How To Get Rid of Puffy Under-Eye Bags
The eyes can communicate a lot about a person, but saggy, puffy under-eye bags can send the wrong message. Indeed, no matter how well-rested someone is, hereditary factors and the natural aging process can produce prominent lower lids that convey a sense of exhaustion. Some people may find temporary improvement by using under-eye creams or serums, but these measures are not able to treat one of the primary underlying causes of sagging lower lids: herniated fat.
Herniated fat deposits develop around the eyes when fat cells migrate away from the orbital cavity and settle in the excess skin of the eyelids. This excess fat can further stretch the delicate eyelid skin, leading to a puffy, bulging appearance. Herniated fat occurs naturally throughout the aging process, but prominent under-eyes are also often hereditary, leading younger patients to seek solutions as well. Fortunately, blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can help patients of all ages firm and smooth the region under their eyes for a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
Lower eyelid surgery is performed using small, well-concealed incisions that are made either along the lower lash line or along the inside of the lower lid skin. Excess fat is then carefully removed, and the remaining fat can be reshaped to improve the under-eye contour. In some cases, excess skin can also be removed, giving patients a firmer, more lifted look. One of our experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons will carefully place the incisions so that they can be concealed within the natural folds of the eyelids. For patients with additional cosmetic concerns, lower blepharoplasty can also be combined with upper blepharoplasty or other facial procedures for a more dramatic transformation.
Ultimately, lower eyelid surgery can give patients a more youthful, refreshed appearance, and the results can last for years. During your consultation, one of our plastic surgeons will carefully assess the condition of your skin and go over your cosmetic goals. If it is determined that blepharoplasty is the right treatment for you, a customized treatment plan will be developed in order to optimize your aesthetic results. For those with less pronounced signs of aging in the eye area—who may not need surgery yet—cosmetic injectables like BOTOX® Cosmetic or dermal fillers can often provide noticeable improvement by smoothing the area and restoring lost volume.
If you have additional questions about blepharoplasty, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact the Ottawa Clinic today.