Diagnostics

The optical diagnosis is relatively simple, because even a medical layman can easily recognize bags under the eyes. However, it is up to the treating doctor to clarify whether the swelling is permanent or temporary and whether the cause is another disease, a genetic predisposition or an unhealthy lifestyle. Once all these factors have been weighed against each other, a decision can now be made on how to proceed.

In doing so, the suffering that the patient has under his changed appearance must also be taken into account. In addition, the content of the lacrimal sacs should be determined, because a pure storage of lymph fluid can usually be reduced by a high fluid intake and decongestant creams. However, the storage of fatty tissue can only be removed surgically. In conclusion, the doctor and patient should decide together whether surgery is an option, or whether changes in daily life and the use of home remedies and medicinal preparations are sufficient as an alternative for the time being.

Procedure

The removal of the lacrimal sacs can be done surgically. For this purpose a patient should consult an experienced eyelid surgeon or a plastic surgeon. A short general anesthesia is recommended for this procedure, as the patient must not move during this operation, as the surgeon cuts very close to the eye, which can have serious consequences in case of unplanned movements.

For this purpose, a consultation with the responsible anesthesiologist should take place beforehand in order to choose a form of anesthesia and minimize possible risk factors. In the operating room, the team consists of an anesthesiologist, surgeon, assistants and specialized operating nurses. The incision, which is made by the surgeon, is made through the inside of the eyelid or usually directly below the lash line, depending on the severity of the development of the lacrimal sacs, in order to make the resulting scars appear as inconspicuous as possible and to hide them by means of the newly formed skin folds.Once the subcutaneous skin is open, the fatty tissue of the lower limb is redistributed or removed and the excess lymphatic fluid is suctioned off.

In addition, a small part of the subcutaneous tissue is removed. It is particularly important to ensure that the tightening of the skin does not cause a pull on the lower limb, so that it protrudes from the eyeball and a so-called “drooping song” develops. In order to prevent this, the surgeon can also perform a muscular attachment to the edge of the eye. In addition, it should be noted that the removal of the fatty tissue has reduced the distance from the vessels supplying the eye and the eye socket to the superficial skin. This can lead to the development of slightly bluish appearing eye circles.