Eye Bag Reduction
What are eye bags?
Bags under the eyes are a common sign of ageing and usually presents as minor puffiness or swelling below the eyes.
What causes eye bags?
The causes of eye bags include improper diet, lack of sleep, allergies, and hereditary factors.
What are the different treatments available for eye bags?
The treatment varies depending on the causative factor and includes:
Conservative Treatment
The aim of the treatment is to reduce or eliminate the eye bags and includes:
- Application of cold compresses such as a clean wet cloth under and around the eyes for a few minutes
- Get adequate sleep
- Sleep with your head raised
- Early treatment of underlying allergic factor
Surgical Treatment
Bags under the lower eyelids can be corrected by a surgical procedure known as blepharoplasty or eyelid lift surgery.
The goal of surgery is to improve the appearance of your eyelids and the area around it to give you a younger and more relaxed look.
You can have eyelid lift surgery done only if you are healthy and not suffering from any chronic or life threatening disease conditions and are a non-smoker. Risks are increased for people with diabetes, dry eyes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, heart and vascular diseases.
How is eye bag reduction performed?
During the procedure you will be administered either local anaesthesia and sedation or general anaesthesia as felt appropriate by your surgical practitioner. The incision on the lower eyelid is either made just below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid. The excess skin or fat are removed. The incisions are closed with sutures, surgical tape or skin adhesives. Medications and ointment are prescribed to prevent infection after the procedure. Note you must wear sun glasses till healing is complete.
What can I expect postoperatively?
The swelling and bruising seen after the procedure goes away in a few weeks. The scars of the incision fade away in a few months to reveal younger eyes with well-defined smooth eyelids to give you a young and rejuvenated look.
What are the risks associated with eye bag reduction surgery?
The associated risks may include infection, scarring, temporary blurred vision or double vision and dry eyes which occur rarely. Loss of vision may occur in very rare cases.