Eyebag surgery: What you need to know
Most women need bags to stuff all their necessities into but two bags that are definitely not needed are eye bags. These fat or fluid filled pouches under the eye can cause much distress for those who frequently get asked if they hadn’t slept enough or why they constantly look tired. These probing questions or point-blank statements ultimately segue into looking weary and aged which, generally speaking, alarms most people almost immediately.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, more commonly known as eye bag surgery, is an invasive surgical procedure that lifts the lower eyelid and removes excess tissue from the under eye area. Due to fluid or fats being retained in the periorbital area around the eyes, the soft skin around this area is weighed down. Combined with the depletion of collagen and muscle degeneration over the years, the area around the eyes loses elasticity and firmness that are essential to keeping the structure of the skin supportive should the accumulation of fluid fill these gaps.
In some cases, these saggy pouches really get out of hand and the best option for a resolution is to proceed with eyebag removal surgery. People who have extremely prominent and obvious semicircular pouches under the eye that are filled with fat as well as noticeably swollen and tired-looking eyes are best suited for eyebag removal surgery. In addition to these prevails mentioned points, people who suffer from seasonal allergies, sleep deprivation, dehydration, stress and hormonal imbalances may also benefit from blepharoplasty. However, there are still viable candidates for non-invasive procedures like laser treatments or the use of radio frequency wave therapies.
How Is Eyebag Removal Surgery Done?
The main aim of a surgeon performing this procedure is to diminish the eyebag-causing excess under-eye tissue. In order to do this, the surgeon will first inject anaesthesia — either local (to numb the immediate area) or general (to render the patient unaware). The surgeon will usually then make an incision just below the lower eyelash line or on the inside of the eyelid. The excess skin, fat or tissue is then removed after which the surgeon closes up the incision with either glue or stitches.
Usually, if stitches were used, they should be removed within a week of the procedure taking place. As with most surgeries, bruising, swelling and eye irritation is to be expected. The recovery period includes time for the bruising and swelling to subside so that the successful results of the procedure can be checked upon.
It is common for most patients to be discharged on the same day, armed with detailed instructions on how to care for themselves. There ought to be someone who can drive the patient home and stay through the night with them.
Patients without fatty deposits or with less prominent eyebags also have the option of adopting the skin pinch technique. This method requires the surgeon to pinch the skin under the eye and remove the excess skin. It also does not remove fat from the under eye area.
Is There Any Downtime?
Generally, because there is effectively no downtime for this procedure, most people can resume their day-to-day activities soon after the procedure. The success of recovery is also dependent on the skin’s healing speed and the ability to avoid heat exposure.
How Much Does It Cost?
As with any surgery, the cost is always a major factor to consider. This is dependant on a surgeon’s years for experience as well as the clinic’s location as these are two major factors that affect the price. Also, remember to add a few more things to the mix like facility costs, anaesthesia fees, medication as well as the costs for other medical tests!
