What Are The Different Types Of Eye bag Removal?

The problem of eye bags can be solved by getting a lower eyelid surgery, also known as lower blepharoplasty. There are namely fives techniques and kinds of surgery:

• Traditional Blepharoplasty - Here, an incision is made just beneath the eyelashes. The exact amount of fat is extracted from the lower lid so that the area doesn’t look too sunken. Generally, about 2 millimetres of the skin is removed.
• Pinch Blepharoplasty - This surgery involves extracting fat through the inside of the eyelid and then removing a ‘pinch’ of skin from the area. It does not involve invading deeper into tissues or extracting muscles.
• Laser Blepharoplasty - Laser is sometimes used to remove eye bags. It certainly does have its own complications and advantages. It is known to slow down the procedure and may involve longer healing times.
• Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty - The surgeon uses an electrocautery (an instrument used to burn the tissues, that is electrically heated) to make the cut inside the lower eyelid instead of the the regular incisions outside.  The fat is then removed. This technique leaves no visible scars.
• Canthopexy - This is the simplest technique to remove eye bags, which involves tightening the lower lid and elevating its position. Usually, stitches attach the muscles on the lower lid to a higher position on a bony area.

What To Do Before An Eyebag Removal Procedure?

• Choose a surgeon you are comfortable with and discuss with him your preferences and expectations. Arrive at a solution after taking into consideration his suggestions and ideas.
• During the preliminary examination, your medical history will be considered, your mental health and attitudes towards the surgery will be checked. A positive mindset and realistic goals are required.
• You will be asked questions that are ophthalmologically related like the use of lenses, tear production, eye health and vision. This is done so that the surgeon gains a clear understanding about your eye.
• Risks related to high blood pressure, smoking, circulatory problems will be examined. Ensure that you quit smoking well in advance to avoid any complications during the recovery.
• Make sure you arrange for transportation back home after the surgery and someone to stay with you and assist you in the days of the recovery time.

What Is The Post Operative Care For Eye Bag Removal?

• After the surgery, the surgeon uses an ointment to reduce dryness and lubricate the area. This may cause temporary blurring.
• In the week following the surgery, the patient should rest with his head in an elevated position and use cold compresses and ice packs on the treated areas. This after care measure is known to reduce swelling.
• Keep your incisions clean by gently washing them. Inspect regularly for any signs of infection during the stages of healing.
• Swelling and bruising disappears in around 10 days.
• Avoid any activities like watching television, reading etc. that may dry up your eyes.
• Do not indulge in any heavy physical activities like working out, bending, lifting etc., in the one month after the surgery. It may cause increased blood flow to the eyes. 
• Consult with your surgeon about the various details of recuperation, like the duration and your recovery status.
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun and use dark sunglasses in the weeks that follow the surgery and in all recovery stages. 

What Are The Realistic Expectations From Eye bag Removal?

• Eye Bags can be treated to remove the wrinkled, tired, or sleepy look on your face. 
• The procedure can be conducted in a variety of ways to rid you of the unnatural look. One of the methods is the use of incisions that includes the removal of excess fat under the skin. It can cause some post operative bleeding.
• Chemical fillers can be injected under the eye, above the cheek bones. However, the methodology will expose you to certain risks such as infection and bleeding. 
• The surgery might not have positive results, if you’re not an ideal candidate. For example, if you’re allergic to the a single element in the chemical fillers, your bags will get inflamed and irritated.
• If you are prone to scarring, or if your skin leaves marks easily, the surgery may leave you worrying about the scars. 
• If you are undergoing incisions to treat the eye bags, the results are permanent. However, chemical fillers as an eyebag removal treatment, only last for about 12-18 months. After this period, your eye bags resume their natural look. 

Who Should Avoid Undergoing Eyebag Removal?

Candidates not ideal for this surgery are:

1. Chronic smokers and drinkers as they are prone to the risk of excessive internal and external bleeding.
2. Individuals with tight facial skin as the surgery requires facial muscles to be stretched and requires some facial elasticity.
3. Individuals who scar easily as the procedure involves incisions to be made.
4. Individuals aged less than 18 years. 
5. Allergic individuals to anesthesia.

What Are The Alternatives To Eyebag Removal?

Tear trough treatment - This is a relatively new technique where fillers are injected above the bone in the eye socket and massaged, to do away with wrinkles, bangs and dark circles under the eyes. It can lead to mild bruising, which is temporary. However, the results of the procedure are known to last only between 9-12 months. 

Cheek lift - This procedure attempts to fill the hollow cavity in the upper cheeks by injecting fillers. It restores and balances the facial volume. However, the procedure does not produce a considerable result when performed independently. 

Carbon resurfacing - While this procedure is more appropriate for facial wrinkles and lines, it can also treat mild eye bags. It involves focusing an energy beam on the face to remove the upper layer of the skin. 

While these are quick alternatives, the eye bags cannot be completely removed without a surgery.

Does Eye Bag Removal Lead To Scarring?

The different techniques used to perform the procedure may or may not result in scars.

• A transconjunctival approach is limited in scope of treatment. It can only rearrange fat but cannot treat skin. This technique however does not leave visible scars as the incisions are made on the conjunctive inside.  
• Other methods like laser and canthopexy involve making incisions right beneath the eyelash line (subciliary approach). These do leave small scars that are subtle and only mildly visible.

What Are The Temporary Side Effects Of Eye Bag Removal?

There exist a few common side effects that can result from even a perfectly performed procedure on eye bag removal. Some of these side effects are:

1. Scarring (if an incision is made) 
2. Pain 
3. Swelling and bleeding 
4. Infection (if performed with fillers)

Scarring, pain and swelling can be combated through cold compresses and ointment medication (prescribed by the doctor) in case you’re experiencing bleeding, make sure to keep your head elevated while sleep and not moving the facial muscles by a large extent. If you think the bags are infected, get in touch with your doctor. Chances are, you will have to re-visit the hospital if you have caught an infection.

How To Choose A Surgeon For Eyebag Removal?

Choosing a surgeon abroad is not as tough as it seems. You do need to research well in order to make the correct decision. After your research, you should be able to answer the following questions:

• What is the accreditation status of the hospital the doctor is working in?
• What are the educational and professional specializations of the doctor?
• How is the surgeon going to perform the procedure?
• What is going to be the course of action if the surgeon doesn’t give satisfactory results or if there is scope of corrective surgery?

Generally, surgeons in Asian countries, like South Korea are experts in the surgery as an eye bag removal procedure is more difficult to perform on patients belonging to the south Asian region. This is because of the small size of their eyes. Hence, it will be more ideal to opt for these places if you are planning to opt for the surgery abroad.