Under Eye Bags Correction
While there are several non-surgical treatments for bags under your eyes, if you have persistent bags under your eyes, you may need eyelid surgery, also called “blepharoplasty”. Non-surgical treatments for bags under your eyes include laser resurfacing and chemical peels and fillers. These improve your skin tone, tighten your skin, and rejuvenate the look of bags under your eyes.
However, blepharoplasty is more permanent and your surgeon will prescribe this for you if you have drooping and sagging skin under your eyes and eyelids; extra skin above your eyelids; noticeable bags under your eyes, and extra skin around your eyelids that is impairing your vision.
A consultation with your surgeon will help you decide whether blepharoplasty is the right procedure for you. Most people who have surgery for eye bags feel that it helps them appear more alert and youthful. They are also quite satisfied with the results.
Before your Under Eye Bags Correction
Getting ready for a blepharoplasty includes an initial consult with your surgeon, as well as a detailed medical and visual exam. Your surgeon will also discuss your options and expectations. After your medical and physical exam, your doctor will also perform a detailed eye exam and will take detailed measurements. She will also take photographs of your eyes at many different angles to plan for the surgery.
Dr. S. Suma will also discuss the pre-op information with you. She will probably ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood-thinners. She may also ask you to stop smoking, as it may interfere with healing.
On the day before your surgery, you should eat a light dinner and should then refrain from eating or drinking anything for 12 hours before the surgery. You can also take any prescribed medications that your doctor allows you to take.
During your Under Eye Bags Correction
There are two main types of surgeries for under eye bags correction: Cosmetic Blepharoplasty and Functional Blepharoplasty. Both can be performed by a surgeon who specializes in eye surgeries.
Both types of procedures are done in the same way.
The surgery takes about a couple of hours to complete. Your surgeon may advise surgery on either the upper or lower eyelid, or then, on both. She may administer general anaesthesia, or then, local anaesthesia with sedation. This may depend on the length and complexity of the blepharoplasty procedure. The surgeon will start with the upper eyelid and then perform the surgery on the lower eyelid.
During surgery for eye bags, your surgeon will make a small incision in the folds of eyelids to keep the cuts as discreet as possible. After this, lasers, scalpels, and specialized cutting tools are used to take out excess fatty tissue, skin. This will smooth out the look of the face while keeping it symmetrical.
If the tendon that holds the eyelid muscle is stretched due to a congenital condition, or due to trauma, stroke, or cataract surgery, it can be repaired by a procedure called ptosis surgery. During surgery, a laser can be used to resurface and smooth the lines of the face and also those under the eyes. The stitches can be removed after about a week to 10 days post-surgery.
Instead of blepharoplasty, you can get dermal fillers to increase volume under your eyes. This can be a good option if your cheeks have deflated with age, leaving bags under your eyes. Dermal fillers are a non-surgical option, whereby a gel-like substance is injected under the eyes.
Precautions and Procedures before and after your Under Eye Bags Correction
Recovery from a Blepharoplasty typically takes a few weeks. You may need to take about a week off work and you will not be able to drive for at least a few days. For the first few days, the area around your eyes may be red, swollen, and bruised. The whites of your eyes may also be red and bloodshot.
You may also experience some level of discomfort after the procedure. You should take any and all medications prescribed by your surgeon. This could include an antibiotic ointment to be applied topically. On the day after surgery apply ice packs for about 10 to 15 minutes, every hour, on the site of the surgery. By the second day, ice for at least a few hours. After 48 hours post-surgery, apply warm compresses to hasten healing.
You should also clean your eyelids gently post-surgery and you should not apply any eye makeup. You should refrain from rubbing your eyes and keep your head propped up, even while sleeping. You should not wear contact lenses for at least two weeks post-surgery. You should wear sunglasses, especially when outdoors and you should also refrain from smoking. You should avoid indulging in swimming as well as strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy weights.
Under Eye Bags Correction Result
The swelling and redness under the eyes typically decreases considerably after 10 to 14 days post-surgery. If you have unusual symptoms or excessive pain post-surgery, you should consult with your doctor immediately. Complete recovery from blepharoplasty takes about six weeks or more.
Dr. S. Suma is the right surgeon to perform a blepharoplasty. She not only has several years of experience, but also works holistically with each individual patient for the procedure or combination of procedures that will work best for you. She has impeccable credentials and superior communication skills and will make you completely comfortable during initial and subsequent consultations. She is the right plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgeon for you!