4 eye bag removal procedures for seniors
Eye bags form under the eyes due to mild swelling or puffiness. The skin and tissue around the eyes weaken with age, and the fat that supports the eyes can move into the lower lid. This gives the under eyes a puffy and saggy appearance. Moreover, eye bags also become more prominent with age but can be rectified with a few treatments. Mentioned below are some eye bag removal procedures that are suitable for seniors.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are a great choice to get rid of eye bags, especially in older individuals. This non-surgical procedure involves adding a dermal filler under the lower eyelid as it helps to uplift the sagging area. The procedure is super effective and works as well as surgery. The dermal filler is made of hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance. The filler is then placed under droopy or sagging eye bags with the help of a thin needle. After this, multiple punctures and threading techniques fill the drooping skin under the eye.
This entire process eventually leads to tightening the skin under the eye and eliminates any eye bags. The process is relatively simple and effective but what truly makes it a great choice is that if the individual is unhappy with the results, they can always get rid of it. The filler can be melted away with the help of an injectable enzyme known as Hyalase. There is no harm in the hyaluronic acid dissolving as it is already naturally present in our skin. Another benefit of this eye bag removal procedure for seniors is that there are rare cases of allergies or infections. On the downside, this procedure also has a longer lifespan than the surgical methods. Dermal fillers require minimal downtime, and patients can recover within a week.
Laser resurfacing
Scarless eye bag removal, also known as laser resurfacing or Non-Invasive Laser Eyebag Rejuvenation, is another type of popular treatment for eye bags. This is an another procedure that does not require surgery and, therefore, is safer for elders. It is conducted with the help of a 600-micron 1444nm wavelength fiber optic laser. To conduct the procedure, doctors first administer anesthesia to the drooping skin under the eye. After it has taken effect, a laser fiber is inserted into the eye bag area by making a needle-point entry. The laser then melts away the excess fat in the eye. It creates a fat emulsification effect, resulting in better, smoother, and tighter skin and eliminating eye bags. One of the most significant benefits of this mode of treatment is that it comes with less discomfort and inconvenience than a surgical procedure. It is also little to no bleeding based and can be performed in a single session lasting under 15 minutes. The con of this procedure is that laser resurfacing is not for all kinds of eye bags. It can only work on mild to moderate eye bags, not drooping and pronounced eye bags. It is also not a suitable treatment for those who have pigmented skin, because it can lead to discoloration or make it a whole lot worse.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are another great way to get rid of saggy and wrinkly skin under the eye for both young and senior individuals. The peels are powerful and help to remove the superficial top layers of the skin. This helps remove dead cells and reveal tighter and brighter skin. Those who want to opt for chemical peels have multiple choices. They can also decide if they want their procedure done at home or in-office. It is safer to do it under the guidance of a professional. The downside to this procedure is that it is not long-lasting. The results of a chemical peel may last depending on the type of skin and the exposure to external elements such as the sun. For some, the results can last up to a few years.
Blepharoplasty
This surgical procedure is used to get rid of prominent under-eye bags for seniors. This procedure is known as a lower eyelid lift or a blepharoplasty. It requires an incision into the eye bag or the lower eye lift to remove the excess fat causing the skin to droop or sag. Blepharoplasty is recommended for those with severe or very prominent dark circles. It is also great for those with moderate to severely puffy eyes and loose skin. The patient will be required to undergo sedation or general anesthesia. This depends on the severity of the eye bag as well as the requirement for surgery. Once the individual is sedated, an incision is placed below the lash line. The excess fat is then measured and removed from the lower lid.
Once this is done, the incision is closed with the help of stitches or medically approved-skin glue. Those with stitches will have to come back in to get the stitches removed, and the patient can be discharged on the same day, depending on their condition post-surgery. However, they will have a recovery period of around 10 to 14 days. Also, post-surgery, the individual may notice bruises, irritation, dryness in the eye, and even swelling at the surgery site. These symptoms can go away in up to a week, and patients can use treatments and home remedies, such as a cold compress, to manage the pain, as this procedure has many advantages. It very effectively removes swelling and wrinkles under the eyes and also leads to smooth and tight skin. The results are also long-lasting compared to other non-surgical procedures. On the other hand, there is a higher risk of complications and side effects. There could also be bleeding and infection if not maintained and cleaned properly during the course of healing.
