Many people are bothered by eye bags and dark circles that make them look tired or older than their age, but the thought of surgery and general anaesthesia deter many from seeking treatment. Unknown to many however, eye bags can be treated without going under the knife.
What are the causes of eye bags?
To treat eye bags correctly and effectively, we first have to look at the exact reason causing the appearance of the eye bags and dark circles.
Various factors that can contribute to the appearance of fatigue and age in the area around the eyes include:
- Sagging of fat, skin around the ligaments under the eye,
- Resorption of bones in the cheek,
- Appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes due to lax skin and over activity of muscles around the eyes,
- Drooping of the upper eye lids,
- Pigmentation or venous congestion around the eye
- Prominence of the muscle surrounding the eye leading to shadowing, as well as
- Thinning of the skin around the eye.
These, singularly or in combination lead to tired, old and unattractive looking eyes.
How can eye bags be removed with no surgery?
A multifactorial problem will need to be treated with a multi-faceted approach. This applies to both non-surgical and surgical treatments of eye bags/ dark circles.
For non-surgical treatment of eye bag removal, dark circle removal to rejuvenate the eye area, treatments that may be used include:
Fillers
Filler injection around the eye is a quick and effective way to improve the appearance of eye bags and shadowing around the eye. With the correct choice of fillers and injection techniques, fillers placed around the cheeks, temples and under eye area can immediately lift and rejuvenate tired looking eyes.
Botox
Botox treatment around the eye typically targets 2 main issues around the eyes:
a. wrinkles around the eyes,
b. droopy brows
The treatment is aimed at reducing fine lines and wrinkles around the eye as well as lifting the eyebrows to provide a younger looking appearance around the eyes.
Polynucleotide and hyaluronic acid injections – Skin boosters, Rejuran, Rejuran i (eye).
Rejuran and/or skin booster injections around the eye can be used to improve hydration and simultaneously stimulate collagen production. This is important as the skin around the eyes is thin and ages quicker than the other parts of the face.
By improving the quality and health of skin around the eye, we may delay premature ageing of the skin in the long run while providing hydration for brighter looking eyes.
Lasers
There are many lasers that have been used to treat multiple skin problems.
Specific to the eyes, 3 main lasers can be used to treat the area around the eyes:
i. PICO laser
Pigment lasers such as PICO laser can be used to treat pigmentation in the under eye area, to lighten the appearance of dark circles. PICO laser can also improve the skin texture and tighten the skin around the eyes to reduce fine lines and the appearance of tired eyes.
ii . Fractional lasers (clear+brilliant)
These lasers are fractional ablative lasers that penetrate the skin superficially to create multiple microthermal zones which help the skin in the under eye area purge unwanted pigments as well as stimulate collagen production which can thicken the dermis giving rise to tightening and firming of the skin in the under eye area
iii. Vascular lasers
Vascular lasers are useful in treating dark circles that are due to venous congestion underneath the eye bags
Ultherapy (Microfocused Ultrasound or HIFU)
Microfocused ultrasound or high intensity focused ultrasound is a medical technology that uses an acoustic lens to concentrate beams of ultrasound into deeper layers of skin to stimulate new collagen for skin tightening. Treatment around the eyes can help in brow lifting for more energetic looking eyes, and to tighten skin in the under eye area, to reduce the signs of ageing around the eyes.
Magnetic multipolar radiofrequency (RF) treatment
Radiofrequency (RF) is a very useful treatment around the eyes to improve blood circulation, as well as tighten the skin around the eyes. This helps to reduce the puffiness and swelling in the under eye area, as well as reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Is non-surgical eye bag removal better than surgery?
Surgery remains the wide accepted standard in terms of eye bag removal and results are more permanent than non-surgical options.
However, surgery also has its downsides, such as the need for anaesthesia, more serious complications, it is irreversible and will not correct other volume loss in the face.
Non-surgical options are a good bridge for people who may want more time in considering their options, for people who may not be sure if eye bag removal will necessarily be suitable for them, as well as those who may not be ready for a permanent look.
Which treatment is suitable for treatment of my eye bags?
No eye bag or dark circle is the same. Decision on the most suitable form of non-surgical treatment will require careful assessment of the eyes, as well as an in-depth discussion with the patient regarding the desired outcome, risks or side effects of the procedure, as well as the projected downtime. A treatment plan customized to the patient will usually yield a much better result than standard off the rack treatment packages.
How long do the effects last? Is the eye bag removal permanent?
With non-surgical eye bag removal, the duration that effects last typically depends on the treatment undertaken as well as upkeep and maintenance of the skin after treatment. Certain benefits obtained from non-surgical treatment may confer a lasting benefit to the appearance around the eyes, whilst some will require regular maintenance treatments. This will usually be discussed by the treating physician with the patient.
Is there any downtime/ recovery time from non surgical eye bag removal treatments?
Again, as treatment may be multi-faceted and use a myriad of modalities, the downtime/ recovery time from non-surgical eye bag removal may vary from none to about a week. This is generally much shorter and more acceptable compared to downtime from surgical eye bag removal.
How do I find the most suitable doctor for eye bag treatment in Singapore?
The one important take-home message for patients considering non-surgical eye bag removal is to find a doctor or clinic that can offer a comprehensive range of lasers and treatments.
“A multifactorial problem will need to be treated with a multi-faceted approach.”
Eye rejuvenation is a multifactorial problem and will generally require a full range of treatment to achieve the best results.
Eye Rejuvenation treatment requires professional assessment, proper treatment planning and customization of treatment based on individual needs.
If you wish to improve your eye bags/ dark circles, visit us at S Aesthetics Clinic to speak to our doctors.
Tags: Botox Singapore, Eye Bag Removal Singapore
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