For years, eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, was mostly thought of as something people considered in their 40s, 50s, or later. Today, younger adults in Houston are changing that trend. Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly choosing lower eyelid blepharoplasty to treat puffiness, shadows, and bags under the eyes.
Why the shift? Living in a selfie-driven world makes undereye changes harder to ignore. Whether it’s Zoom meetings, TikTok videos, or unfiltered photos, the eyes are often front and center. When lower lids look puffy or tired, it can affect how confident someone feels. For many, a blepharoplasty procedure offers a lasting, natural-looking solution that’s far more effective than eye creams or temporary fixes.
You don’t need to have sagging skin or droopy eyelids to notice problems around the eyes. Many younger patients are genetically prone to lower eyelid fat or herniated fat that creates puffiness. For others, long nights, stress, allergies, or screen time can make dark circles and fine wrinkles worse.
Even small changes in eyelid skin, such as excess fat or early signs of looseness, can make the lower lids appear tired. That’s why Millennials and Gen Z are often excellent candidates for lower eyelid surgery. They aren’t necessarily looking to turn back the clock but to restore a natural contour that matches their youthful energy.
Lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that targets puffiness, under-eye bags, and loose eyelid skin under the lower eyelids. It may involve removing excess fat, repositioning fat compartments, or tightening skin and muscle for a smoother look.
Unlike temporary options like fillers or skin resurfacing, lower eyelid rejuvenation with surgery provides longer-lasting results. Some patients benefit from a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, which works from the inside of the lower eyelid without an external scar, especially when the issue is caused by orbital fat.
The result? A refreshed, natural appearance that doesn’t look “done.” Friends might notice you look well-rested, but they won’t suspect you had blepharoplasty surgery.
So, why are younger Houstonians seeking lower blepharoplasty and not waiting until later in life? A few common reasons stand out:
Houston is known for excellence in plastic surgery and facial plastic surgery, drawing patients from across the country. The city’s diversity means patients come in with many different concerns, from droopy eyelids and sagging eyebrows to hereditary under-eye bags.
Dr. Paul Fortes, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, has been at the forefront of these trends. With more than 25 years of experience and over 10,000 surgeries performed, his ability to rejuvenate the upper or lower eyelids while preserving a patient’s natural crease and natural contour sets him apart.
The process starts with a thorough medical history review and physical examination to determine if you’re a good candidate for blepharoplasty. Dr. Fortes customizes every plan, whether it involves addressing excess skin, repositioning lower eyelid fat, or combining with other procedures such as an upper blepharoplasty or a brow lift for full harmony.
During surgery, tiny incisions may be placed just below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid. The procedure may include fat grafting, removing excess fat, or tightening muscles. It’s typically outpatient, and most patients go home the same day.
Blepharoplasty recovery is usually smoother than most people expect. Temporary swelling, swelling and bruising, or mild discomfort are common for about a week. Simple steps like using ice packs or cold compresses, applying lubricating ointment, and avoiding certain herbal supplements can make healing easier. Patients who wear contact lenses may need to hold off briefly, but most resume them after the eyes heal.
Not everyone needs or wants immediate surgery. For some younger patients, fillers, lasers, or skin resurfacing can improve fine wrinkles, pigmentation, or hollowness. Others may consider combining upper lid blepharoplasty with lower blepharoplasty for a full upper and lower eyelids refresh.
The key is balance. While fillers can temporarily smooth the area, they don’t address excess skin or herniated fat. Surgery is often the more effective, lasting choice for reshaping the lower lids. Dr. Fortes always takes an honest approach, guiding patients toward what’s right for their anatomy and goals.
Many patients come in saying they’re tired of being told they look exhausted or that makeup no longer hides their bags under the eyes. Some feel their eyelid crease or outer corner looks heavy, while others want to correct early eyelid ptosis.
The differences that come after the surgery can be life-changing. Patients often share that they finally look as energized as they feel. The refreshed look boosts confidence at work, in photos, and in daily life. That’s the power of a carefully performed blepharoplasty surgery. It enhances, not changes, your natural appearance.
When considering upper eyelid surgery, lower blepharoplasty, or both, picking an experienced surgeon is key. The delicate nature of the eyelids requires precision, artistry, and a deep understanding of facial structure.
Dr. Fortes is not only a trusted plastic surgeon but also highly trained in techniques like laser blepharoplasty, transconjunctival blepharoplasty, and combination procedures with a brow lift. His approach to blepharoplasty surgery always prioritizes safety, artistry, and results that look completely natural.
Millennials and Gen Z in Houston aren’t waiting until later in life to fix bags under the eyes or sagging skin. With lower blepharoplasty, they’re getting ahead of the issue and enjoying results that last.
Whether you’re curious about upper eyelid blepharoplasty, a full upper and lower eyelids procedure, or just want to refresh your lower lids, the first step is finding the right surgeon. Dr. Fortes offers expertise, a patient-first philosophy, and a proven track record of results.
If you’re ready to explore your options, schedule a private consultation at Paul F. Fortes MD Plastic Surgery in Houston. Discover how a tailored approach to blepharoplasty surgery can restore a refreshed look while keeping your results beautifully natural.
