The Best Guide to Eye Bag Removal: Techniques, Recovery, and Results

Key points

• Eye bag removal techniques range from permanent surgical procedures like lower lid blepharoplasty to non-surgical alternatives such as laser treatments and fillers.

• Recovery from lower eyelid surgery generally involves short-term side effects such as swelling and bruising, with proper aftercare key to a successful healing process; combined upper eyelids and lower eyelid surgeries do not significantly extend the recovery period.

• Lower lid blepharoplasty can lead to a more refreshed look. 

Surgical Eye Bag Removal: Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty surgery is a popular operation if you are seeking a more permanent solution to under eye bags. This procedure involves:

• an incision along the crease of the lower eyelid called transconjunctival blepharoplasty or beneath the lower eyelashes.

• removal of the excess skin and fat

• restoring a youthful appearance to the face.

Blepharoplasty surgery can create a more youthful look and will last for many years to come.

Preparing for Lower Blepharoplasty

Thorough preparation is important for a successful lower lid bags removal surgery. This involves considering aspects like childcare and post-surgery activities, stopping certain medications and supplements, and avoiding contact lenses for at least 2 weeks post-surgery.

Consultation and Assessment

The initial consultation and assessment form a crucial part of the preparation process. During this stage, the following steps are taken:

1. Suitability for blepharoplasty surgery is assessed.

2. A comprehensive eye examination of the eye area is conducted to determine the safest and most effective treatment for the under eye area.

3. Eyelid photography is often used to assist our plastic surgeons and to document the medical necessity for the procedure.

4. Your plastic surgeon will thoroughly explain the cosmetic surgery procedure, show you before and after photos of lower lid blepharoplasty. This is the best time to discuss any questions you may have. We book a second consultation to discuss any further questions you may have and to ensure you are fully at ease before the exciting day arrives.

Understanding the Procedure

Lower blepharoplasty involves a series of steps, including:

1. A comprehensive preoperative plan that includes medical history, facial measurements, and assessment of skin type and eye muscle functionality.

2. An incision beneath the eyelashes or inside the lower lid.

3. Removal of excess fat or fatty tissue.

4. A skin pinch procedure to remove excess skin, among others.

Despite its complexity, the procedure is performed under a general or local anesthesia, takes about 45 minutes per eye.

Patients can enjoy natural-looking results, resulting in a rested and youthful appearance without any signs of surgery.

Post-Operative Care, Recovery and Aftercare

Following appropriate post-operative care is key to promoting recovery.

This includes using ice packs to reduce swelling, washing the eyelids with mild products, applying prescribed eye drops or ointments, and avoiding strenuous activities for the first four to six weeks.

Temporary symptoms like swelling, bruising, and light sensitivity are typical, but they improve within a few weeks with appropriate care. Scars gradually diminish.

Managing expectations is key. Understand that symptoms like blurred or double vision, watering eyes, and light sensitivity are part of the normal healing process.

The First Days After Lower Blepharoplasty

The first few days after surgery are critical in the recovery process. During this period, patients should rest, avoid activities that could elevate blood pressure, and apply cold compresses every 10 to 15 minutes while awake.

Appropriate pain relief should help in the first few days.

Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor the surgical outcome and ensure proper care. At Kensington Medical we book your post operative appointments before your lower eyelid surgery so you can rest assure all is ready.

Combining Upper and Lower Eyelid Procedures

For a more balanced and complete facial transformation, many patients opt to combine upper and lower eyelid surgeries. Undergoing both procedures at once allows for a single surgery and recovery period, reducing overall downtime. The advantage of upper lid blepharoplasty combined with lower lid blepharoplasty is the recovery period which is comparable to that of a single procedure.

Addressing Medical Conditions with Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery not only addresses aesthetic concerns but also treats medical conditions and enhances vision. By removing excess skin causing sagging eyebrows and droopy upper eyelid, upper blepharoplasty can improve peripheral vision. However, the suitability of the surgery is assessed in an initial consultation. Medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid eye disease will be discussed.

Severe eye bags often require a more comprehensive approach. In such cases, lower lid blepharoplasty may be combined with a modified midface lift and/or fat transfer position to smoothly contour the lower eyelid and cheek area. The process not only removes the correct amount of fat to smooth the lower eyelid but also repositions the remaining fat according to the patient’s individual requirements.

The Intersection of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Eye Surgery

The scope of eyelid surgery extends beyond cosmetic enhancements, encompassing reconstructive surgery as well. For individuals with conditions like myasthenia gravis or myotonic dystrophy, which can weaken the eyelid muscles, ptosis surgery can restore eyelid function and improve vision.

Indeed, eyelid surgery can offer dual benefits: improving appearance and enhancing vision. By reducing or eliminating vision problems caused by severely sagging skin, eyelid surgery can markedly improve the field of view.

Similarly, ptosis surgery addresses the drooping of eyelids, thereby improving the field of view and overall appearance.

Eye Bag Surgery Cost Considerations

Cost is an important consideration in planning for eye bag removal surgery. The average cost for blepharoplasty varies by region and is influenced by factors such as the surgeon’s experience and the hospital and anaesthetist cost, preoperative consultations, necessary medical tests, and follow-up appointments.

Summary

Your journey towards a refreshed appearance through eye bag removal surgery involves understanding different surgical and non-surgical options, preparing for the surgery, and managing post-operative care. While the process may seem daunting, at Kensington Medical we provide with the right guidance and professional help, achieving a rejuvenated look is within reach. If you have a special event in mind we are happy to work with you to achieve all the time you need to looking amazing for the special day or holiday.

If combined procedures are of interest such as including an upper blepharoplasty please let us know.

Frequently Asked Questions