Liposuction is commonly used to reduce the appearance of excess fat under the eyes. It is a simple procedure that involves the use of a small tube called a cannula to suction out unwanted fat cells.
The procedure can be done under local anesthesia with or without sedation, but it is not typically performed on an outpatient basis. Instead, it is usually done as part of a surgical suite, in which patients receive general anesthesia and are monitored overnight. The surgery takes about two hours and requires minimal recovery time.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Liposuction For Eye Bags, bupa eye bag removal cost, laser eye bag surgery cost, and What is the best surgery for under eye bags?
Liposuction for Eye Bags
Lower eyelid surgery—known as lower lid blepharoplasty—is a procedure to improve the sagging, baggy, or wrinkles of the undereye area.
Liposuction for eye bags can be performed on people of all ages, although it is most common among those who have been overweight for many years. While liposuction may help you lose weight in other areas, such as your thighs or stomach, it does not cause weight loss in itself; rather, it simply removes excess fat from one area of the body so that other areas appear smaller by comparison.
In addition to helping you look better in photographs, liposuction for eye bags can also improve your self-esteem by making you feel more confident about yourself and your appearance.
Sometimes a person will get this procedure with others, such as a facelift, brow lift, or upper eyelid lift.
Safety:
The procedure may be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Side effects include bruising, bleeding, and soreness. Most people take 10 to 14 days to recover before returning to work.
Convenience:
The procedure lasts one to three hours.
You must apply cold compresses routinely for the first two days after surgery. Innovations in techniques mean a surgeon doesn’t usually bandage your eyes.
Cost:
The average cost for the surgical procedure is $3,026. This doesn’t include anesthesia, medications, and operating room facility costs.
Efficacy:
Effectiveness of lower eyelid surgery depends upon your skin quality and how you care for your skin after your procedure.
What is lower eyelid surgery?
Eye bag surgery, also called blepharoplasty of the lower eyelid, is a cosmetic procedure that helps correct lose skin, excess fat, and wrinkles of the lower eye area.
As you age, your skin naturally loses elasticity and fat padding. This can make the lower eyelid appear puffy, wrinkled, and baggy. Lower eyelid surgery can make the undereye smoother, creating a more youthful look.
Before and after photos
How much does lower eyelid surgery cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of eyelid surgery is $3,026. This price can vary by region, experience of the surgeon, and other factors. This is the cost for the surgery itself and doesn’t include costs for operating room facilities or anesthesia, which will vary depending on your location and needs.
Because the procedure is usually elective, your insurance likely won’t cover the costs.
The costs will increase if you have both upper and lower eyelid surgery. Your surgeon can provide an estimation of costs prior to surgery.
How does lower eyelid surgery work?
Lower eyelid surgery works by removing excess skin and fat and sewing the skin under the eye back together, giving the undereye area a tighter appearance.
There are delicate structures around the undereye, including eye muscles and the eyeball itself. The surgery requires a delicate, precise approach to smooth the undereye area and make it appear less puffy.
Procedure for lower eye lid
Several surgical approaches exist for lower eyelid surgery. The approach usually depends on your goals for your undereye area and your anatomy.
Prior to the procedure, a surgeon will mark your eyelids. This will help the surgeon know where to make incisions. They’ll usually have you sit up so they can see your eye bags better.
The procedure may be performed under general or local anesthesia. General anesthesia is when a patient is completely asleep and unaware of what is happening during the procedure. Local anesthesia allows a patient to be awake, but the eye area has been numbed so they don’t feel what the surgeon is doing.
If you’re having multiple procedures, a doctor will likely recommend general anesthesia. If you’re having just lower eyelid surgery, a doctor may recommend local anesthesia. A benefit of this is that a doctor can test eye muscle movements to reduce the risks for this side effect.
While the incision sites may vary, a doctor will make cuts into the lower eyelid. Your doctor will then remove excess skin and fat and suture or sew the skin back together to create a smoother, lifted appearance.
Your doctor may also recommend fat grafting or injecting fat to hollow areas under the eyes to give them a fuller appearance.
Targeted areas for lower eyelid
Lower eyelid surgery may be used to treat the following cosmetic concerns:
- asymmetry of the lower eyelids
- baggy undereye area
- eyelid sagging
- eyelid skin wrinkling
- dark undereye circles
It’s important you speak honestly with your surgeon about what bothers you about your undereye area and what types of results you can expect.
Are there any risks or side effects?
A surgeon should discuss the risks and side effects associated with surgery.
Potential risks
- 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
- infection
- numbness
- skin discoloration
- vision loss
- wounds that won’t heal well
It’s possible that a person can also have side effects from medications during surgery. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have as well as medications and supplements you take. This will help to reduce the risks of drug reactions.
What to expect after lower eyelid surgery
Lower eyelid surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, unless you’re having other procedures performed too.
Your doctor will give you instructions for care following surgery. This usually includes applying cold compresses for about 48 hours after surgery to help reduce swelling.
Your doctor will also prescribe ointments and eye drops, to help prevent infections. You can expect some bruising, dry eyes, swelling, and overall discomfort in the days after your surgery.
You’ll usually be asked to limit strenuous exercise for at least one week. You should also wear darkly tinted sunglasses to protect your eyes as the skin heals. If your surgeon placed sutures the body doesn’t absorb, the doctor will usually remove them about five to seven days after surgery.
Most people find the swelling and bruising has decreased significantly after about 10 to 14 days, and they feel more comfortable in public.
You should always call your doctor if you have symptoms that may mean you have postsurgery problems.
See your doctor immediately for
- bleeding
- fever
- skin that feels hot to the touch
- pain that worsens instead of getting better over time
It’s important to remember that you’ll continue to age after the procedure. This means that it’s possible the skin can start to appear sagging or wrinkled again at a later time. Your results will depend on:
- your skin’s quality
- your age
- how well you take care of your skin after the procedure
Preparing for lower eyelid surgery
Once you feel ready, schedule your procedure. Your doctor will give you instructions for before surgery. These may include refraining from eating or drinking after midnight the day before your surgery.
A doctor may also make suggest eye drops or other medications you may take before surgery.
You should bring someone to drive you home from surgery, and prepare your home with what you may need as you recover. Examples of items you may need include:
- Cloths and ice packs for cold compresses
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes
- Any eye prescriptions your doctor may want you to use following surgery
You can also ask your doctor if there are any other special preparations you should use before your procedure.
Lower eyelid surgery vs. alternative treatments
If eyelid skin sagging is mild to moderate, you can discuss other treatments with your doctor. Options include laser skin resurfacing and dermal fillers.
Laser skin resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing involves using lasers, such as the CO2 or Erbium Yag lasers. Exposing the skin to the lasers can cause the skin to tighten. Not everyone can receive laser skin treatments. Those with especially dark skin tones may want to avoid laser treatments as the laser can create discoloration in highly pigmented skin.
Dermal fillers
Another alternative treatment is dermal fillers. While dermal fillers aren’t FDA-approved for undereye issues, some plastic surgeons may use them to improve the look of the undereye area.
Most fillers used under the eye contain hyaluronic acid and are injected to give the area underneath the eyes a fuller, smoother appearance. The body will ultimately absorb fillers, making them a temporary solution for treating undereye volume loss.
It’s possible that a person’s skin may not respond to laser treatments or fillers. If the lower eyelid remains a cosmetic concern, a doctor may recommend lower eyelid surgery.
How to find a provider
To find a plastic surgeon in your area that provides lower eyelid surgery, you may wish to visit the websites of various plastic surgery boards and searching for area surgeons. Examples include the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
You can contact a potential surgeon and ask for a consultation appointment. At this appointment, you’ll meet with the surgeon and can ask questions about the procedure and if you’re a candidate.
Questions for your doctor
- How many of these procedures have you performed?
- Can you show me before and after pictures of procedures you’ve performed?
- What kind of results can I realistically expect?
- Are there other treatments or procedures that may be better for my undereye area?
You aren’t obligated to undergo the procedure if you don’t feel confident in the surgeon. Some people may speak to several surgeons before determining the best fit for them.
Eye Bag Surgery Cost
Often termed an eyelid or eye lift since the procedure can repair and lift droopy eyelids, a blepharoplasty is a surgery to improve eye bags.
Eye bag surgery is typically deemed a cosmetic procedure. Typically, it is an uninsured out-of-pocket expense. Surgery for eye bags can cost several thousand dollars.
Excess skin and fatty tissue under the eyes can cause the eyelids to droop and lead to eye bags forming under the eyes. This can detract from your appearance, so surgery for eye bags can create a more youthful look.
Eye bags can sometimes interfere with vision as well. A functional blepharoplasty is a medical procedure that may be necessary in some cases. You need to be in good health and undergo a thorough examination and discussion with your doctor prior to surgery for eye bags. The surgery typically removes fatty tissue and excess skin under the eyes. It can generally be performed in an hour or two as a same-day procedure.
Recovery from blepharoplasty typically takes a few weeks for complete healing. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions on aftercare.
Surgery is not without risks, but there are several things you can do to improve recovery.
There are many other nonsurgical methods, from wrinkle creams to lifestyle changes, that can improve eye bags. Talk to your eye doctor about blepharoplasty to decide if you are a candidate and if it might be something to consider to improve your vision or appearance.
Using Insurance
Surgery for eye bags is generally not covered by insurance, as it not typically deemed medically necessary.
In some cases, when the skin actually covers part of the eyes and impairs vision, a functional blepharoplasty may be necessary. In this case, insurance may cover part of the procedure.
To obtain insurance coverage for a blepharoplasty, the visual field must be obstructed. Medical proof will generally be required to gain approval.
Laser Eye Bag Surgery Cost
An eye lift, or surgery for eye bags is typically performed by an ophthalmologist or an oculoplastic surgeon (a surgical ophthalmologist specialist), although general cosmetic (plastic) surgeons, ear nose and throat (ENT) surgeons, oral, and maxillofacial surgeons can perform a blepharoplasty as well.
The average cost for eye bag surgery or eye lifts is about $3,000, although this does not include fees for the hospital, medical tests, anesthesia, or prescription and necessary medications. Surgery for eye bags can range from between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the doctor, the type of surgery being performed, and what exactly is required.
Talk to your doctor ahead of time to discuss all potential costs and fees that may be associated with a blepharoplasty.
When to Get Surgery
The weak and stretching muscles that support the eyelids are a common cause of eye bags and droopy eyelids, which can lead to fat accumulation above and below them. Sagging skin around the eyes can make you look older. It can also impair your peripheral vision, as the excess skin can pull down your eyelids, making it harder to open them all the way.
Surgery for eye bags can improve vision by removing droopy, sagging eyelids and excess skin, tightening it up, and giving you a more youthful appearance. You may consider a blepharoplasty if you have:
A consultation with a surgeon before the procedure can help you to decide if surgery is a good option for you. You will need to be in good health.
Mayo Clinic reports that the majority of people that have surgery for eye bags feel that it makes them appear more youthful and alert. They are typically satisfied with the results.
A blepharoplasty can last 10 years or longer. It does not halt the aging process, but it can promote a youthful appearance for longer.
Preparing for Eye Bag Surgery
To get ready for a blepharoplasty, your doctor will first need to do a medical and visual exam after discussing your options and expectations.
A full medical history and a physical exam are usually required before any surgical procedure. Your surgeon will also do a thorough eye exam and take detailed measurements. Photos of your eyes will be taken at many different angles to plan the surgery.
Your doctor will discuss pre-op information with you. They may ask you to stop taking certain medications that can thin out your blood, such as warfarin, aspirin, and naproxen. If you smoke, you will need to stop a few weeks before surgery, as it can inhibit healing.
On the day before your surgery, eat a lighter dinner and then refrain from eating or drinking anything for 12 hours before the surgery. Take any prescribed medications that your doctor clears you to take.
Plan to have someone drive you to and from the procedure and set aside time to heal. You may wish to take up to a week off work to recover.
Eye Bag Surgery Before and After
What to Expect
There are two main types of surgeries for eye bags: cosmetic blepharoplasty and functional blepharoplasty.
Both can be performed by a surgeon — often one who specializes in eyes, plastic surgery, or eye surgeries — as a same-day, outpatient procedure. A medically necessary, functional, blepharoplasty may be done by an ENT or an oral or maxillofacial surgeon. Both forms of blepharoplasty procedures are done the same way.
The surgery usually takes about an hour or two to complete. You may have surgery on both the lower and the upper eyelids or just one or the other. You may go under general anesthesia where you are all the way asleep or be numbed with local anesthesia depending on the complexity and duration of your specific procedure. Typically, the surgeon will start with the upper eyelid when performing a blepharoplasty on both.
If the tendon that holds the eyelid muscle is stretched or compromised, which can be a congenital condition or the result of trauma, stroke, or cataract surgery, a procedure called ptosis surgery can be performed during a blepharoplasty to repair it.
During surgery, a laser may be used to resurface or smooth the lines in the face and under the eyes as well. Typically, the stitches can be removed a week to 10 days after the surgery.
After Surgery
Recovery from a blepharoplasty typically takes a few weeks, and you may want to take up to a week off work. You will not be able to drive for at least a few days.
For the first few days, the area around your eyes is likely to be red, swollen, and bruised. The whites of your eyes may also be bloodshot and red. You will likely experience some level of discomfort for at least a few days after the procedure.
laser eye bag surgery cost
As time passes, it is normal to develop excess skin or fat deposits that build up around the eyelids. When this happens, many people notice the skin around the eyelids begins to sag or droop. A Blepharoplasty, or eye lift, can help remove this excess skin and fat to restore your eyelids’ youth. Here is everything you need to know about Blepharoplasty cost and recovery time.
Blepharoplasty Cost and Eligibility
Before discussing this procedure with your doctor, there are a few aspects to be aware of. A good candidate for eyelid surgery is a healthy individual who does not have any significant medical or eye-related problems.
Before undergoing eyelid surgery, you will receive a cosmetic eyelid evaluation. At Florida Eye Specialists, this process will involve an eye exam to measure your vision, eye pressure, ocular surface, and will determine if your eyes are healthy enough for surgery.
After discussing the surgical procedure with our cosmetic doctors, you will meet with our surgical coordinator. You will discuss available dates for surgery, preoperative medical evaluation requirements, and the cost of a Blepharoplasty.
Keep in mind that insurance does not typically cover cosmetic surgery. On average, patients can expect a Blepharoplasty to cost around $3,200. However, if the puffiness or drooping is inhibiting your field of vision, the surgery may be deemed medically necessary. Your doctor may need to perform a visual field exam to determine if your upper eyelid is interfering with your vision.
How to Prepare for a Blepharoplasty Procedure
All pre-op requirements including lab testing and medical evaluations will need to take place within 30 days of your procedure. Your primary care doctor will provide you with instructions to follow in the weeks and days leading up to your appointment.
Patients taking blood thinners will want to discuss stopping these medications prior to their surgery. Typical blood thinners, such as Aspirin, are usually stopped two weeks before surgery. Other blood thinners may need to be adjusted differently. Discuss any medications being taken and their risks with your doctor several weeks prior to your surgery.
Be sure to make arrangements for missing work and enlist help at home. You will need a trusted person to drive you to and from the surgery center and during your post-operative appointments. You will be unable to drive for several days after surgery, so it’s important to plan accordingly in advance.
What to Expect During Blepharoplasty Recovery Time
A responsible adult will need to take you home after surgery. Before you leave, the nurses at the surgery center will review the aftercare instructions with you and this individual. In order to recover as best as possible, it is important to limit your activity for 72 hours after surgery.
Patients should avoid bending, lifting, and straining during their recovery. Keeping the patient’s head elevated at all times is important during recovery. Most individuals are away from work for five to seven days. Avoid using makeup and other cosmetic products for approximately two weeks after surgery.
Your results will appear within several weeks after surgery, but it can take several months for your body to heal completely. By following the instructions provided by the surgical center, the surgery and healing process is not typically painful.
Are you or a loved one considering a Blepharoplasty surgery? Our expert staff of cosmetic surgeons is here to help. Dr. David A. Kostick is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Schedule an appointment today to begin discussing your surgical options.
About Florida Eye Specialists
Florida Eye Specialists is one of the largest multi-specialty ophthalmology private practices in Northeast Florida, with offices in Fernandina Beach, Gate Parkway/295, Mandarin, Northside, Ponte Vedra Beach, Riverside, San Marco, Southpoint, and St. Augustine. Schedule an appointment at one of our nine locations.
What is the best surgery for under eye bags
If you’ve ever stayed up until the early hours of the morning – be it drinking with friends at your favorite bar or finishing up a presentation for work the next day – you’re likely familiar with the unwelcome sight of bags under your eyes. You may have scoured the aisles of Sephora searching for the perfect concealer to hide them or tried some of the more creative home remedies, like putting caffeinated teabags on the area or inverting your body to bring circulation to your face. But as soon as someone gives you a concerned look and asks if you’re tired or catching a cold, the struggle once again ensues.
It’s not all sleepless nights and stress that bring about under-eye bags though; age and time can also be major culprits. “While there are genetic causes and acquired causes, like allergies, exhaustion and sinus congestion, some people just develop eye bags as they age,” says Dr. David Shafer, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City and an ASPS member. This is because the three pockets of fat that exist around the eyes (one right next to the nose, one in the center lower lid and one lateral) herniate over time, creating puffy “bags” underneath.
But regardless of whether your under-eye bags are a product of genetics, exhaustion, sinus issues or simply aging, one thing is for sure – you probably would like them gone. Read on to learn all about the treatments and procedures, both surgical and noninvasive, that can help get rid of pesky under-eye bags, as well as which topical ingredients to use and which to avoid.
Surgical Solutions
The most effective way to address under-eye bags is with a lower blepharoplasty, a surgical procedure that involves the removal or repositioning of the fat and/or skin underneath the eyes. According to Dr. Richard Ehrlichman, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Boston and an ASPS member, there are two basic approaches to blepharoplasty.
“The first is an external incision just below the lash line cutting through the skin and muscle, going around the eye and elevating this skin-muscle flap to expose the fat pockets, which are then removed,” he says. “Another approach is to remove the fat from the inside of the lower lid called a transconjunctival approach.” The latter is often preferred since it does not result in an external scar on the lower lid. “Occasionally with this approach, we choose to remove a small pinch of excess skin, leaving the muscle intact and thus there is less chance of deformation or change in shape of lower lid,” Dr. Ehrlichman adds.
Nonsurgical Solutions
Whether your under-eye bags aren’t yet severe enough to warrant surgery or you simply can’t face the recovery time and price tag that come with a blepharoplasty, there are still several options available to you.
“Energy-based laser treatments can tighten the skin to help reduce the appearance of the bags,” says Dr. Shafer. “These can be a single session or a series of treatments aimed at strengthening the underlying tissue and stimulating new collagen.” Look for nonablative resurfacing lasers, like Fraxel, which can be performed by a plastic surgeon.
Dermal filler can also be a solution, though it won’t address the under-eye bags directly. “Fillers, like Juvederm, can be injected to fill the hollows in an attempt to decrease the appearance of the bags,” Dr. Shafer explains. And while this may work for some patients, it’s important to note that it’s only a temporary fix. Depending on the filler used, it can last anywhere from three months to a year, so in order to maintain results, you will need to continue injections as needed.
Botox injections in the crow’s feet can help address under-eye bags as well, but similarly to laser treatments, they will only address the surrounding skin and won’t get rid of the bags themselves. “Botox in the crow’s feet can help reduce the tension around the eyes and relax the wrinkles, which can help improve the appearance but will not remove the eye bag,” Dr. Shafer says. Like filler, Botox is only temporary and will need to be injected every three to six months to maintain results. It is also important that Botox be injected between the outer edge of the eye and the temple, not along the lower lid, as it could cause the lid to lose its tone and fail to cover the eyeball.
Regardless of which noninvasive treatment you opt for, though, be sure it’s with a board-certified plastic surgeon. “Particularly for laser treatments, you need to make sure you are going to a doctor who specializes in treating eyelids,” Dr. Shafer says. “Ultimately, none of the treatments are equivalent, and the plastic surgeon must determine which approach is best for you specifically.”
At-home solutions
While no topical under-eye products will compare to in-office treatments, they’re not without merit. “Under-eye creams and rejuvenating products are very useful,” Dr. Shafer notes. “And in addition to the actual bags, discoloration or pigmentation of the skin can make the area look worse.”
To tighten skin and reduce the appearance of under-eye bags, the plastic surgeon recommends Alastin’s Restorative Eye Treatment and SkinBetter’s InterFuse Treatment Cream. To address discoloration around the eyes, he’s a fan of Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum from SkinMedica. Dr. Ehrlichman says the topical treatment he believes is most effective for reducing the appearance of under-eye bags is Plexaderm, which temporarily tightens the skin and makes the protrusion less noticeable.
In addition to knowing what products will work well for under-eye bags, it’s crucial that you know which ones to avoid. “The eyelid skin can be very sensitive, so it’s important to not use products unless they are formulated specifically for the eyelids,” Dr. Shafer warns. It’s also important to apply your topicals delicately, as the skin around the eyes and lids is extremely thin and aggressive application could actually result in skin sagging.
To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.
