Ah, eyebags. They’re the only kind of bags we don’t want hanging around.

Eyebags are actually ranked as one of the top skincare concerns amongst Malaysian men and women. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Erufu Care (an award-winning local community medical support network) revealed that over 60,568 Malaysians have been enquiring about eyebags removal services online.

What is eyebag removal surgery?

Also known as lower eyelid removal surgery or blepharoplasty, eyebags removal surgery is an outpatient procedure used to tighten loose skin, remove or reposition excess fat, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles under the eyes.

Tiny incisions are made carefully under the lower lash line (following the outlines they marked beforehand as a guide). Then, excess fat is meticulously removed before the skin is delicately sewn back together with dissolvable stitches.

Excess fat is removed or repositioned to reinforce the interconnected muscles and tendons around the transconjunctival (lower eye) area.

The goal of this procedure is to tighten and lift the entire under-eye area to give the eyes a brighter, fresher and more youthful appearance.

A diagram featuring the eyebag removal process. Image source: Dream Plastic Surgery

How long will the procedure take?

Each surgical procedure lasts anywhere between 1 to 3 hours.

Now you see them, now you don’t!

Who needs it? And what causes eyebags?

Anyone to whom severe eyebags are a concern, and who would like a long-term boost of confidence. Moreover, eyebag removal surgery is usually opted by women (and men) above the age of 35, but some have it earlier depending on the severity and prominence of their eyebags. The appearance and severity of eyebags are caused by various factors:

  • Genetic predisposition, eye shape, and bone structure.
  • Allergies, sinusitis, a flu bug, or the common cold.
  • Lifestyle habits (like smoking, drinking alcohol, having poor sleep hygiene, and eating highly processed and salty foods).
  • Gravity and the natural process of ageing (skin naturally loses elasticity as we age and the thin membrane that holds the fat in place weakens over time, causing the under-eye area to sag and droop).
  • Environmental and UV damage (prolonged exposure to harsh UV rays can accelerate the breakdown of our skin’s collagen and elasticity).
  • Hormones and water retention (some women report having puffier eyebags during their time of the month).

Will it hurt?

Not at all! The procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia involves numbing the under-eye area and allowing the patient to remain awake and aware throughout the duration of the procedure without feeling any pain. On the other hand, general anesthesia is usually used when the surgeon is performing multiple procedures, and involves the patient being asleep throughout the entire process.

Will there be scars?

Depending on your surgeon’s expert recommendation, the procedure can be done either through the inner or outer eyelid. The former involves zero scarring, while the latter may leave a faint, barely noticeable scar below the lash line. But fret not, the best surgeons are skilled at hiding their incisions under the lower eyelashes and lash line. And should you feel the need to conceal any faint scars, there’s nothing a little high-coverage concealer can’t fix!

High-coverage concealers are great for hiding mild scars post-surgery (featured clockwise from left: IT Cosmetics Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer; Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Concealer; Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, Laura Mercier Secret Concealer; Esteé Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Brightening Serum + Concealer

How long will it take to heal? Any side effects?

After surgery, the under-eye area will appear swollen or bruised for up to 3 weeks. However, most people report a significant reduction in swelling and bruising after 10 to 14 days, and feel ready to be out and about in public again.

Common side effects post-surgery include bruising, mild bleeding, soreness, dry or watery eyes, and slightly blurred vision. Complications from the procedure are rare as innovations in techniques have improved significantly in recent years. However, should you experience excessive bleeding, fever, and/or pain that worsens over time, do not hesitate to get in touch with your surgeon.

The efficacy of the treatment depends on how well you take care of your skin after surgery.

Aftercare tips to speed up the healing process

It’s important to note that the efficacy of your treatment depends on the current quality of your skin, your age, and how well you take care of your skin post-surgery. Here are some aftercare tips to help you through recovery and minimize scarring:

  • Apply a cold compress throughout the day (for 15 minutes each time) for the first 2 days after surgery.
  • Your surgeon will most likely prescribe over-the-counter painkillers, antibiotic ointments and eye drops to help alleviate discomfort and prevent infections. Remember to use them as advised.
  • Avoid strenuous exercises for a week to avoid knocking any stitches out of place.
  • Wear dark tinted sunglasses to protect the eye area as the skin heals.
  • Get sufficient rest and sleep every night.
  • Reduce your salt intake and avoid smoking and alcohol.
  • Keep allergies in check with medication.
  • Avoid touching your eye area and give makeup a miss for the first 2 weeks.

How much will it cost?

Eyebag removal surgery prices in Malaysia fall anywhere between RM 3,500 and RM 4,000 per treatment (source: Urban Health Malaysia).

Where can I get eyebag removal surgery?

Here are 5 top-ranking clinics (based on Google reviews with an average star rating of 4.9) that offer eyebag removal services in Malaysia:

1. Millennium Clinic, KL

Established in 2019, Millennium Clinic is led by resident surgeon Dr Emma Diana Mohd Salim, and offers affordable services for eyebag removal and various skin rejuvenation treatments.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00am – 7:00pm; Closed on Sunday
Address: 3-22A Level 3, KL Eco City Mall, 59200 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2202 3011 / +6019 203 3010
Website: www.millenniumclinickl.com

2. Monette Ansley Clinic, PJ

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAxfVcxAH0k/

With over 4 years of experience under its belt, Monette is a specialist in aesthetics and anti-aging treatments. The lead surgeon Dr Tan Kok Kin himself has over 14 years of experience in the dermatological business.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00am – 6:00pm; Closed on Sunday
Address: PG13, Tropicana Avenue, Persiaran Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +03 7620 0888
Website: www.monetteansley.com

3. Cosmoglam Clinic, Kepong

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzKPpRhhoKr/

Run by Aesthetic Physician Dr. Mohd Faizal bin Ahmad, Cosmoglam is a stalwart provider of anti-aging treatments and surgical procedures, and provides amenities like wheelchair access and pick up and/or drop off services.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00am – 7:00pm; Closed on Monday
Address: 1st Floor, No. 47-1, Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 1, Taman Usahawan Kepong, 52100 Kepong, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6010 232 3136
Website: www.facebook.com/cgc.kepong

4. Cleo Clinic Aesthetic & Skin Center, Desa Sri Hartamas

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAum_LtFMqQ/

Serving the upscale area of Hartamas, Cleo Clinic’s signature services include eyebag removal surgery as well as skin-clearing treatments for acne scars and hyperpigmentation. In-house physicians are Dr. Tan Choy Ling and Dr. Raimie bin Rahmad.

Opening Hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm on weekdays; 10:00am – 6:00pm on Saturday; 10:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday
Address: 14, Jalan 30/71a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6010 252 1883
Website: www.cliniccleo.com

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5. D&A Clinic, Desa Parkcity

https://www.instagram.com/p/BquTDDAAVC9/

D&A stands for Doctor and Art, and like its namesake, involves the coming together of modern science and aesthetic beauty. A leading provider of services in Desa Parkcity, D&A was co-founded by friends and colleagues Dr. Steve Pang Chan Fu and Dr. Yong Wei Siong.

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00am – 7:00pm; Closed on Sunday
Address: B-G-1, Plaza Arkadia, Bellamy Block, 3, Jalan Intisari, Desa Parkcity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6010 214 1581
Website: www.dna-clinic.com 

For a full and comprehensive list of verified Malaysian clinics that offer eyebag removal services, visit Erufu Care here.

Need help finding a good eye cream? Check out our top 13 favourites here!

Author Clara Siew | Date 28th Sep 2020
Image Credit Shutterstock, Unsplash, respective brands and clinics