Eye bag removal

The skin tends to lose its elasticity with age. In the upper eyelids this results in excess skin which forms folds that rests on the eyelashes. In the lower lids the increasing laxity of the muscles and soft tissues, allows fat from the eye sockets to produce bags. In some people there is an inherited tendency for eye bags to develop in early adult life before any skin changes. If the forehead skin loses its elasticity the eyebrows may also droop and make the excess skin in the upper eyelid appear worse.

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can produce a more rested and youthful appearance. Depending on the problem it may be necessary to remove excess skin along with some muscle and fat. The modern approach tends to preserve and replace the fat as far as possible. Fat is only removed if it is in excess and to achieve a more youthful and natural look. Sometimes the fatty laxity below the eyelid can be improved at the same time. This is known as the SOOF lift. Blepharoplasty can be carried out alone or in combination with other forms of facial rejuvenation surgery.

Blepharoplasty rejuvenates the eyelids and improves the tear trough which is the ageing groove that runs between the lower eyelid and the cheek. However it does not eradicate every crease or the natural discolouration some patients suffer from. Laughter lines at the corner of the eyes will remain and can be treated with injections. 

There is a variable amount of swelling and bruising in the skin around the eyelids. Occasionally the whites of the eyes may become bruised giving them a red appearance. Vision may initially be a little blurred due to protective ointments placed in the eyes. Swelling and bruising can take about two weeks to settle. Both upper and lower eyelid surgery can be carried out under local anaesthesia with sedation or under general anaesthesia. The incisions are placed in the natural crease lines of your eyelids. If you have bags in the lower eyelids without any skin excess then fat can be removed using a cut on the inside of the lower eyelid that avoids an external scar.

Your consultants will give impartial advice and have a thorough discussion with you on the nature of the surgery, your suitability for it and the type of Blepharoplasty procedure that can produce the optimum result in your case. You will be fully informed about the implications of having this operation including the limitations of the technique, the position of the scars and any possible short-term or long-term complication. The final decision to have surgery is your own personal choice.