Removal of Eyelid fat without an external incision

Otto Joseph Placik, MD answers: Can eye bags and fat be removed without blepharoplasty?

I have had two eyelifts on the lower lid and there is not a lot of elasticity left. However, I have fat under one eye and would like to if possible have it removed. Is this possible?


Otto Joseph Placik, MD
9 months ago

Yes, it is possible but this is semantic.

There is a technique called the transconjunctival blepharoplasty procedure whereby the fat is removed via an incision on the INSIDE of the eyelid. There is no external incision. The inside incision does not generally require stitches. I have used this to remove fat on individuals who have undergone previous blepharoplasty and have no extra skin but persistent fat.

There are some reports of using electrocautery to "melt" the fat percutaneously as well as some individuals who report performing liposuction but this is potentially dangerous as it is a "blind" procedure and not performed under direct vision. Perhaps in the future techniques such as this may be guided by ultrasound or other imaging techniques but this is not the standard at this point in time. The main problem is that ther are nerves and vessels which can be damaged and compromise vision.

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