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Blepharoplasty is a surgical technique for correcting defects, deformities, and disfigurations of the eyelids; and for aesthetically modifying the eye region of the face. With excision and removal of skin and adipocyte fat and the reinforcement of the corresponding muscle and tendon tissues, blepharoplasty resolves functional and cosmetic problems of the periorbita, which is the area from the eyebrow to the upper portion of the cheek. This activity reviews the indications, contraindications, complications of lower eyelid blepharoplasty and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the management of these patients. Objectives: Describe the anatomy of the lower eyelid. Review the indications for lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Summarize the complications of lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Outline the care coordination among the interprofessional team to enhance delivery of care of patients undergoing lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Blepharoplasty is a surgical technique for correcting defects, deformities, and disfigurations of the eyelids; and for aesthetically modifying the eye region of the face. With excision and removal of skin and adipocyte fat and the reinforcement of the corresponding muscle and tendon tissues, blepharoplasty resolves functional and cosmetic problems of the periorbita, which is the area from the eyebrow to the upper portion of the cheek. The procedure is most common among women, who accounted for approximately 85% of blepharoplasty procedures in 2014 in the USA and 88% of such procedures in the UK. The operative goal of a blepharoplasty is the restoration of the correct functioning to the affected eyelid(s) and the restoration of the aesthetics of the eye-region of the face.

Complications of blepharoplasty include:[3][4] Infection Bleeding Wound separation Suture cysts Asymmetry Insufficient or insufficient skin or fat removal Excessive muscle removal Excessive internal and external scarring Inappropriate crease Rounding at the lateral commissure Drooping upper eyelid Fat necrosis Swelling on the eyeball surface Lacrimal duct injury Double vision Loss of vision Anesthetic complications

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is primarily done by the ophthalmologist and plastic surgeons. However, the patients may be referred by the primary care provider or nurse practitioner. Unlike upper eyelid blepharoplasty, lower eyelid blepharoplasty is more technically challenging and prone to complications. All patients must be warned of potential complications. When done well, the results are excellent.[5] (Level V) However, the durability of the procedures remains questionable.