Laser pocket removal

2025-04-121 min read

Before / after

Real cases from the practice, unretouched, framed on the treated area only. Each result is individual and does not predict yours.

BeforeBefore: Under-eye bags
AfterAfter: Under-eye bags
Under-eye bags
BeforeBefore: Bags removed and dark circles filled with fat
AfterAfter: Bags removed and dark circles filled with fat
Bags removed and dark circles filled with fat

Written and reviewed by Dr Bernard Hayot, ophthalmologist, RPPS 10003926226.


Laser pocket removal

Often mistaken for a sign of fatigue, bags under the eyes are a sign of ageing. They are indeed linked to changes in the structures around the eye, but they can appear at a young age for hereditary reasons.

There is no age limit for surgery. Laser pocket removal is now a procedure with convincing, long-lasting results.

What is under-eye puffiness?

The bags result from a fall in the collagen content of the skin, often linked to age.

In the orbit, the eye is surrounded by a fatty cushion that protects it from the bony walls and is held in place by a very thin tissue called the septum, which tends to slacken with age. The fat then slides downwards, forming bags, or fatty hernias.

The size of the bags can vary with diet, a sedentary lifestyle and the hormonal cycle.

Fatty pockets must not be confused with malar bags, which sit lower down and require a specific oculoplastic procedure.

Why have laser eye bag removal?

Bags can be a source of self-consciousness, as they age the gaze prematurely. There is no age limit for surgery to remove them. Laser pocket removal is a minimally invasive eyelid and oculoplastic procedure that leaves no visible scar and has only a few

This page is for information. It does not replace a consultation: every situation is judged on examination.

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The full text by Dr Hayot

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Introduction
Often mistaken for a sign of fatigue, bags under the eyes are a sign of ageing. While they are indeed linked to the evolution of eye structures, they can appear at a young age for hereditary reasons. There's no age limit to surgery! Today, laser pocket removal is a procedure with convincing, lasting results.

What is under-eye puffiness?

Pockets are the result of a decrease in collagen in the skin, often linked to age. In the orbit, the eye is surrounded by a fatty cushion that protects it from the bone walls, and is held in place by a very thin tissue called the septum, which tends to distend with age. The fat then slides downwards, forming bags, or fat hernias. Bag size can vary according to diet, sedentary lifestyle and hormonal cycle. Fat pockets should not be confused with malar pockets, located lower down, which require a specific procedure.

Why have laser eye bag removal?

Bags can be a source of complexes, as they prematurely age the eyes. There's no age limit to surgery to get rid of them. Laser pocket removal is a minimally invasive procedure that leaves no visible scars and has only a few contraindications. The risk of side effects is minimal. The transconjunctival route also prevents any deformation of the eye. As a precautionary measure, however, surgery is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Procedure for laser pocket removal by Dr Hayot

An initial consultation enables Dr. Hayot to examine the bags under your eyes, to determine the indications and to establish a personalized treatment protocol based on your needs. At this time, he will inform you of the precautions to be taken before surgery, such as:
  • Do not take anti-coagulant or anti-inflammatory drugs. If possible, stop taking these medications one to two weeks before the operation.
  • Make an appointment with the anaesthetist at least 48 hours before the operation. Blood tests will be requested.
  • Obtain prescribed medication (such as dry eye drops) in advance.
  • Fasting 8 hours before surgery.
The procedure takes place on an outpatient basis and lasts less than an hour. A local anaesthetic is usually applied to prevent any discomfort. Dr. Hayot performs transconjunctival laser eye bag removal. The bags are removed without removing any skin, and with a precise assessment of what needs to be removed to avoid altering or hollowing the eyes. The use of the CO2 laser is intended to ensure an extremely fine incision, simultaneous cauterization of the tissues to avoid bleeding and, above all, excellent operative visibility, enabling the right volume of fat to be removed. This surgical technique requires a thorough knowledge of eyelid surgery, years of experience in assessing the volumes to be removed without excess, and mastery of the CO2 laser scalpel. It is therefore advisable to call on an oculoplastic surgeon who has been operating with a CO2 laser for many years.

Results of laser treatment for under-eye bags

The results are immediately noticeable and definitive. Puffiness disappears and the eyes are instantly lighter. No scars are visible and no stitches are required. Nor does the skin swell or bruise. Social avoidance may be necessary for only 2 to 3 days. The post-procedure period is light. However, it is advisable to wear sunglasses and apply ice packs to the treated area to prevent eyelid oedema. Regular application of eye drops is necessary to soothe dry eyes.

Side effects of laser pocket removal

They are all the more rare when you call on a practitioner who specializes in eye surgery and has mastered the CO2 laser scalpel. The transconjunctival approach avoids any risk of eye deformation.

Fees for laser pocket removal by Dr. Hayot

The cost of the operation depends on the fees of the surgeon, hospital staff and anesthetist. Clinic fees and the cost of equipment must also be taken into account. You will receive a detailed, personalized estimate at the end of your initial consultation.