A common surgical procedure often undertaken in later life is to tighten the skin under the eyes and remove the ‘eye bags’ that may look unsightly and give a prematurely aged appearance. 

Heavy upper eyelids and baggy lower eyelids
After upper eyelid blepharoplastyand ptosis correction and lower eyelid blepharoplasty

As we age, our skin becomes less supple and the protective coating of fat that surrounds the eyes may sagand bulge forwards, interrupting the smooth contour between the cheek and lower eyelid. Together with droopy upper eyelids, these eyebags may change our facial expression and rob us of our youthful looks.

 

TREATMENT
The solution may be to elevate the skin, remove or redrape excess fat or skin so that an aesthetic appearance can be restored. It is also important to determine that other medical problems, such as thyroid or kidney problems, are not contributing to the puffy eyelids.

The oculoplastic surgeon needs to ensure that eyebag removal is appropriate in the context of the appearance of the whole midface area before advising lower blepharoplasty.

Ectropion – treating an eyelid that has turned outwards
Entropion – what to do when an eyelid has turned inwards

 

Note: All treatment is preceded by a consultation and examination to establish the correct diagnosis.