Thanks for your question. Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty to remove bags under the eyelids in the upper and or the lower eyelids is a relativlely common procedure. Most procedures are cosmetic and will not be covered by insurance. Sometimes, if the upper lids droop so much that some vision is disturbed, insurance may cover the procedure. The bags, if they need to be removed, is usually done under local aneshtesia with sedation of the patient in an outpatient (some an approved plastic surgeon's office) operating room. The excess skin and bags of fat can be removed making the eyelids look much better and younger. Often such a procedure can last many years (10 or more).

.....continued. Sometimes laser treatments or chemical treatments which are less expensive, can improve the eyelids, but at your age, most probably surgical treatment is best. Side effects are swelling and bruising (black eyes) which usually lasts for about a week. Infections and eye injury are very rare. If you are considering this procedure, you should consult in person with a plastic surgeon who is board certified and recommended. He or she will explain what you should realistically expect, all of the risks or potential side effects, options and the costs. Eyelid surgery for the two upper lids costs about $2,500-3,500 while the upper and lower eyelid surgery costs aroung $3500-$4000, depending on what needs to be done and where the surgery is done. Skin and fat bags are removed at the same time in about two hours and the final results is usually smooth, younger looking eyelids.