Procedure

Eye Bag Removal- Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

What are bags under eyes?

Mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes, also known as bags under eyes, are common during aging. With aging, the tissues around eyes become weak. Fat helps to support the eyes under healthy condition. During aging, this fat can move into the lower eyelids and causes the lids to appear puffy. Sometimes fluid may accumulate underneath the eyes and may cause swelling. Bags under eyes generally include dark circles, saggy or loose skin, and mild swelling.

What are the treatment options to remove eye bags?

Bags under eyes are generally a cosmetic concern, not a serious medical condition. If the swelling under the eyes is severe, painful, itchy, or red, medical attention is required. Certain home remedies and changes in lifestyle may help to eliminate puffy eyes. Some patients may prefer surgery to remove eye bags.

Home remedies and changes in lifestyle: Patient may use a cold compress or apply tea bags. Cold compress may help the blood vessels constrict rapidly for some relief. Antioxidants in tea bags may increase blood flow to skin. Patient may also use a neti pot to clear out sinuses. Patient should avoid alcohol and smoking. Salty food should be also cut back. It is recommended to eat more iron-rich and collagen-rich foods. Allergies may lead to eye bags. In this case antihistamines may be helpful. Drink plenty of water. Use of retinol cream and sunscreen lotion is also helpful. Before going to bed, makeup should be removed. It is recommended to sleep elevated and get at least eight hours of sleep.

Surgery: The surgery for an eye bag removal is known as blepharoplasty procedure. It is usually done to produce more youthful eye appearance. The surgery is mainly performed by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). The main aim of the surgery is to either remove or relocate fat and smooth the loose skin under the eye. During blepharoplasty, an incision is made either in the natural crease of the upper eyelid or inside the lower lid to remove excess fat. After the procedure, skin is rejoined by tiny dissolving stitches. After the procedure, pain killers along with an antibiotic / anti-inflammatory cream is prescribed.

References:

  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bags-under-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20369927
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bags-under-eyes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369931
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-get-rid-of-bags-under-eyes#tea-bags
  • https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/cosmetic-surgery/facial-surgery/eye-bag-removal

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About the Author:

Dr. Anand Lakhkar is a physician scientist from India. He completed his basic medical education from India and his postgraduate training in pharmacology from the United States. He has a MS degree in pharmacology from New York Medical College, a MS degree in Cancer/Neuro Pharmacology from Georgetown University and a PhD in Pharmacology from New York Medical College where he was the recipient of the Graduate Faculty Council Award for academic and research excellence.  His research area of expertise is in pulmonary hypertension, traumatic brain injury and cardiovascular pharmacology.  He has multiple publications in international peer-reviewed journals and has presented his research at at prestigious conferences.