Eye bags are stubborn and often indicate aging, allergies, fluid retention, and genetics. These appear unaesthetic and make you look worn out even when you’re not. While some may embrace their eye bags as they add more character to the face; many find them unattractive.
If you’re looking to get rid of your eye bags, there are several treatments, including fillers and surgical options. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your preferences, health needs, budget, and risk tolerance. Here’s a closer look at your options and all-things-eye-bags.
Eye bags, also called infraorbital edema, are a common cosmetic concern among men and women of all ages. What causes them? Insufficient sleep, allergies like sinusitis, fluid retention, smoking, chronic stress, medications like antidepressants, and aging. Some short-term eye bag treatments include applying a cold compress, using under-eye creams or rollers, limiting salt intake, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, treating sinus allergies, and chemical peels. Eye bag fillers also help rejuvenate the under-eye area, improving its tone and texture.
A popular long-term eye bag correction option is lower eyelid lift, also called lower eyelid blepharoplasty, which requires minimal future touch-ups. Where mild swelling and puffiness can respond well to short-term treatments, something more severe often requires an intensive intervention to fully treat the condition. It’s best to consult an oculoplastic surgeon for proper evaluation and treatment. They can address your aesthetic concerns without compromising your vision.
Under-eye bags don’t usually require intensive medical treatments. Home remedies and lifestyle changes can reduce puffiness significantly. Surgical options are available if less invasive treatment options don’t provide the needed results.
A lower eyelid blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure to surgically remove eye bags. It helps eliminate loose skin, dark circles, puffiness, and excess fat. It also improves the appearance of tired-looking eyes.
How is the lower eyelid surgery done? After an evaluation in your eye surgeon’s office, your surgery will be performed at an appropriate oculoplastics center with deeper anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid. This gives access to the excess fat pads beneath the lower eyelid and remove or reposition it, giving you a more youthful and rested look.
The eye bag surgery can take 45 minutes to two hours and is generally pain-free. You can expect some swelling, bruising, and scarring for a few weeks, but that’s part of post-operative healing. You will be instructed to apply ice, rest well, and avoid strenuous activities (and swimming) for around 3 weeks.
Before surgery to remove eye bags, consult a qualified oculoplastic surgeon and discuss your expectations based on your unique anatomy for achieving the desired results. It’s important to note that your insurance may not cover this cosmetic treatment, but the results can last 5 to 7 years or more, which may help justify the out of pocket costs.
If you’re not looking to surgically remove eye bags, under-eye fillers can be an excellent option for mild eye bags and hollowness. These don’t work for pronounced puffiness and dark shadowing.
How it works? Your chosen oculoplastic surgeon disinfects the targeted area and uses ice packs or a topical anesthetic to numb the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers are injected into the skin between the lower eyelids and cheeks to smoothen it and minimize shadows. It’s relatively painless, offers instant results, and lasts longer than lip or forehead fillers.
What does recovery from the under-eye filler treatment look like? There’s no downtime with this eye bag treatment, and you can return to your routine immediately. It is also performed within minutes (if not combined with other procedures) and causes minimal bruising, redness, and swelling that subsides in a day or two. Since the procedure is temporary, you may need additional maintenance sessions every 6 to 9 months, depending on how your eyes feel and look, filler brand, and other considerations.
There is no “best age” to get eye bag surgery. The typical age range is between the late 30s and the early 60s. Younger people aren’t generally considered to be good candidates unless there’s a specific concern. Your eyes must be fully grown, and your skin elasticity or overall anatomy must not change rapidly to achieve the best results.
Many patients consider eyelid surgery in their 40s and 50s. This is when the signs of aging become more prominent. Although there’s no specific age to get an eye bag removal surgery, it’s best to schedule yours when you feel right and need some refreshing. The procedure is best to reverse the signs of aging and helps address genetic factors as well.
Specific considerations apply if you’re looking at lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery at an earlier/older age. The results might not last longer or be as expected, and there can be complications. Anesthetic concerns are also a major issue with surgeries like these. Older adults can experience slower healing, severe bleeding from the incision, dryness, and a pulled-down appearance. Any existing conditions, like cataracts, can further complicate the procedure. If you’re in your 50s or 60s, it’s best to keep your expectations realistic and consult a experienced oculoplastic surgeon for the right results.
Even with fillers, there’s again no ideal age. Some patients get fillers in their 20s and 30s to maintain youthfulness, while others want to get it done later. Typically, men and women in their late 40s through late 50s like to get rid of their eye bags and address the signs of aging. Specific considerations apply if they look into getting fillers at an earlier/older age. Eye bag filler injections can be complicated, and bruising, swelling, an unnatural (or overdone) appearance, infection, or allergies can happen so it’s best to choose an experienced injector to achieve the best results.
Lower blepharoplasty has its pros and cons and requires an experienced specialist to offer optimal results. Look to Milan Eye Center to determine the right course of action. Please schedule an appointment with us, and we will help you decide the best for your facial aesthetics.
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