Eye Bag Reduction

What are eye bags?

Eye bags are a common sign of ageing and usually appear as mild puffiness or swelling beneath the eyes. While they are generally not a medical concern, some people may find them cosmetically undesirable.

What causes eye bags?

Several factors can contribute to the development of eye bags, including:

Ageing, which can lead to changes in skin elasticity and fat distribution
Lack of sleep
Dietary factors
Allergies
Genetics, where under-eye puffiness may run in families

Treatment options for eye bags

The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause and the individual’s needs. Options include conservative management and surgical procedures.

Conservative (non-surgical) treatments

These methods aim to reduce the appearance of puffiness and swelling without surgery. They may include:

Applying cold compresses (e.g., a clean, cool cloth) under and around the eyes for a few minutes
Ensuring adequate sleep and rest
Sleeping with the head slightly elevated
Identifying and treating allergies that may contribute to swelling

While these measures may help improve puffiness, they do not permanently eliminate eye bags.

Surgical treatment – Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

For more prominent or persistent eye bags, a surgical procedure known as lower eyelid blepharoplasty may be considered.

The goal of surgery is to enhance the appearance of the lower eyelid area, making it look smoother and less puffy.
This procedure is cosmetic and elective, meaning it is performed for aesthetic reasons rather than for medical necessity.

Suitability:

A thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon is essential to determine whether you are a suitable candidate.

Factors that may increase surgical risks include:

Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, glaucoma, or high blood pressure
Dry eye syndrome
Smoking

How the procedure is performed

The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on what is most appropriate for the individual.
An incision may be made just below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid, depending on the technique used.
Excess skin, fat, or tissue is carefully removed or repositioned.
The incisions are closed using sutures, surgical tape, or skin adhesives.
Dr Xu may prescribe medications and ointments to help prevent infection and support healing.
Wearing sunglasses during the recovery period may be recommended to protect the area from sun exposure.

Recovery

Swelling and bruising are common after surgery and usually improve over several weeks.
Scars from the incisions generally fade over a few months.
Most people can return to light daily activities within 1–2 weeks, depending on their individual healing process.
Following Dr Xu’s post-operative instructions is important for recovery.

Possible outcomes

Surgery may help improve the appearance of under-eye puffiness and create a smoother, more defined lower eyelid contour.

However:

Results vary between individuals and depend on factors such as skin type, healing response, and anatomy.
No cosmetic result can be guaranteed.
Over time, natural ageing will continue, and further changes to the skin and tissues may occur.

Risks and complications

As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries potential risks, which may include:

Infection
Scarring
Temporary blurred or double vision
Dry eyes
Asymmetry or uneven results
Loss of vision (very rare)

Dr Xu will discuss these risks with you in detail during the consultation so that you can make an informed decision.

Important considerations

This procedure is not medically necessary and is performed for cosmetic reasons only.
Under the Medical Board of Australia guidelines, there is a mandatory cooling-off period of at least 7 days before cosmetic surgery can proceed for adults.
Patients under the age of 18 must undergo a psychological assessment before being considered for this type of surgery.
A face-to-face consultation is required to discuss your expectations, medical history, risks, and alternative treatments.