Expertly Performed Lower Eyelid Surgery on the Upper East Side to Restore and Rejuvenate

Lower eyelid surgery addresses common concerns like under-eye bags, loose skin, and volume loss that develop with age or genetics. Dr. Allison Coombs, a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon and ophthalmologist, approaches every case with precision, care, and a deep understanding of the anatomy surrounding the eyes. Her goal is to achieve smooth, balanced results that protect eye health while enhancing appearance.

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About Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery, also known as lower blepharoplasty, is designed to remove or reposition fat and tighten skin beneath the eyes. This procedure targets puffiness, crepey texture, and shadows that can’t be corrected with creams or fillers. Dr. Coombs uses advanced techniques—including transconjunctival approaches and laser resurfacing—at our Upper East Side clinic to reduce visible signs of aging while preserving the natural shape of the eyes.

The Benefits of Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery can dramatically improve the appearance of tired, puffy eyes, helping patients look well-rested and more youthful. Results are long-lasting and tailored to your unique facial structure. The following are some of the benefits of under-eye bag treatment that patients typically experience:

  • Reduction of under-eye bags and puffiness
  • Smoother, firmer skin texture beneath the eyes
  • Improved tear trough contour and light reflection
  • A more youthful, refreshed appearance
  • Enhanced facial symmetry and definition

Is Lower Eyelid Surgery Right for You?

Lower eyelid surgery at our Upper East Side location is ideal for patients with excess skin, under-eye bags, or volume displacement that causes hollowing or heaviness. A consultation with Dr. Coombs helps determine if surgery is the best solution or if non-surgical options may be more appropriate. Good candidates generally include the following:

  • Individuals in overall good health
  • Non-smokers, or those willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
  • Patients without active eye conditions, such as severe dry eye or ongoing infections
  • People who have realistic expectations about results and recovery
  • Those without uncontrolled bleeding disorders or other conditions that impair healing
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Why Choose Dr. Allison Coombs

Dr. Coombs is one of New York’s few surgeons solely focused on oculofacial plastic surgery—an elite subspecialty requiring years of additional training beyond general plastic surgery. Certified by both the American Board of Ophthalmology and ASOPRS, her work reflects a mastery of both aesthetic balance and functional preservation.

Her clinical foundation is grounded in education from premier institutions, including Tufts Medicine, Weill Cornell, and Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, where she now leads the hospital’s first oculofacial plastic surgery division at our Upper East Side clinic. With each lower blepharoplasty procedure, she draws on this background to deliver naturally contoured results that are technically sound, artistically refined, and customized to the needs of each patient.

Dr. Coombs also understands that ethnicity, facial aging patterns, and anatomical differences require a nuanced approach, not a template. Her ability to integrate reconstructive knowledge with aesthetic wishes makes her uniquely equipped to care for a wide range of patients, from those with genetic under-eye bags in their 30s to older individuals seeking surgical rejuvenation.

The Consultation Process with Dr. Allison Coombs

Your under-eye bag treatment consultation is a collaborative, informative process where Dr. Coombs listens closely to your concerns, evaluates your anatomy, and discusses both surgical and non-surgical options. She’ll explain what causes under-eye puffiness in your specific case and design a treatment plan that prioritizes safety, subtlety, and your personal aesthetic goals.

Cost of Lower Blepharoplasty in NYC’s Upper East Side

The cost of lower eyelid surgery depends on factors such as anatomical complexity, technique required, and whether it’s performed alone or combined with other procedures. According to the ASPS, the average cost of eyelid surgery is about $3,900 for a lower blepharoplasty. During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized cost estimate and information about payment options and available financing.

Overview of the Lower Eyelid Surgery Procedure

Lower eyelid surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your needs. Dr. Coombs selects the approach, transconjunctival or external, based on your anatomy and goals. The under-eye bag treatment is performed at our Upper East Side clinic.

The procedure steps include the following:

  • Incisions are made either inside the lower eyelid or just below the lash line.
  • Fat is removed, repositioned, or sculpted to smooth contours.
  • Excess skin, if present, is gently trimmed.
  • Sutures are placed for optimal healing, and laser resurfacing may be added to improve skin texture.
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Recovery and Results

Expect mild swelling, bruising, and tightness for five to ten days. Most patients resume social activities within 10–14 days, although subtle refinements continue for several weeks. Results are long-lasting, especially when combined with good skin care and sun protection.

Alternative or Related Procedures

  • Non-surgical under-eye rejuvenation (e.g., dermal fillers, laser resurfacing)
  • Upper eyelid surgery (often combined for full periorbital rejuvenation)
  • Midface lift (addresses cheek descent affecting the lower lids)
  • Fat transfer (for volume restoration and tear trough correction)
  • Brow Repositioning (for those with concurrent heaviness in the upper face)
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FAQ Lower Blepharoplasty on the Upper East Side

Is lower eyelid surgery painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort that typically resolves within a few days. Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers are usually sufficient to manage any discomfort.

Will I have visible scars?

If the internal (transconjunctival) technique is used, there are no visible scars. For external incisions, they are carefully placed under the lash line and generally fade well over time.

What are the risks?

Potential risks include swelling, bruising, asymmetry, dry eye, and in rare cases, complications such as ectropion (outward turning of the lower eyelid). Choosing an experienced eyelid surgery specialist, such as Dr. Coombs, helps minimize these risks.

How long do the results last?

The results typically last 10 years or longer. While the natural aging process continues, most patients enjoy long-lasting improvements in under-eye contour and overall appearance.

When can I return to work or social events?

Most patients resume light activities within a few days and feel comfortable attending social events within 10 to 14 days, depending on individual healing.

Can this help with dark circles?

Yes—if dark circles are caused by under-eye bags or volume loss that creates shadowing, surgery can be effective. However, if pigmentation is the root cause, other treatments may be more appropriate.

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