Eye Bag Removal Surgery

Excess skin around the eyes can add years to the face. Getting older can take its toll on the appearance, particularly to the skin around the eyes which can become loose and wrinkled, start to sag, and make the eyes look tired, adding years to the face. Eye bag removal surgery helps to restore youthfulness to the face; despite the name this procedure covers surgery to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from above the eye, removing the hood of skin which can develop as we get older. It can also be used to remove excess fatty tissue and skin from underneath the eyes, and smooth wrinkles to corners of the eyes, often known as crow’s feet.

Benefits of Having Eye Bag Removal (Blepharoplasty) Surgery

• Increased overall self-confidence and self-esteem
• Take away that ‘tired look’
• Easier application of make up
• Correct premature ageing
• Improved appearance/Look younger
• Improved vision in some cases

The Procedure for Eye Bag Removal

Eye bag removal surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a straightforward procedure which usually takes between one and three hours to complete and is often carried out as a day case procedure. The length of time you are in theatre for and your recovery time will depend on the specific surgery you decide to have – this could be surgery to the upper lids, lower lids, or together.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

For some patients, upper eyelid surgery only requires the use of a local anaesthetic and a mild sedative, meaning the recovery time should be quicker than if a general anaesthetic is used. Your surgeon will begin by making small incisions along the natural crease of the upper eye lid (approximately 1cm above the lash line). He will then very carefully separate the skin from the underlying tissue before removing or repositioning the fatty tissue and tightening the muscles. Before stitching or gluing the incision using surgical glue, the skin will be stretched to ensure that the end result is smooth and free from lines and wrinkles.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

If you opt for lower eyelid surgery, or a combination of upper and lower eyelid surgery, this will almost always be performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make an incision along the lower lash line before removing any excess fat (often known as eye bags) and stretching the skin to ensure a smooth finish. Once the incision has been stitched, any excess skin will be removed and you will be left with smoother, younger looking skin underneath the eyes.

Is Eye Bag Removal Right for Me?

You may be advised to undergo an eye test if you have any concerns about health issues in your eyes. You should also purchase a gel pack for when you get home from the hospital to act as an ‘ice pack’ to reduce swelling and bruising.

If you are a smoker, or take aspirin or any other medication, your Cosmetic Surgeon will wish to discuss this with you at your consultation. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise you when you are to discontinue and/or resume these activities.

The Day of your Eye Bag Removal

Your Surgeon will visit you in your room and mark the eyes with a pen, in preparation for surgery. He will also obtain your final consent, and answer any last minute questions you may have. Immediately after your surgery you can expect to have ice packs over your eyes to keep bruising and swelling to a minimum. Painkillers will be available should you require them and eye ointment may be given to you.

Going Home after eye bag removal surgery

Your Surgeon will advise you in relation to how long to stay off work – usually between one and two weeks depending on the extent of the surgery. You will need to rest and avoid bending down. If eye ointment has been given to you, you will need to continue using this as recommended by your Cosmetic Surgeon.

Continue to use your ‘ice pack’ to relieve bruising and keep the scars dry and clean until stitches are removed. A pair of dark glasses will help to hide the bruising and swelling during this recovery period.

You will need to rest with your head elevated on pillows or cushions for 4 nights after your surgery.

You must avoid rubbing or towelling your eyes.

It is very important that you attend the follow up post surgery appointment which has been made for you, to care for your wound and see your Surgeon post-operatively to make sure that you are healing well.

Recovery from Eye Bag Removal

The incisions made by your surgeon will be very carefully positioned along the lash line and in the natural creases of the eye to ensure that any minimal scarring will be hidden. It is completely normal to experience swelling and bruising to the area but this tends to settle within the first few days of the recovery period and any pink scars will quickly fade to faint white lines. Your stitches will usually be removed between three and seven days after surgery and you will be advised not to return to work for a week after the operation.