Lower eyelid surgery or lower blepharoplasty is one of the most often requested cosmetic eyelid surgeries. It is designed to remove the puffiness (fat) which protrudes in the lower eyelids and can

make one appear tired or older than they are. Removing this fat normally results in a smoother lower eyelid contour. In some cases, however, removing this fat can result in a gaunt, hallowed out, tired appearance. Patients with gaunt, hallowed out eyelids, whether due to previous surgery (such as lower blepharoplasty), or congenital (due to inadequate bone projection), may be candidates for tear trough implants.

A tear trough implant is affixed to the bone as shown. It is carefully placed to augment concave, flat, or inadequate bone structure and becomes a permanent part of the underlying bony foundation of the face. The implant cannot be seen or felt. Tear trough implants can correct inadequate lower eyelid and cheek projection and restore fullness to the lower eyelid area. The implant is inserted through an incision in the lower eyelid which is usually placed on the inner side of the lower eyelid to hide the scar. The result is a fuller, smoother, more youthful lower eyelid and cheek continuum.

The photos below show a patient before and after tear trough implant surgery. Many surgeons upon seeing the before photo, might advise a blepharoplasty to remove the visible fat pad of the lower eyelid.

However, removing that fat pad would result in marked hollowness. Instead, this patient is an example of an ideal candidate for tear trough implant surgery. Prior to surgery she had significant tear trough area hollowness and inadequate bone projection (the front of the cheek was sunken in). Shown on the right following tear trough implant surgery, the patient has a smoother lower eyelid and cheek contour and significantly improved cheek projection

Are Tear Trough Implants Right for Me?

We can determine whether tear trough implants are right for you and your facial structure during a personal evaluation. Options other than tear trough implants exist for addressing fullness, contour and projection problems of the lower eyelid area. We would be happy to present you with which of these options may work best for your particular circumstances and aesthetic goals.

Who Should Perform a Tear Trough Implant Surgery?

When choosing a surgeon to perform tear trough implant surgery, look for an ophthalmic plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon who specializes the eyelids, orbit, and tear drain system. It’s also important that he or she has completed an American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) fellowship. This indicates your surgeon is not only a board certified ophthalmologist who knows the anatomy and structure of the eyelids and orbit and all surrounding areas, but also has had extensive training in ophthalmic plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Shorr is Director of the Fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine. He and his associates are board certified ophthalmologists as well as ophthalmic plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgeons who have completed an ASOPRS fellowship.

Dr. Norman Shorr is an early pioneer and innovator of many cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid, eyebrow, forehead and midface procedures performed today worldwide. He and our surgeons continue to innovate and contribute to the specialty of cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery. Call today to schedule your personal consultation!

We specialize in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids and face, as well as non-surgical treatments and services. Our office is conveniently located in Beverly Hills, California (CA), near Los Angeles and bordered by Orange and Ventura Counties. Call us today for an appointment or for more information!

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