What if Anything, Can I Do About the Fat Pockets Above my Eyes? (photo)

Fullness in upper eyelids: what can be doneAn exam to see if this is fat or gland would help.  You have deep set eyes. Another consideration is lowering the fold unless you like the deep set appearance

It's not unusual for patients to develop prominent fat pads around their eyes with normal facial aging. Sometimes when these fat pads are laterally positioned, they can be confused with prominent lacrimal glands. Although your pictures are helpful, it's virtually impossible to make this differentiation without a physical exam.When patients have prominent lacrimal glands, a simple procedure can be performed to re-suspend the gland to correct this aesthetic deformity. In contrast, prominent fat pads usually require a formal blepharoplasty. Although there are no strict age criteria for blepharoplasty, this procedure should be approached with caution in someone who's only twenty.If you're concerned about the aesthetics of your periorbital area, it's appropriate to consult a board certified plastic surgeon. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and achieves your aesthetic goals.

Thank you for sharing your question. Many young people are bothered by the extra fat in their upper or lower eyelids. After 20 years old it is reasonable to have a blepharoplasty performed. This is the removal of excess fat and skin from the eyelid. It has about a 2 week recovery time and usually yields excellent results. I hope this helps you and others with similar questions.

If its the inside corner, then fat may be the issue, if its the outside corner, it likely is the lacrimal [tear] gland that is prolapsing for the orbit [eye socket].

This is not unsual in African-American patients, as their orbits are a bit shallower and their eyes are often a bit more prominent.

This can be addressed surgically but resuspending the gland. Although there are many experience surgeons that can provide this expertise, ASOPRS trained Oculoplastics surgeons may have the most experience.

You can find one close to you on the ASOPRS dot org website.

Fat pockets within the upper eyelids can be reduced by simply placing incisions in the crease of each eye and surgically decreasing the amount present.  When you have fullness on the outer part of the eyelid, it may represent a droopy lacrimal gland (the gland that produces tears).  This can be lifted up and sutured down during the same procedure.  This procedure is normally done under local anesthesia, but can be performed under general anesthesia as well.  Fine sutures are used to close the incisions.  The procedure takes about an hour, and you are able to go home the same day.  There is no age criterion - the anatomy dictates what needs to be done, but I would make a consultation with a board certified facial plastic, plastic, or oculoplastic surgeon to discuss all of your options. Good luck.