Eye bags are caused by weakening of the tissues supporting the fat around the eye. This weakness may be present at an early age or it can develop as you get older. When the fat bulges out over the orbital bone, it creates the bulge known as an eye bag. Older patients may have excess skin under the eyes as well. The surgery to treat these problems is called ‘lower blepharoplasty’. 

In lower blepharoplasty the fat can be removed or redistributed to hide the bulge. Excess skin may be removed and the lower eyelid may be tightened. Your surgeon will advise you on which technique is best for you.

There can be different bulges under the eye that make you look younger or older. A bulge within 5mm of your lower eyelid is considered youthful and attractive, this is associated with a smooth check contour immediately beneath it. If the bulge extends further down to your bony orbit, you most likely have eye bags and would benefit from corrective surgery. 

The best method will depend on what is troubling you. If you are relatively young and do not have a lot of excess skin to remove, a scarless technique would be appropriate. Even if you need to remove skin, the end result is essentially scarless as the scar is hidden in the lash line. Whether the fat is removed or redistributed will be decide by your surgeon.

Your surgeon will have to assess you and decide what’s best for you.

There is a small risk of infection and bleeding with any surgical procedure. The lower eyelid can be pulled to a lower position, this complication is usually temporary, but if it persists, revision surgery may be necessary.

If you’ve had surgery before, but are still dissatisfied with your appearance, there are still procedures that can be done to improve your appearance. Possible treatments include revision surgery or fat grafting.

If you have excess skin that needs to be removed, it would be best to place an incision just under the lash line to remove the skin.

The procedure will be done while you are awake, under local anaesthesia. 

You will experience some swelling, but you will be able to open your eyes.

You shouldn’t apply eye makeup for 2 weeks after the procedure.

Any cut in the skin will leave a mark, but for these procedures they will be very fine and hidden.