Are you struggling with under-eye bags, puffiness, or a tired appearance? If so, you may be considering lower eyelid surgery. One of the most advanced and minimally invasive techniques available today is transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know-from the procedure itself to recovery and cost.
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is a type of eyelid surgery performed through the inner surface of the lower eyelid (conjunctiva). This approach allows surgeons to remove or reposition fat without making any external skin incision—meaning no visible scars.
Benefits:
Scarless results
Minimal downtime
Reduced risk of eyelid retraction
Preserves natural eyelid contour
You may have heard the term transconjunctival bleph—it's simply a shortened version of the full procedure name.
| Technique | Incision Location | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Transconjunctival Bleph | Inside lower eyelid | Younger patients, minimal skin laxity |
| Traditional Blepharoplasty | Just below lash line | Older patients, excess skin |
This method is ideal for:
Patients in their 20s to 50s
Those with under-eye fat bulging but minimal skin sagging
Individuals seeking natural, scarless results
Example:
Sarah, 38, experienced puffiness under her eyes but didn’t have excess skin. Her surgeon recommended transconjunctival eyelid surgery, and she returned to work in just 5 days—with no visible scars.
The transconjunctival approach is less invasive compared to skin-based incisions and offers a quicker recovery with less risk of complications. It’s especially suited for cosmetic procedures rather than functional or reconstructive needs.
Transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty focuses purely on addressing under-eye fat pads, not loose skin. Patients with skin laxity may need an additional laser treatment or skin pinch excision for optimal results.
While traditional transconjunctival blepharoplasty focuses on
Rather than removing fat entirely, some patients benefit more from transconjunctival fat repositioning. In this variation:
The orbital fat is shifted to fill hollow tear troughs
Creates a smoother transition from lower eyelid to cheek
Preserves volume and avoids a “hollowed out” look
Removing fat alone may lead to:
Hollowing under the eyes
Sharp transitions between the eyelid and cheek
A tired or “sunken” appearance
Fat repositioning solves this by:
Moving fat pads downward to fill the tear troughs
Smoothing the lid-cheek junction
Preserving natural volume
Ideal Candidates:
Patients with visible under-eye bulging and deep hollows
Individuals wanting a natural, refreshed look without volume loss
Those with strong lower eyelid tone and minimal skin laxity
Quick Example:
John, age 45, had prominent under-eye bags and shadowing. Instead of removing all fat, his surgeon repositioned it to correct the hollowing. The result? A more rested, youthful look with no visible incision.
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty cost varies depending on:
The surgeon’s experience
Geographic location
Whether fat repositioning is included
Facility and anesthesia fees
Tip: Always ask for a detailed cost breakdown during your consultation.
What to Expect:
Mild swelling or bruising for 5–7 days
No need to remove stitches (as dissolvable or hidden)
Return to work within a week for most patients
Post-Op Tips:
Apply cold compresses the first 48 hours
Sleep with your head elevated
Avoid strenuous activity for 10–14 days
Here's a quick timeline to help you understand the healing process:
Day 1–2: Swelling and mild discomfort. Use ice and prescribed eye drops.
Day 3–5: Bruising may peak, but most discomfort subsides.
Day 6–7: Visible improvement; many patients resume work and social activity.
Week 2–3: Swelling nearly gone; final results becoming visible.
1 Month: Full healing for most patients; long-lasting results.
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is a cutting-edge solution for those who want to rejuvenate their eyes without scars or extensive downtime. With careful patient selection and an experienced surgeon, results can be both subtle and transformative.
My Recommendations:
Choose a board-certified oculoplastic or facial plastic surgeon
Don’t underestimate the importance of recovery care
Consider combining fat repositioning for smoother, more youthful results
Have questions or thinking about this procedure? Feel free to consult with a trusted specialist to determine if transconjunctival blepharoplasty is right for you.
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