Eye Lid Surgery: Do You Really Need It for Eye Bag Removal?

It is probably true that we all have suffered from having unsightly eye bags at one time or another in our lives. But for a number of people, the problem of having bags under the eyes is not one that crops up every now and then; for them, it's more of a chronic condition. Is eye plastic surgery the solution to the problem?

There are several reasons or factors contributing to the appearance or worsening of bags under your eyes. Here are some of them:

• exhaustion or fatigue
• aging
• allergies
• health problems or medical conditions
• obesity

Fat under the skin around the eyes is called retro-orbital fat, and because of gravity, stretching of the skin, weaker facial muscles, and the effects of aging, the fat can droop, causing baggy eyes. Eye bags can also result from the relaxation of extra skin in the area -- a condition called dermochalasis.

Ideal Candidates for an Eyelid Lift

So, if you are suffering from eye bags, should you consider eyelid surgery? The answer depends on a number of factors, and it is always best to consult your health care provider about your options.

Generally speaking, though, experts agree that the best candidates for blepharoplasty surgery, or the type of cosmetic surgery for eye bag removal, are men and women who enjoy good physical and psychological health. The majority of those who opt for the procedure are aged 35 and above, though those for whom baggy eyes are a hereditary condition sometimes choose to undergo the operation at a younger age.

Eye Plastic Surgery and Its Possible Risks and Complications

To remove eye bags, surgery on the lower eyelid is performed. The surgeon usually makes an incision beginning from the eyelashes' outer margin. Fat, excess skin, or muscle is then removed, after which the skin is lifted upward and outward to improve the area's tension. After the overlapping skin is eliminated, the incisions are shut with very tiny sutures.

The procedure is usually accomplished within one to three hours, and is treated as a day case operation. A little swelling and bruising in the under eye area is normal while the patient is recovering. After about three to seven days, the doctor will take out the stitches. The initial scars will eventually fade into almost indiscernible white lines.

If you choose to have eyelift surgery, it is vital to choose a qualified plastic surgeon as this will most likely help you get the results you want. Nevertheless, the procedure, just like any other type of surgery, carries with it the possibility of complications, such as infections or adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Other side effects that may arise include temporary blurred vision, momentary swelling of the skin at the corners of the eyelids, and the appearance of very small whiteheads.

Under eye bags are a common problem, and there are varieties of ways to treat them. Sometimes home remedies will work; sometimes eye creams will prove effective in removing them. For a number of people, eye lid surgery is the way to go. Consult your dermatologist about the best option for you if you want to get rid of eye bags to improve your appearance and regain a fresher, more youthful look.