Dark circles are the result of different types of conditions including:

• fat pad in the lower eyelid
• bulging of the lower eyelid
• hyperpigmentation in the eyelid skin (brown pigment)

As there are different causes for dark circles, the treatment methods are also different. In cases of hyperpigmentation, non-invasive laser treatments can help to lighten the discolouration.

On the other hand, if it is due to a fat pad or bulging of the lower eyelid then eye bag surgery treatment will be more suitable.

Skin on the facial area and body area is slightly different and so is its healing.

Previously pierced skin (pierced ears) can give you an idea of how your body will respond to the eye bag removal surgery.  The facial region is a sensitive area. The good thing is that it is replete with numerous blood vessels so healing is better as compared to other parts of the body.

You should show any previous scars (such as keloid scars) to the doctor at the time of consultation. The plastic surgeon will then provide you with a realistic assessment of the healing potential after eyelid surgery. For individuals who have a history of abnormal scarring, the likelihood of such outcomes can be reduced with the use of specific medications.

Yes, you can speed up the healing process by following these steps:

• Eye drops may be used after the surgery or prescribed for use over the next few days after surgery. The eye drops may cause temporary blurring of the vision. The blurry sight is a temporary state caused by the ointment applied by the surgeon to lubricate the area. This blurring resolves on its own and doesn’t need any treatment.
• You should get proper rest to allow the body to recover
• Keep your head in an elevated position when resting
• Use cold compression and ice packs on the treated site to reduce swelling
• Gentle cleanse the incision and avoid vigorous rubbing. Apply topical medication as advised by the surgeon
• Avoid hectic physical activities or heavy lifting for at least one month after surgery. Such activities increase blood flow to the eyes and may interfere with recovery.
• Avoid watching the TV or book-reading or any other activity that might cause drying of the eye
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Use sunglasses when going out in the sun.

Yes, following an ideal diet is extremely important. The ideal diet following an eye bag removal surgery is discussed below:

• Try consuming a liquid diet the next day after surgery to avoid major movement of the facial muscles
• Consume only soft, easily chewable food items for at least a couple of days after surgery
• Have a balanced diet with the right proportions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and minerals
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
• To avoid post-surgical constipation add some fibrous fruits such as watermelon, avocados, etc. to the diet

In addition to the dietary modifications, you can adopt these lifestyle changes to live a better life after operation:

• Abstain from alcoholic beverages for 3 weeks post-procedure as it may lead to complications such as fluid retention
• Avoid smoking as it can delay the healing process
• Take the prescribed medicines on time
• Do not use drugs such as aspirin unless your surgeon approves

A surgical procedure is an invasive procedure. However good the procedure is performed, there are still some common side effects to every surgical procedure. The complications of eye bag removal are temporary and easily manageable. The side effects include:

• Pain
• Swelling and bruising
• Infection can occur
• Bleeding (very rarely)
• Scarring (due to incisions being made)

How To Manage These Side Effects?

You can use doctor-prescribed ointments and medications to subside facial swelling and bruising. Scarring relies on the skill of the surgeon. However, ointments can reduce scar formation.

You can take over-the-counter analgesics (pain medications) for pain management.

You can simply avoid bleeding by keeping your head elevated during the rest periods and by avoiding large movements of your facial muscles. If it occurs, consult your surgeon.

In case of wound infection, revisit the hospital and discuss the condition with your surgeon.

The recovery process is gradual and easy to manage as long as the patient follows the post-procedure home care instructions. Swelling and bruising are present in several cases but the pain is rarely experienced.  By following the postoperative instructions, you can allow better and quicker healing.

The final results of the surgery vary from one individual to another. However, the improvements in the eyelids is easily notable immediately after a surgery. Postoperative swelling kicks in soon after the surgery and continues to peak on the 3^rd or 4^th day. That may cause some discoloration and distort the final results. At the end of 7 to 10 day period, majority of the swelling and bruising should have subsided. Results will look more natural and the contours under eye will look much smoother.

The remaining swelling tend to take a longer time to subside. Therefore, the final results of the eye bag removal surgery are seen 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery.

Showering on the same day of surgery is not recommended.  Most surgeons will advise patients to showering on the next day instead. You may use shampoo for hair washing but be cautious to avoid soapy water from coming into contact with the incision site. After showering, gently pat the incision site dry with a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing the incisions as it may cause the sutures to come loose.

Lower eyelid surgery is regarded as the best and long-term solution. However, if you do not want to go under the knife, you can benefit from other less invasive procedures which include:

Dermal Fillers

The fillers are injected into volume deficient areas in the skin. In this case, the fillers are injected into the lower eyelid to fill in the hollowness and conceal eye bags. It can also lighten dark circles.

Some commonly used dermal fillers include Juverderm and Restylane.

Neurotoxin Injections

Botox is a famous brand name for the neurotoxin released by botulinum bacteria. The toxin is injected into the eyelids to soften the wrinkles around eyes which improves the dark circles.

Laser Treatment

Laser skin treatments can also be used alone or along with other eye bag treatments and surgery to treat dark circles.