Many patients come to us looking for a way to improve the overall appearance of their eyes. Specifically, men and women alike can look aged or fatigued due under eye bags or under eye puffiness.
Instead of looking like they are chronically under-rested, our patients seek the expertise of Dr. Biesman, a sought-after, experienced oculofacial plastic surgeon. Dr. Biesman and his team provide a number of surgical and non-surgical treatments, for example tear trough filler or blepharoplasty, that can help correct under eye bags or puffiness under the eye and restore a more healthy and youthful appearance.
The question is, which of these treatments is right for you? Following a one-on-one consultation, Dr. Biesman can offer his expertise, determining the best way for you to achieve the desired goals. Note that Dr. Biesman’s goal is to achieve a smooth transition from under the eye to the top of the cheekbone, but the recommended treatment option may differ from one patient to the next.
Non-surgical Under Eye Bags Correction with Tear Trough Filler
For patients who may qualify for a non-surgical approach, Tear trough fillers can also be used in conjunction with blepharoplasty in order to achieve the optimal outcome.
When we talk about the “tear trough,” we mean a hollowing of the area under the eyes, specifically between the eyelid and the top of the cheek. Some people are born with a deeper tear trough, thanks to simple genetics, while others can develop deeper tear troughs due to the aging process, as their cheeks gradually begin to sink. Hollowing in this area can lead to that appearance of fatigue or even sadness, even if you are in a perfectly good mood and have energy to spare.
Tear trough fillers, such as Restylane, can be injected into the under-eye area to correct this hollowness. Dermal fillers can help soften the tear trough, creating a smoother transition from the under-eyelid area to the top of the cheek. This does not necessarily remove the puffiness or the bags underneath the eyes, but it can mask their appearance.
Filler treatment offers a number of advantages to the patient, including ease of application. Soft tissue fillers can be administered in just a few minutes, and patients can drive themselves home once their treatment is finished. Additionally, a “numbing cream,” or topical anesthetic, ensures that the procedure is very comfortable. Dr. Biesman’s patients report little or no pain when they receive these soft tissue filler injections.
While tear trough fillers may be the best option for some patients, they do not always offer the desired results for patients whose under eye area is darkly colored, due to skin discoloration, may need to augment their fillers with topical creams or laser therapy. It is also worth emphasizing that under-eye fillers are not permanent, though in most cases they can last for several years.
Tear Trough Injections
Surgically Correct Eyelid Bags with Blepharoplasty
As a world-renowned Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Biesman can also treat patients with blepharoplasty. This procedure involves surgical removal or repositioning of saggy tissues, with the goal of creating a brighter and more youthful appearance.
Dr. Biesman has extensive experience with 25 years of performing blepharoplasty surgery. While a lower blepharoplasty can sometimes involve the removal of excess fat and tissue from the eyelid, Dr. Biesman may reposition this tissue depending on the patient’s needs, spreading it out in that “tear trough” area. This effectively allows Dr. Biesman to reduce the puffiness surrounding the eye while also filling out some of the hollow area between the eyelid and the top of the cheek. This optimizes the results of the surgery, preventing an overly hollow facial appearance.
Lower blepharoplasty is performed in an outpatient surgery setting and is usually performed at around an hour and a half and may be done either under full anesthesia or under “twilight sedation.” (View some of our real patients’ blepharoplasty before and after photos here!)
Tear Trough Filler vs Blepharoplasty
Both tear trough filler and blepharoplasty can be useful ways to minimize the appearance of puffy under eyes so how can you determine which option is best for you?
As a general rule of thumb, anyone who is bothered by puffiness under the eye is likely a good candidate for blepharoplasty. They may also be a good candidate for fillers, especially if the puffiness is mild or moderate. In these instances, the use of soft tissue fillers can help camouflage that puffiness and create a smoother, softer transition between the eyelid and the top of the cheek. However, for patients whose puffiness is more extreme, the use of soft tissue fillers alone may be insufficient for producing the desired results.
For patients who are looking to address dark circles under their eyes, Dr. Biesman may recommend a combination of laser therapy and topical serums or creams, which can be effective in reducing discoloration.
The best way to determine the kind of treatment that is right for your aesthetic concern is to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Biesman.
Correcting Under Eye Bags or Puffiness
If you are tired of constantly looking worn-out and fatigued, schedule a consultation with Dr. Biesman, a trusted plastic surgeon serving the Nashville, TN area. Dr. Biesman has extensive experience (25 years) in oculofacial plastic surgery and can help you determine the type of treatment that will allow you to achieve your desired outcome.
As you consider your options, including tear trough fillers or blepharoplasty, be sure you seek counsel from a qualified plastic surgeon. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Biesman today.