Introduction to Eye Bag Removal in New York City
Eye bags can significantly affect one's appearance, making a person look tired and older. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality external approach procedures to remove eye bags. Here, we will introduce the departments of the top three establishments renowned for their expertise in this field.
Prasad Cosmetic Surgery
Expert Surgeon
Dr. Amiya Prasad is a leading oculofacial plastic surgeon at Prasad Cosmetic Surgery. With over 25 years of experience in performing eyelid surgeries, he is considered one of the best in his field. People from around the world come to him seeking under - eye bag surgery to improve the appearance of tired - looking under - eye bags.
Understanding Eye Bags
Under - eye bags are often misinterpreted as being caused by fatigue or allergies. However, the persistent bags under the eyes, unrelated to sleep, allergies, excessive salt intake, and sinus issues, are due to lower eyelid fat prolapse. The fat padding that prolapses is called orbital fat, which herniates forward and causes puffy under - eye bags.
Loose skin is another concern after eye bag removal. Depending on the support of the lower eyelid, loose skin can be addressed at the same time. The orbicularis oculi muscle often tightens the skin that accommodated the eye bags or fat pockets after surgery. For wrinkled or crepey lower eyelid skin, Dr. Prasad avoids the complications of skin shortage by using non - surgical treatments like lasers and injectables such as platelet - rich plasma (PRP) or platelet - rich fibrin (PRF) to improve skin quality, texture, and thickness.
Many patients referred to Dr. Prasad have unrecognized problems with lower eyelid support. Restoring lower eyelid support requires specialized techniques, and the support structures can be shaped to create a brighter appearance of the eyes.
Candidate Selection
You may be a candidate for under - eye bag surgery at Prasad Cosmetic Surgery if you always look tired even with plenty of sleep, your under - eye bags are present throughout the day, you find it difficult to apply makeup, or your friends and family often ask if you're tired. During the consultation, a special blepharoplasty examination will be conducted to classify your unique features based on gender, age, ethnic background, and skin condition, allowing Dr. Prasad to select the best approach for treating the under - eye bags.
Surgical Techniques
There are two common surgical techniques for eye bag removal at Prasad Cosmetic Surgery: transcutaneous blepharoplasty and transconjunctival blepharoplasty.
| Technique | Approach | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transcutaneous Blepharoplasty | An external incision is made just below the eyelashes. This approach often involves making incisions and flaps of the orbicularis oculi muscle. | A well - placed incision can be virtually invisible when fully healed. | Patients with darker skin may experience hyperpigmentation along the incision line. It can compromise the integrity of the orbicularis oculi muscle, leading to rounding of the lower eyelids, scleral show, or lower eyelid retraction. This approach is often used by general plastic surgeons without enough eyelid surgery experience. |
| Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty | The incision is made in the inside of the eyelid, in the conjunctiva, to access the fat pockets. | No external incision, so signs of surgery are unnoticeable. The shape of the eye is better preserved as the orbicularis oculi muscle integrity is maintained. There is minimal trauma to the fragile support network of the eyelid structure. It is mostly performed by cosmetic eyelid surgery specialists like Dr. Prasad. | Requires knowledge of the delicate structures close to the eye. |
Anesthesia and Recovery
Dr. Prasad developed his own approach to IV sedation combined with local anesthesia called Lite™ anesthesia, avoiding general anesthesia. After eye bag surgery, minimal swelling and some bruising are typical, which diminishes within a week to ten days. Most patients return to work about one week after surgery. Patients will receive specific recovery instructions and typically have a follow - up with Dr. Prasad in about one week.
Alternative Treatments
The prolapsed orbital fat that causes eye bags cannot be removed without surgery. However, for some people with slight puffy bags and hollowing of the cheek area, hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane may be used to blend and camouflage the puffiness. These fillers are a short - term alternative to surgery and last about a year before being safely metabolized by the body.
Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York
Comprehensive Approach
The Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York offers a comprehensive approach to treating eye bags. Their team of experienced plastic surgeons performs eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, which can produce dramatic, long - lasting improvements to eyelid aesthetics. In addition, their expert, board - certified dermatologists can customize non - surgical treatment plans for concerns regarding the skin around the eyes.
Symptoms and Causes of Eye Bags
Eye bags form directly under the eye and are usually caused by a combination of skin laxity and small fat pockets. Symptoms may include mild swelling or puffiness, discoloration (dark circles), and loose, sagging skin. Common causes of eye bags include genetics, allergies, sleep deprivation, aging, and fluid retention. Sun exposure, liver disease, anemia, alcohol consumption, and smoking can also accelerate the development of eye bags.
Treatment Options
Lower blepharoplasty is the best option for reducing eye bags when patients are good candidates for a surgical procedure. This surgery removes excess pockets of fat and sagging skin to create a smoother, refreshed contour under the eye. The surgeon can combine lower blepharoplasty with upper blepharoplasty to produce more comprehensive improvement to the entire eye. Upper blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess skin that might be sagging over the eye, which can sometimes impair the line of vision.
For patients primarily concerned about dark circles under the eyes, injectable dermal fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane can add subtle volume to this area, reducing discoloration without the need for incisions and a recovery process. These fillers are performed by board - certified physicians with extensive experience at the center.
What to Expect
The plastic surgeons at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York typically perform upper and lower blepharoplasty under IV sedation in the office or a surgery center. Upper eyelids alone can often be done using local anesthesia in the office. They now combine facial fat grafting with blepharoplasty to augment the cheeks and fill in the tear troughs for the best possible results. Incisions are placed within the natural creases of the eye or inside the lid to minimize visible scarring. Most patients return to work within 1 - 2 weeks after the surgery, and swelling can persist for 3 - 6 weeks but is unlikely to be noticeable to others.
Dr. Barry Weintraub's Office
Expert Surgeon
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a top New York plastic surgeon who is board - certified and ivy league educated at the Weill - Cornell Medical Center. He is a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has more than two decades of experience. He is known for his conservative approach to blepharoplasty, aiming to return the eyes to their natural shape and attractiveness without obscuring someone's original aesthetic.
Understanding Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid rejuvenation, is the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. The procedure addresses issues such as puffy upper eyelids, baggy lower eyelids, and excess skin that can make the eyes look tired or change their shape. Dr. Weintraub prefers to remove the lower - eyelid fat pads or “bags” through the backside of the lower eyelid whenever possible to avoid leaving a scar. In cases where the lower eyelid skin is crepey and redundant, he may use a moderate - depth peel or laser. In more severe cases, redundant lower eyelid skin must be directly excised.
Consultation and Candidate Selection
There is no specific age for blepharoplasty; the right time is when you look in the mirror and see something that truly bothers you. When choosing a surgeon, it is important to check for board certification, ensure the physician has a good reputation and hospital privileges, and speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures. The best candidates for blepharoplasty are well - balanced, in good general health, and have realistic expectations. They should be highly motivated, able to pause their daily responsibilities, and have the financial means for the procedure.
Surgical Process
Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the surgery. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. The surgery is performed by Dr. Weintraub himself with precision and care. Cosmetic plastic surgery is not rushed, as he understands that patients will live with the result for the rest of their lives.
Recovery and Aftercare
After surgery, patients must carefully follow Dr. Weintraub's instructions. Mild pain medication, a broad - spectrum antibiotic, and medication to reduce swelling are started immediately. The upper eyelid incision is neatly hand - sewn with a tiny subcuticular suture, and the lower eyelid usually has no visible signs of incision. There will be minimal swelling and bruising. The single suture in the upper eyelid is generally removed on the fifth postoperative day, and female patients can wear eye makeup as soon as the suture is removed. Dr. Weintraub will advise patients on when they can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.
Conclusion
In New York City, Prasad Cosmetic Surgery, the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, and Dr. Barry Weintraub's office are among the top establishments for external approach eye bag removal. Each has its own unique approach, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive services. Whether it's the specialized oculofacial plastic surgery at Prasad Cosmetic Surgery, the combined surgical and non - surgical options at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, or the conservative and precise approach at Dr. Weintraub's office, patients have a range of high - quality choices to address their eye bag concerns.
If you are considering eye bag removal, we encourage you to do further research, read patient reviews, and schedule consultations with these leading institutions. Take the first step towards rejuvenating your appearance and regaining your confidence today!
