Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Options for Under-Eye Bags

Under-eye bags are a common issue for people of all ages. They can have a tangible impact on your appearance. Under-eye bags can make you look angry, tired, and much older. Sometimes the issue is temporary. They can be caused by a poor night’s sleep or stress. However, under-eye bags can also be persistent and require cosmetic intervention. Below you will find information on surgical vs. non-surgical options for under-eye bags.

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Options for Under-Eye Bags

The great news is that you do not have to live with under-eye bags forever. There are practical solutions to help you look as good as you feel. There are both surgical and non-surgical methods for removing under-eye bags.

Surgical Treatment for Under-Eye Bags

Lower eyelid surgery is the most effective procedure to address under-eye bags. It removes excess skin, tissue, and fat from under the eyes. It also tightens the skin under the eyes and repositions the underlying tissue. This reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The results are natural-looking and subtle. They create a seamless transition between the cheeks and lower eyelids.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Under-eye bag removal, also known as lower eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure. The surgery involves incisions. These are placed under the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid. The incisions along the lower lash line are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring. One of the benefits of the incision inside the lower eyelid is that there are no signs of scarring. The incision placement is discussed and decided at your consultation.

Once the incisions are made, the surgeon removes and repositions excess fat, tissue, and skin. Then the skin is tightened, and the underlying tissue is smoothed. The results are natural and leave your under eyes looking smoother and firmer. Lower eyelid surgery provides long-lasting results. This is achieved by following the surgeon’s postoperative instructions. It is also necessary to take good care of your health and skin.

Pros and Cons of Lower Eyelid Surgery

When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, lower eyelid surgery is highly effective and long-lasting. It addresses the root cause of under-eye issues. This includes loose skin, bulging fat, and tissue laxity. The surgery creates a smoother under-eye area that looks natural. Patients often report increased self-confidence following the results.

There are a few potential drawbacks to surgery, depending on your needs. It includes a recovery period lasting 1 to 2 weeks. Additionally, it is invasive as it requires incisions and anesthesia. To determine if the surgery is right for you, consult with a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Under-Eye Bags

Non-surgical treatment is also an option for under-eye bags. Each patient is uniquely different. Because of this, various treatment methods may be effective for you. Below are some of the most common non-surgical treatment methods for under-eye bags.

Dermal Fillers

One of the most common treatment options for under-eye bags is dermal fillers. Made from hyaluronic acid, they are a top choice for under-eye volume loss and hollowness. The treatment involves injecting filler into the under-eye area. The results are immediate and last between six and eighteen months.

Dermal fillers are a fast, easy treatment with no downtime. You are in and out of the office within thirty minutes. Treatment is also highly customizable and involves no incisions or scarring. However, it is a temporary solution and requires follow-up treatments to maintain the results.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Treatment

While not as long-lasting as lower eyelid surgery, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) treatment offers excellent results. The treatment is best for people with moderate under-eye hollowness or volume loss. It offers natural results that add volume to the under eyes. The patient’s own blood is used to improve the appearance of the under-eye area.

Once the blood is drawn, it is processed to remove impurities. From there, growth factors are injected into the under-eye area. This stimulates collagen production. You will notice results right away, but they continue to improve over time. Over the next few weeks to months, you will notice significant improvements to your skin. This includes improved skin texture and tone, as well as added volume.

Combining Treatment Methods

Under-eye bag removal is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each patient is different, so treatment is tailored to your unique needs. Some patients benefit from surgery, while others may see improvements with non-surgical treatment. Combining both can also be highly beneficial. Many patients opt for surgery and use non-surgical methods to maintain their results. The best way to determine which method is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. They can assess your under eyes and create a customized treatment plan. Be sure to share your aesthetic goals to help guide them.

Which Under Eye Treatment is Right for Me?

Choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options is a personal decision. It is helpful to have a skilled plastic surgeon guide you through the process. However, below are helpful tips to help you choose the proper treatment.

Surgery is often best suited for patients with under-eye puffiness composed of fat bulges or loose skin. Lower eyelid surgery is the most effective treatment for these issues. Treatment is long-lasting, but it does include some recovery downtime. If you are prepared to undergo surgery, lower eyelid surgery can improve your facial aesthetic and boost your confidence.

If your under-eye issues are primarily due to dark circles, volume loss, or hollowing, non-surgical treatment may be enough. PRF treatment or dermal fillers are widely used to address these issues. They require minimal to no downtime and offer immediate results. It is a low-risk way to improve your appearance. However, you do need to get follow-up treatments to maintain your results.

Top Female Plastic Surgeon

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your under-eyes, contact Dr. Sarah Avila today to schedule your consultation!