Cause of Lacrimal Sacs
The cause of lacrimal sacs is usually due to the natural aging process. The skin becomes thinner and the connective tissue loses its elasticity. This can lead to water retention and fat accumulation, which causes the typical swelling of the lower eyelids. In some patients, however, a genetic, i.e. hereditary, predisposition also plays a role as the cause of the lacrimal sacs. Poor lifestyle habits such as alcohol and nicotine consumption also promote the formation of lacrimal sacs. Due to stress and too little sleep, the unsightly swellings can appear at a young age, because they can also be the cause of a disturbed or slowed flow of the lymphatic system in the face, which causes the unsightly water retention.
Remove Bags Under the Eyes – The Procedure
In addition to the laser method, surgical removal of the lacrimal sacs is also possible. Depending on the initial situation, the specialist for plastic and aesthetic surgery decides which method is most suitable for the patient. Usually the operation is performed under twilight sleep or, if desired, under general anaesthesia, as it is important that the patient does not move during the operation. After the anaesthetic has taken effect, the incision is made just below the lash line. The experienced microsurgeon makes the small incision with the help of a magnifying glass in order to work very precisely. The excess skin and part of the fatty tissue are removed. During the operation, we treat both eyes ruling out inconsistencies. The wound is then closed with a fine suture in each case and stuck together with a staple plaster. The patient is treated as an outpatient after the lacrimal sac surgery, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and is discharged on the same day after complete recovery. After one week the stitches are removed. The eyes must be treated with an appropriate ointment and eye drops so that the scars heal well, become lighter and soon are no longer visible. After the removal of your bags under the eyes, we will give you important tips on what to keep in mind when dealing with sunlight, the use of make-up and sporting activities.
Laser Surgery on Lacrimal Sacs
Laser treatment of lacrimal sacs is a gentle alternative to surgery of the lacrimal sacs with an external incision. It is used when the fatty tissue on the lower lids is removed with an incision from the inside. The excess skin can then be lasered from the outside and thus be made to shrink. With this method, a small part of the laser beam penetrates the skin and additionally removes the uppermost skin layer and with it the lymph and the disturbing fat deposits of the lacrimal sacs. There are no scars visible from the outside, as the laser does not penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and it is therefore not necessary to close a wound from the outside. Initially swelling and redness are normal. However, these can be treated well with ointments and cooling pads. The very young and smooth skin which grows back ensures that the bags under the eyes are permanently removed. Laser treatment is performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia and lasts a maximum of one hour. One problem when using the laser from the outside is burning the skin. Not every skin type is suitable for this, as the consequences sometimes heal over several weeks and redness and sometimes even pigment irregularities remain. The cutting of the eyelid skin from the outside with the laser as part of the removal of the lacrimal sacs must be distinguished from this procedure. In this case the fat accumulation under the skin is removed conventionally and microsurgically. The laser is used to enter the skin, so that part of the skin shrinks so there is little bleeding. The basic prerequisite for all of the above mentioned procedures at the Sinis Clinic Berlin is a microsurgical preparation of the lower and upper eyelids that is as atraumatic as possible.
Removing Tear Sacs on Men
Both women and men are affected by unsightly bags under the eyes. The removal of tear sacs in men is done in the same way as in our female patients. Once again, a comprehensive consultation with the patient takes place in advance at the Sinis Clinic Berlin. We will clarify your findings and your exact objectives and talk to you in detail about the procedure of this minimally invasive intervention. For our male patients we also decide individually whether the bags under the eyes will be removed by laser treatment or by surgery.
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