How a precise 1‑hour eyelid procedure at Medical Aesthetics 360° (Chatswood & Hurstville) may help improve eyebags, under‑eye shadows and skin laxity.
Eyebag Surgery, Under‑Eye Shadows and Skin Laxity – Information for Patients
What is Eyebag Surgery for Under‑Eye Bags and Dark Circles?
Eyebag surgery, also called lower eyelid blepharoplasty, is a minor eyelid operation that removes or repositions the puffy fat pads and excess tissue that cause bulging under‑eye bags, shadows and a tired appearance.
At Medical Aesthetics 360° in Sydney (Chatswood & Hurstville), eyebag surgery is designed for people who are bothered by:
• Visible under‑eye bags or puffiness
• Deep under‑eye shadows or darkening from hollowing and shadowing
• Fine lines and mild skin laxity around the lower eyelids
The goal is to soften the under‑eye bulge, reduce shadowing and give the eye area a fresher, more awake look, while keeping the eyes looking like you.
Eyebags, Under‑Eye Shadows and Loose Skin: Common Causes
Under‑eye concerns are usually caused by a combination of factors rather than just “lack of sleep”. Common causes include:
• Age‑related changes in fat pads – the natural fat under the eye can bulge forward, forming eyebags.
• Volume loss and hollowing – loss of support in the cheek and under‑eye area can create a groove and shadow.
• Skin laxity and fine lines – thinning skin and loss of collagen make wrinkles and creases more visible.
• Pigmentation – some people have more pigment in the under‑eye skin, contributing to dark circles.
• Lifestyle and genetics – allergies, rubbing, sun exposure and family traits can make eyebags and shadows more noticeable.
Eyebag surgery focuses mainly on the structural causes – the bulging fat and loose tissues. Pigmentation and surface texture may also benefit from medical skincare or energy‑based treatments, which can be discussed separately.
How Eyebag Surgery Can Improve Under‑Eye Bags, Shadows and Skin Laxity
Eyebag surgery (lower blepharoplasty) is tailored to your anatomy. During the procedure, your doctor can:
• Remove or reshape bulging under‑eye fat pads to reduce eyebags.
• Reposition fat to fill hollow grooves and soften under‑eye shadows.
• Gently tighten and support the lower eyelid tissues to address mild laxity.
By correcting the structure beneath the skin, many patients notice that their under‑eye bags are flatter, shadows are softened and the whole eye area appears brighter and less tired.
Transconjunctival Eyebag Surgery: No External Skin Cut
For suitable patients, we often use a transconjunctival approach for eyebag surgery:
• The small incision is made inside the lower eyelid (on the conjunctival surface), not on the skin.
• This means there is no external skin cut and no visible lower eyelid skin scar.
• Healing is usually relatively fast, with less disturbance to the outer skin and a very natural eyelid contour.
Because there is no external incision, there are no skin stitches to remove. Most patients simply follow the aftercare instructions and use eyedrops or ointment as directed.
Your Eyebag Surgery at Medical Aesthetics 360° in Sydney
Anaesthetic and Comfort
• The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic only – you are awake, but the eyelids are numbed.
• This avoids the risks of general anaesthesia or heavy sedation, while still keeping you comfortable.
• The local anaesthetic usually lasts around 1–2 hours.
• As it wears off, most people feel minimal discomfort. Many patients do not need pain tablets; some may choose to take simple paracetamol (e.g. Panadol) if required.
Procedure Time
• A typical eyebag surgery procedure usually takes about one hour, depending on the complexity and whether one or both lower eyelids are being treated.
Advanced Radiofrequency (Surgitron)
During the procedure, we use a radiofrequency device (Surgitron) which:
• Cuts and coagulates (seals blood vessels) at the same time, helping to reduce bleeding.
• Provides a controlled thermal effect that can assist with gentle tightening of the surrounding tissues while reshaping the eyelid.
This allows for precise work on delicate eyelid structures and helps to minimise trauma, swelling and downtime.
Pre‑Operative Safety Checks and Preparation
Your safety is always our priority. Before surgery, we will usually arrange:
• Baseline blood tests, which may include:
– Full blood count
– Coagulation/clotting profile
– Infectious disease screening where appropriate
• A review of your medical history, blood pressure and current medications.
You will also be advised to stop or adjust certain medications and supplements (under medical guidance), such as:
• Some blood‑thinning medicines, if appropriate and safe to do so
• Fish oil and high‑dose vitamin E
• Certain supplements and Chinese herbal medicines that may increase bleeding tendency
These steps help reduce the risk of bleeding and other complications during and after the procedure.
Results and Recovery: What Most Patients Notice
After eyebag surgery, many patients notice:
• Flatter, less prominent under‑eye bags
• Softer under‑eye shadows where hollowing has been addressed
• A smoother, more even contour from the lower eyelid to the upper cheek
• A fresher, less tired‑looking eye area overall
Pigmentation‑related dark circles may still be present to some degree, but the reduction in bulging and shadowing often makes them less obvious. Additional skincare or energy‑based treatments may be recommended for residual pigmentation or fine lines.
Everyone heals at a slightly different pace, but a general guide is:
• Days 1–3: Swelling and some bruising are usually most noticeable. Cool compresses and keeping the head elevated can help.
• First week: Many people feel comfortable doing light activities or working from home.
• 1–2 weeks: A large part of the bruising usually settles; many people feel socially presentable with or without light make‑up.
It can take several weeks to a few months for the tissues to fully soften and for the final result to stabilise.
Risks, Limitations and Safety Considerations
Eyebag surgery is generally a safe, low‑risk procedure when performed by trained doctors in an appropriate medical setting. However, all surgery carries some risks, even if they are very rare.
Bleeding and Retrobulbar Haemorrhage
• Mild bleeding or bruising around the eyelids is common and expected after surgery.
• A retrobulbar haemorrhage is a deeper bleed behind the eyeball. This is very rare, but important to mention because it can threaten vision if not treated promptly.
To reduce this risk, we carefully review your medications and medical conditions, use precise surgical technique and coagulation, and monitor you in the early post‑operative period with clear instructions on warning signs to look out for.
Infection
• Infection after eyelid surgery is uncommon.
• When it does occur, it is often mild and responds well to antibiotic ointment or tablets.
You should contact us promptly if you notice:
• Increasing redness, warmth or pain around the eyelids
• Worsening swelling after the first few days
• Any discharge, fever or feeling unwell
Other Possible Issues and Limitations
Other possible, usually temporary or manageable issues may include:
• Bruising and swelling
• Small granuloma or lump formation
• Mild asymmetry, temporary numbness, dryness or irritation of the eyes
It is also important to understand that eyebag surgery mainly addresses structural issues such as bulging fat and lax tissues. Pigmentation‑based dark circles, sun damage and very fine wrinkles may require separate or additional treatments for best overall improvement.
Eyebag Surgery vs Non‑Surgical Options for Dark Circles
Non‑surgical treatments, such as medical skincare, energy‑based devices and under‑eye skin treatments, can help improve skin quality, fine lines and pigment‑related darkening. However, they cannot remove significant bulging eyebags.
Eyebag surgery is usually considered when:
• There is clear bulging of the under‑eye fat pads
• Shadows are mainly due to structural hollowing rather than just pigment
• You are seeking a longer‑term structural solution rather than a temporary camouflage
During your consultation, your doctor can discuss both surgical and non‑surgical options and recommend a plan based on your priorities, timeframe and tolerance for downtime.
Why Choose Medical Aesthetics 360° for Eyebag Surgery in Sydney?
At Medical Aesthetics 360°, we combine medical expertise with a caring, patient‑centred approach:
• Doctor‑led care – your consultation, planning and procedure are carried out by a qualified cosmetic doctor.
• Thorough pre‑operative assessment, including blood tests and medication review for safety.
• Use of advanced radiofrequency (Surgitron) to help minimise bleeding and improve precision.
• A friendly, professional team to support you through both the pre‑operative and post‑operative stages.
Our clinics are located in:
• Chatswood – convenient to Sydney’s North Shore with easy access by train, bus and major roads.
• Hurstville – convenient for Southern Sydney and surrounding suburbs, close to public transport and parking.
Both locations are designed for easy access and comfort, so you can focus on your treatment and recovery.
Ready to Explore Eyebag Surgery for Under‑Eye Bags and Dark Circles?
If you feel that your eyes make you look more tired or older than you feel, even when you sleep well and take care of yourself, eyebag surgery may be an option to consider.
We invite you to book a personal consultation at Medical Aesthetics 360° in Chatswood or Hurstville. During your visit, we can:
• Assess your eyelids, under‑eye bags and skin quality
• Discuss your concerns about under‑eye shadows and skin laxity
• Explain the procedure, costs, recovery and risks in detail
• Create a plan tailored to your situation, which may include surgical and non‑surgical options
Medical Aesthetics 360° – Chatswood & Hurstville
Contact our team to arrange your consultation and take the next step towards brighter, more confident eyes.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal medical advice. Eyebag surgery (blepharoplasty) is a medical procedure and may not be suitable for everyone. Risks, benefits and recovery can vary between individuals. A face‑to‑face consultation with a suitably qualified health practitioner is required to assess your specific situation, determine whether this procedure is appropriate for you, and provide personalised recommendations. No guarantees of outcome are implied or given. Any reference to typical results, reduced risk or faster recovery is based on general experience only and cannot be promised in every case.
