Things to Know Before Eyelid Surgery

Puffy under-eye bags can make your face look tired, older than your age, and significantly undermine your confidence because no amount of makeup can hide them! But this problem can be solved. This article will discuss permanently correcting under-eye bags through surgery. Before making a decision, however, it's crucial to research and choose the most effective surgical technique. What should you know before deciding on surgery? Let's find out! 

What causes bags under the eyes?

Under-eye bags are caused by the deterioration of the tissues and muscles under the eyes that support the fat deposits. This causes the fat bags to be pushed up, resulting in a noticeable bulge. This can occur with aging, or in some cases, it may be congenital or hereditary. Additionally, lifestyle habits such as insufficient sleep, stress, pollution, frequent eye rubbing, and regular alcohol consumption can weaken the skin, leading to premature sagging and ultimately, sagging under-eye bags.

What are some ways to treat under-eye bags?

In fact, there are several ways to treat under-eye bags, including filler injections or treatments like ultrasound, which can help smooth out puffy under-eye bags or reduce sagging skin around the eyes. However, the best method should be assessed by a doctor to ensure the most effective and targeted solution. The only way to permanently remove under-eye bags is through surgery. The techniques for surgically removing under-eye bags may vary depending on the hospital or clinic and the doctor's expertise. At Sky Clinic, we offer two main techniques for under-eye bag removal:

Remove under-eye fat bags (incisional). 

This procedure involves removing fat from under the eyes by making a small incision in the inner lining of the lower eyelid. Advantages: No external scarring, resulting in a shorter recovery time compared to other techniques, and no stitches need to be removed. Suitable for: Individuals with under-eye fat bags who do not have excessive excess skin under the eyes.

Example of a scarless lower eyelid bag removal surgery case.

เดิม : มีปัญหาถุงไขมันใต้ตา

ผลลัพธ์ : ใต้ตาเรียบเนียน ไม่มีรอยแผลเป็นที่ผิวด้านนอก

External incision for removal of under-eye fat bags. 

This procedure removes under-eye fat bags by making an incision below the base of the lower eyelashes and removing excess skin. Sutures are removed 7 days after surgery. Advantages: Excess eyelid skin is removed, helping to lift and tighten sagging skin under the eyes. However, this technique requires a longer recovery time than the scarless technique. Suitable for: Older individuals or those with significant under-eye fat bags, excess and sagging skin, or those who want to tighten the under-eye area. Example of under-eye bag removal surgery using the external incision technique.

เดิม : มีปัญหาถุงไขมันใต้ตา ผิวใต้ตามีความหย่อนคล้อย

ผลลัพธ์ : ใต้ตาเรียบเนียน รอยแผลอยู่ชิดขอบขนตาล่าง ผิวใต้ตามีความกระชับขึ้น

In addition to these two techniques, there is also a technique for rearranging under-eye fat, which involves taking the patient's existing under-eye fat and rearranging it in areas with deep wrinkles. This is often combined with techniques for removing under-eye fat bags using either internal or external incisions. Advantages: This procedure can significantly improve the appearance of deep under-eye circles. Suitable for: Individuals with under-eye fat bags, deep under-eye circles, or hollowness. After the procedure, the under-eye area will appear smoother and more natural. 

**For patients with both under-eye fat bags and deep sunken eyes, if fat rearrangement is not performed, the fat bags will improve, but the sunken eyes will remain. If you do not wish to undergo fat rearrangement, under-eye filler injections can be used instead. It is recommended to wait 2-3 months after surgery (or as advised by your doctor, which may vary depending on the case).**

Common misconceptions about lower eyelid bag surgery.

• Dark circles under the eyes

Dark circles under the eyes cannot be corrected surgically, as they are caused by factors other than fatty deposits. They can be improved with other procedures such as fillers or regular application of moisturizing creams. 

• The problem of crow's feet or wrinkles under the eyes.

Wrinkles around the eyes, crow's feet, or under the eyes, caused by frequent facial movements, aging, or existing skin conditions, cannot be completely eliminated with simple eyelid surgery. Other treatments, such as Botox or skin tightening devices, are needed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

As mentioned above, there are several techniques used in lower eyelid bag surgery, each depending on the patient's specific problem. If you are interested in correcting your lower eyelid bags but are unsure which method is right for you, you can schedule a consultation with a doctor.