Am I Too Old For Lower Eyelid Bag Removal?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am quite old (66 years old) andI want to know if there is help for severe under eye bags and puffiness?

Lower Eyelid Bag Removal results Dr Barry Eppley IndianapolisA: At 66 years old you are far from being too old to have surgery to improve your lower eyes. Such surgeries are safely done on patients up into their 90s. The cause of under eye bags and puffiness is largely herniated orbital fat. As we age the ligaments that hold the fat around the under eye weaken. The fat then gradually spills over the lower bony rim creating the bags that you see. Since such fat is very susceptible to water retention it can get very puffy particularly in the morning or after very salty foods.

Such lower eyelid bags are not treatable by any creams or other topical treatment methods. They can be dramatically improved by surgical reduction/repositioning of the herniated orbital fat to smooth out the lower eyelid. Usually a small amount of lower eyelid skin is removed as well. This is known as a transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty. While there will be some temporary bruising and swelling after surgery, the improvement can be dramatic once it is fully healed weeks later.

If you have any pictures off of your phone that you cane send me I can give a definite opinion as to the benefits of this type of eyelid surgery for you.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana