Eyebags
Many people complain that bags under their eyes give them a tired and worn-out appearance. Eyebags are caused by bulging orbital fat due to loosening of the tissue that normally binds the orbital fat. Sometimes, the skin overlying the lower lid region may loosen as well. When the eyebags are well established, topical cream or other non-surgical methods would only yield minimal results. Surgery is the most effective way to treat severe eyebags by removing the bulging fat. This can be done by either transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty or transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty.
Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty (Internal Incision)
Suitable for the young and those without excess skin, the surgery removes excess fat inside the lower eyelid through the conjunctiva with the assistance of a CO2 laser. There is no visible external scarring and recovery is usually quick.
Transcutaneous Lower Blepharoplasty (External Incision)
When there is excess skin, subciliary (transcutaneous) lower blepharoplasty may be indicated. Excess fat and skin are removed through an external incision underneath the eyelashes. Both the fat and excess eyelid skin are removed in this procedure. Sutures are typically removed five to seven days after the surgery, and scars will gradually subside in two to three months.
Eyebag surgery is an outpatient procedure. It is performed under local anaesthesia for 60 to 90 minutes with no need for hospitalisation. Bruising and swelling will subside in one to two weeks. While complications are rare, possible risks include sunken eyelids, ectropion, diplopia, asymmetry or hypertrophic scar.