Real or Fake Eye Bags: Your Guide to Eye Bag Removal in Singapore

Looking tired and haggard even though you have rested well? Look in the mirror again, maybe your eye bags make you look tired, haggard and older than you actually are.

As we get older, the muscles and tissues under our eyes weaken and the fat that supports the eye can drop which makes them appear swollen and “baggy”. Stress, lack of or too much sleep, and an unhealthy lifestyle can cause eye bags too. Many people are bothered by this puffiness under their eyes which makes eye bag removal in Singapore a hit these days.

Dr Isaac Wong (formerly known as Dr Israr Wong), an aesthetic specialist who is based in Singapore, with special interests in dermal fillers and thread-lifts combination therapy says that there are two types of eye bags that need different treatment.  Read on to know more about eye bags and eye bag removal in Singapore from Dr Wong.

What are Eye Bags? 

Eye bags are mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes caused by the weakening of tissues and muscles that support our eyelid. Excess fluids can settle there causing more puffiness.

According to Dr.Wong, there are types of eye bags. One is real eye bags and the other one is fake eye bags.

• Real Eye Bags - this type of eye bags are mostly caused by ageing. Tissues and some muscles get weaken causing bulges below the eyes. This needs eye bag removal surgery to be corrected.
• “Fake” Eye Bags - they are mostly known as “tear trough”. They are the hollow appearance between the lower eyelid and the cheeks. Tear troughs are rather genetic than a result of ageing and often appear in the teenage years. They can also be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, stress and irregular sleep patterns. They do not need surgery and fillers will be able to correct tear troughs.

Eye Bag Removal Surgery

Real eye bags need eye bag removal surgery. It is also known as a lower blepharoplasty procedure. The main goal of this procedure is to correct loose skin and excess fats under the eyes to achieve a youthful look. Fillers can be also attempted but the percentage of improvement will only be up to 30-50%.

Eye Bag Removal Surgery Procedure

If you have decided to go under eye bag removal surgery, your surgeon will ask you about your medical history as well as if you are taking any medications like vitamins, maintenance or herbal supplements. Then, a physical and vision examination will be done. Eyelid photography is also needed. This will be used for planning the surgery, assessing its long-term effects and to support insurance claims.

Before the surgery starts, your surgeon will make a mark on your lower eyelid that will serve as a guide on where to make an incision. Local anaesthesia will be administered to manage discomfort.

The surgeon will cut into the lower eyelid and will remove the excess fats and skin. A few stitches will close the cut that will give your eyes a lifted look.

After the Surgery

You will be monitored in the recovery room for any complications before you will be allowed to go home. After the surgery you may experience the following:

• Numb eyelids
• Double vision
• Blurred vision
• Watery eyes
• Pain and discomfort

Things to Avoid after Surgery

• Avoid strenuous activities like jogging and work-out for a week
• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid straining for a week
• Avoid heavy lifting for a week
• Avoid swimming for a week
• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or any medication that may increase bleeding

If you experience shortness of breath, severe eye pain, bleeding, vision problems or chest pain, seek medical attention right away.

Risks

There are potential risks in every surgery. Eye bag removal surgery in Singapore has its risks too and this will be discussed to you by your surgeon before the surgery. Here is a list of possible risks:

• Numbness
• Infection and bleeding
• Noticeable scarring
• Skin discolouration
• Irritated eyes
• Vision loss
• Need for a follow-up surgery

That is why it is important to talk to your surgeon about the benefits and risks before deciding if eye bag removal surgery is good for you.

Fillers for Eye Bags

Dr Isaac Wong (formerly known as Dr Israr Wong) mentioned that fillers can also be attempted for “real eye bags” but a percentage of 30-50% improvement can only be seen. This is ideal for people who just want to reduce the puffiness under their eyes. 

But fillers can be effective in treating “fake eye bags” or tear troughs. Tear trough can be treated with Restylane Vital Light, Belotero Soft, or Teosyal Redensity II. With local anaesthetics, fillers will be injected into the hollowness under the eyes and if injected correctly, visible results can be observed immediately. There will be some swelling and bruising, but it will disappear after 3-5 days. The treatment lasts for 6-9 months and if you want to maintain your look, you have to go undergo filler injection again.

Cost

Eye bag removal surgery in Singapore ranges from $1,550-$2,500. There are other factors to consider about the cost like the surgeon's fee and other additional fees like prescription medication, anaesthesia, medical tests, and clinic fee. Remember, eye bag removal is cosmetic surgery so Medisave will not cover the cost.

Fillers for tear trough are charged by the syringe. It costs between $650-$1250 per syringe. The cost also depends on the brand being used. If Vitamin C–infused mono-filament threads will be used in combination with the fillers, it costs about $850-$1,000 per treatment. The threads help firm up and tighten skin and tissues under eye while the Vitamin C lightens dark circles. It also stimulates collagen production. For the cost, you can always ask for an estimate form your doctor or clinic so that you’ll have a better idea of what you are paying for.

Dr Isaac Wong (formerly known as Dr Israr Wong)​
304 Orchard Road, Lucky Plaza Suites #05-42,
Medical Specialists, Singapore 238863
+65 9735 9930