EYE BAG REMOVAL SURGERY
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Eye Bag Removal Surgery in Shreveport
One of the most common cosmetic complaints among adults is eye bags, the colloquial term for a saggy or wrinkled lower eyelid. Apart from simply aging you, this condition can also hinder the upper and outer peripheral vision.
For this reason, many people will undergo an under eye bag removal surgery known as a lid blepharoplasty to tighten and lift this area, thus removing the appearance of “bags” underneath the eye.
What is Eye Bag Removal Surgery?
As we age, our skin naturally becomes less elastic and loses fat padding, meaning there is less fat to fill space, and the skin has lost the ability to tighten when that fat padding is lost. In addition, the muscles that control the lower eyelids begin to weaken and droop. In the case of the under eye area, this leaves excess, saggy skin beneath the eye.
Under eye surgery can make the lower eyelid look smoother and more youthful, as well as improve your overall vision.
For this reason, many people will undergo an under eye bag removal surgery known as a lid blepharoplasty to tighten and lift this area, thus removing the appearance of “bags” underneath the eye.
How Does Eye Bag Removal Surgery Work?
In under eye bag surgery, a surgeon will cut away excess skin and fat and sew the skin under the eye back together. There is a delicate web of veins and nerves beneath the skin of the under eye, and it requires a delicate, precise approach and an experienced plastic surgeon to be successful. For this reason, your doctor will likely mark places on the under-eye where they intend to make incisions.
Many people will get under eye bag surgery in addition to a different procedure like a face-lift or a brow lift. If you are having multiple procedures done, your surgeon will likely use general anesthesia so that you are completely asleep.
If you are just having under eye surgery, local anesthesia will likely be sufficient. Many surgeons prefer this method, as it allows your doctor to test eye muscle movements, greatly reducing the risk of negative side effects.
Whatever type of anesthesia is used, the procedure will be performed with you in a sitting position so the surgeon can see your eye bags more clearly.
How Much Does Eye Bag Removal Surgery Cost?
The price of under eye surgery can vary by region and by the plastic surgeon. Your under eye surgery can cost upwards of $3000, and because the procedure is almost always elective and completely cosmetic, your insurance is unlikely to cover it, unless it’s proven that your drooping eyelids genuinely affect your vision.
Many people will get under eye bag surgery in addition to a different procedure like a face-lift or a brow lift. If you are having multiple procedures done, your surgeon will likely use general anesthesia so that you are completely asleep.
If you are just having under eye surgery, local anesthesia will likely be sufficient. Many surgeons prefer this method, as it allows your doctor to test eye muscle movements, greatly reducing the risk of negative side effects.
Whatever type of anesthesia is used, the procedure will be performed with you in a sitting position so the surgeon can see your eye bags more clearly.
What are the Risks of Eye Bag Removal Surgery?
There are always risks for any surgical procedure, which is why it’s important to tell your doctor about any allergies you have or medications you take.
- Bleeding
- Cysts where the skin was sewn together
- Double vision
- Drooping upper eyelid
- Excessive muscle removal
- Necrosis, or death, of fat tissue under the eye, which often results in difficulty opening and closing the eyelids
- Infection
- Numbness
- Skin discoloration
- Blurred vision, and sometimes loss of vision
- Wounds that won’t heal well
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- An unusual heart rate
- Severe new eye pain
- Bleeding
- Unusual vision problems
If you experience any of these after an eye bag removal surgery, see your doctor immediately.
How Should I Prepare for Eye Bag Removal Surgery?
Once you decide to undergo an under eye surgery, you will meet with your plastic surgeon and an ophthalmologist (an eye specialist) unless your plastic surgeon specializes in eye surgeries.
Your surgeon and the ophthalmologist will discuss your medical history, especially if you have any eye conditions like glaucoma or chronic dry eyes. They will also need to know about your history with alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
Before your under eye removal surgery, you’ll undergo a physical examination, a vision examination, and photos will be taken of your under eye area from multiple angles to help plan the surgery.
You will be asked to stop taking any blood thinning medication such as warfarin, aspirin, or ibuprofen. If you are a smoker, you will need to stop smoking several weeks before surgery, as smoking can hinder your body’s ability to heal.
It will also be necessary for someone to drive you to and from the procedure, as you will not be able to drive yourself.
What Happens During an Under Eye Removal Surgery?
During an under eye bag removal surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision below your lash line, or potentially inside the lower eyelid. They will remove excess fat, any sagging muscles or skin, and close the cut again.
What Can I Expect After Eye Bag Removal Surgery?
Under eye surgery is generally an outpatient procedure.
- Watering eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Double vision
- Puffy, numb eyelids
- Swelling and bruising that will appear as two black eyes
- Pain or discomfort in the under eye area
- Blurred vision from the lubricating ointment applied to your eyes during the procedure
Usually, you will need to apply a cold compress to the area under your eye for about 48 hours after the procedure. This will help with swelling and bruising. Many people report that bruising and swelling decreases significantly after the initial 10 to 14 days.
It is also recommended that you wear dark sunglasses to protect the healing skin from potential sun damage. Your doctor will be able to prescribe ointments and eye drops to prevent infections after the procedure.
It is also recommended that you:
- Continue to avoid smoking if you are a smoker
- Avoid rubbing eyes excessively
- Avoid overly strenuous activities
- Sleep with your head raised higher than your chest for several days to aid with circulation
- Avoid wearing contact lenses
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Forrest Wall for Eye Bag Removal Surgery
If you are interested in eye bag removal surgery, call The Plastic Surgery Center for more information, or to schedule a consultation!
