Non-surgical eye bag removal (Tear Trough)

tear trough

Non-surgical lower eye bag removal

One of the most exciting recent advances in aesthetic medicine is the tear trough treatment. By using the well known facial filler Restylane Perlane, this procedure can improve tired eyes, baggy eyes and dark circles under the eyes. Top eye surgeons have reported that many of the patients who were previously having surgical excisions for lower eye bags (blepharoplasty), are now getting even better results with the injection of Perlane.

How does it work?

Tear troughs are depressions which run from the nose and all around under the eye. These depressions get worse as we age, as a result of the sagging skin and facial fat underneath, leaving this depression. As the face ages this gives the appearance of lower eye bags and dark circles. Until quite recently, it was thought that only surgery could improve the eye bags, and there were no effective treatments for the annoying dark circles under the eyes. Perlane is injected into this depression through a very fine needle, and this is a pre-periosteal treatment as the filler is injected just above the bone of the eye socket. The filler is then moulded through careful massage and the results are incredible and instantaneous.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure takes around 30 minutes, and the results are instantaneous.

Does it hurt?

The area treated is not very sensitive and pain in most patients is minimal, so much so that we usually do not use any analgesia at all for this procedure.

How long do the results last?

The results will last around 9-12 months, but in many cases it can be even longer. Once the patient has had a few top ups, the results can be very long lasting indeed.

Is it safe?

Since the manufacturer Q-MED, launched Restylane in 1996, it is estimated that over 9 million treatments in over 70 countries have been carried out worldwide. Restylane Perlane, which is used in this procedure, is a biocompatible and biodegradable product which means that it is not harmful to the body and is broken down and removed from the body naturally.

The hyaluronic acid fillers come in the form of a sterile gel produced in the laboratory. The advantages of these modern fillers include that they are non-permanent, unlike the surgical alternative.

Are there any side effects?

Some injection related side-effects can occur including redness, tenderness, swelling and bruising and none of these are ever very serious and they will resolve in a matter of days. Out of these side effects probably the most common in this procedure is bruising, as we are treating a very vascular area under the eye. However, there is no danger from this, and the bruising can be covered with make up.

Major long term side-effects are incredibly rare, and hypersensitivity reactions are reported to be as rare as 1 in 20,000 according to latest research.

What are the advantages of this procedure over surgery?

We will assess every patient thoroughly before deciding whether they are suitable for this non-surgical procedure. Many patients who previously thought that their only alternative was surgery, are pleasantly surprised when they are told that this quick and simple procedure can solve their problem. However, there are still many patients who would not be suitable for this procedure and who would still have to have surgery.

The advantages of avoiding surgery are many:

Aftercare

After every procedure, we will give you aftercare advice.