Plastic Surgery for Under Eye Bags: What Are the Options?

Let’s face it, puffy bags under your eyes can make you look tired and appear older than you really are. You can hide them with concealer, but even long-staying makeup with good coverage loses its power at the end of a busy day.  Cold compresses or cucumber slices, other quick-fix remedies, may improve the appearance of eye bags, but only for a short while.

Although under eye bags are usually not a medical concern, they' can definitely be a cosmetic concern.  Unfortunately, they tend to form as you age because the tissues around your eyelids gradually weaken through the years. This results in the puffy and saggy lids you may have come to dislike so much.  Sometimes, the swelling worsens when fluid collects in the space just under your eyes.  Other factors like sun damage, genetics, diet, skin laxity, etc., can exacerbate the negative effects.

While this may sound hopeless and inevitable, take heart!  There's a solution to this problem in the form of oculoplastic surgery for under eye bags.  A procedure called a lower eyelid blepharoplasty specifically targets puffy pockets and loose skin underneath the eyes to improve the appearance. Typically, the procedure is done with sedation and local anesthetic.  An internal and/or external incision beneath the lashes is made to remove or transfer accumulated fat and tighten the skin.  Recovery time is short and easy, so you'll be out and about sooner than you think.

People who want this particular kind of plastic surgery for under eye bags can simultaneously have surgery to address their upper eyelids and eyebrows, depending on their individual needs and desired outcome.  It is important to have a thorough consultation with Dr. Zwick, our oculoplastic surgeon, to create a tailored approach to meet your specific needs. 

Is this procedure right for you?  Always remember that surgery poses a certain level of risk, so it's normal if you feel a level of apprehension about choosing a surgical option.  If you have any questions or concerns, let your doctor know about them before you agree to the procedure.  Dr. Zwick will help you determine if surgery is indeed the best option for you.