Baggy Eyelids – Too Much Fat, or Not Enough in the Right Place?

We don’t have to tell you: as a natural part of the aging process, facial contours change. What was once a youthful, energized appearance somehow turns into a tired, sunken appearance. Changes that first appear in the early 40’s become progressively worse. Facial tissues descent and fat atrophies, causing a lengthened lower eyelid and a distinct junction between the eyelid and cheek. That hollow beneath the eyelid is known as a “tear trough” deformity. What it might seem that the solution is to remove fat from those baggy eyelids, the better option may be quite the opposite—adding fat to recontour the facial architecture by enhancing the cheeks to minimize the tear trough. This can be achieved by transferring fat to this area, which restores a rested, healthy and energized appearance.

When isolated to the eyelid cheek junction, the procedure often can be performed under local anesthesia. A nerve block is administered where the fat will be placed. Fat can be harvested under local anesthesia from almost any body area that has a little extra, and is then centrifuged, separating out fat cells. Through an incision no larger than a pencil tip, several layers of tiny parcels of fat are carefully injected into sunken areas, artistically reestablishing youthful facial contours. Postop, there is usually moderate bruising and swelling, most of which clears within a week; any residual bruising can then be concealing with cover-up, and most patients can return to work.

Dr. Bruck has a wealth of experience with fat transfer and would enjoy discussing whether this is the right procedure for you.