improve texture, tone, and fine lines
Microneedling with PRP to support collagen production

Dr. Arroyo will tell you honestly whether a non-surgical option can meet your goals or whether surgery is the better path.

Discover Why Houston Trusts Dr. Arroyo for Exceptional Lower Eyelid Surgery

Under-eye bags do not have to define how you look. Dr. Arroyo offers lower eyelid surgery in Houston at his practice at 841 Yale St #300. Call (832) 843-2702 to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation today.

Lower Eyelid Surgery FAQs

What Are the Risks of Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Lower eyelid surgery carries risks that Dr. Arroyo discusses in detail before your procedure. Cleveland Clinic lists bleeding, infection, dry eyes, eyelid discoloration, scarring, a pulled-down lower lash line, difficulty fully closing the eyes, and, rarely, vision loss.

Will Under-Eye Bags Come Back After Surgery?

Fat that is removed or repositioned typically does not return. Your skin and tissues will continue to age naturally, but most patients enjoy their results for many years.

Will I Have a Visible Scar?

With the transconjunctival approach, there is no external scar. When an incision below the lash line is needed, it typically fades into a fine, discreet line.

Can I Have Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Together?

Yes. Many patients combine the two procedures for a balanced result with a single recovery period.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.