Eye bags or Under Eye Bags are a frequent concern related to appearance that can give the impression of fatigue, age, or poor health. The causes of these swollen, puffy areas under the eyes might range from heredity to ageing, allergies, and lifestyle choices. Even while there might not be a serious health concern associated with eye bags, they can significantly impact your appearance & self-esteem.
With the help of this blog, we will provide you with a complete understanding of under-eye bags, including their causes, effective treatment options & when to seek medical help. You will find valuable information here to help you address this condition, whether you are looking for natural remedies, medical procedures, & lifestyle changes.
What are Bags Under Your Bags?
Eye bags are modest swelling or puffiness below the eyes. They become more common as you grow older due to the weakening of the tissues around the eyes, including some of the muscles that support the eyelids. The fat that normally provides support to the eyes can then shift into the lower eyelids, causing them to appear swollen. Additionally, fluid may accumulate beneath your eyes.
Bags under eyes are often an aesthetic issue and rarely indicate a serious medical condition. Simple remedies at home, such as using cool compresses, can help improve their appearance. In cases of persistent or bothersome under-eye puffiness, eyelid surgery may be considered as an option.
What are the Main Under Eye Bag Causes?
The appearance of dark under-eye bags are due to soft tissue volume loss and loss of deep bony structural support, but they may be is due to the visibility of blood vessels, which can become more prominent when the skin in this area becomes thinner or when the blood vessels become enlarged. Lifestyle, genetics & medical issues can all contribute to the development of under-eye bags.
Before delving into the treatments and solutions for under-eye bags, it is essential to determine their causes. Identifying the source of the issue is the initial stage in understanding which treatments will be most effective for you.
Here are some of the top causes for the presence of eye bags.
- Ageing – As collagen declines with age, skin loses elasticity, causing fat to shift and create under-eye puffiness.
- Lack of Sleep – Lack of sleep causes blood vessels to expand, making under-eye bags more visible due to the thinner skin in that area.
- Genetics – Genetics play a key role in developing under-eye bags, often passed down through family traits and DNA.
- Allergies – Allergies trigger sinus inflammation, leading to puffy, swollen eyes, often aggravated by rubbing the delicate area.
- Smoking – Smoking reduces collagen production, causing sagging skin and fluid retention, which leads to pronounced under-eye bags.
- Alcohol Consumption – Excessive alcohol dehydrates the skin, making it appear dull and weak, contributing to the formation of under-eye bags.
- Sunlight Exposure – Overexposure to sunlight damages collagen, leading to under-eye puffiness and accelerated skin ageing in this sensitive area.
How to Get Rid of Under Eye Bags Naturally?
While it may not always be possible to completely prevent under eye bags due to natural or genetic factors, minimising the formation of under eye bags at home entails making healthy lifestyle choices and sticking to a regular skincare routine.
- Ensure you get sufficient sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night to allow your body to fully rejuvenate and prevent the development of under eye bags.
- Maintain a nutritious diet: Include a well-balanced mix of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to prevent fluid retention and inflammation, which can lead to under eye bags.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to minimise the appearance of under eye bags, but avoid excessive fluid intake before bedtime to reduce overnight fluid retention.
- Moderate alcohol and caffeine intake: These substances can dehydrate your body and contribute to prominent eye bags, so consume them in moderation and balance them with water.
- Be gentle when dealing with your eyes: Excessive rubbing can damage the delicate skin under the eyes and worsen under eye bags, so take care when applying or removing makeup.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can cause inflammation and worsen under eye bags, so try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing.
- Use SPF: Apply SPF 30 or higher daily to protect the delicate skin under your eyes, prevent sun damage, and reduce the chances of hyperpigmentation.
Read more about Treatments for Eye Bags removal in detail.
Best Treatment for Under Eye Bags
If you’re wondering how to permanently remove bags under your eyes, various effective treatments are available. Specialists can recommend the best option for your needs.
While lifestyle changes and home remedies may provide minimal results, professional treatments deliver noticeable improvements, often instantly. Below are some of the popular treatments for under eye bags.
-
Lower Blepharoplasty
Eye Bag Removal Surgery is also referred to as “Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty.” It is a procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids or eye bags. When done right, this surgery can make a person look younger for about 10 years.
During the surgery, excess skin, fat, and loose muscle under the eyes are removed to smoothen the under-eye area. A small incision is made either in the natural crease of the lower eyelid or inside the lower lid, depending on the type of procedure. Unwanted tissues are removed or repositioned before the incision is closed with fine stitches.
You can discuss your goals with your oculoplastic surgeon during the consultation and see before and after pictures of similar cases to understand the process.
The surgery aims to minimise scarring by placing the incision in the natural crease of the eyelid.
-
Tear trough fillers
Tear trough fillers are a treatment that doesn’t involve surgery and is non-invasive. They can help add volume and reduce the look of hollows, slight eye bags, and dark circles.
This technique gives natural and youthful results that last a long time, from 6 months to a few years. The treatment is not very painful, as they use a numbing cream, and there is only a little downtime afterwards.
-
Microneedling
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is a procedure that can help with fine wrinkles, under-eye bags & skin discolouration. It’s safe for different skin types and tones.
The treatment can also improve the skin under the eyes by adjusting the depth of the tiny needles. It’s been proven to be both safe and effective for under-eye concerns, leading to better skin texture and the initiation of collagen production.
-
Chemical Peel
Chemical Peels have the ability to make the under eye area smooth and firm. They entail putting a chemical solution on the skin, which aids in eliminating the upper layers of the skin. The skin that grows back after this process tends to become smoother. It may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results with a light or medium peel.
Chemical peels can target wrinkles , under-eye bags, skin discolouration, and scars, typically on the facial area. They can be done alone or in combination with other treatments and can range in intensity from light to deep. While deeper chemical peels produce more noticeable results, the recovery time is also longer.
-
Ultraclear laser
The UltraClear Laser is suitable for addressing issues like puffy eyes and under-eye bags. It is an innovative cold ablative fibre-optic Erbium laser, which has been approved by the FDA for treating all skin types.
It effectively and safely treats various skin conditions in just one session, enabling patients to achieve their best appearance quickly. By resurfacing the skin and eliminating uneven pigmentation, it renews & revitalises the skin. Additionally, it promotes the production of collagen & elastin, reducing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin texture.
This technology provides several benefits over traditional laser treatments, such as reducing pain, discomfort, downtime, recovery time, & the risk of serious skin injury. It helps improve skin and the formation of new skin cells while stimulating collagen & elastin production.
-
Tixel
Tixel® has the ability to target issues such as puffiness, eye bags, drooping eyelids, and loose skin around the eyes. Tixel is also referred to as “thermal fractional skin rejuvenation.” It is a non-invasive technique for firming and reshaping the skin using thermal energy to address drooping skin, bags, and uneven skin tone.
It is suitable for all skin types & produces outstanding results for the under-eye area. Tixel® provides a quick recovery time & minimal discomfort, effectively addressing the sensitive skin around the eyes. The results are long-lasting, typically lasting for 12 to 24 months.
-
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 offers a non-invasive solution for reducing dark circles and under-eye bags, without the need for surgery. This treatment utilises fractional radiofrequency (RF) to sculpt & elevate the skin.
It is effective in diminishing puffy eyelids, loose skin, swollen malar bags, & nasolabial folds. By stimulating collagen production, it also addresses issues such as rough skin texture, fine lines, scarring, & superficial capillaries.
Morpheus8 is suitable for all skin tones with minimal downtime. The procedure takes place in an outpatient setting and involves the application of topical & local anaesthesia. The radiofrequency is administered through microneedles on a hand-held device, targeting the dermis within a marked grid on the skin to promote the production of collagen and elastin.
When to See a Medical Professional?
The presence of bags under your eyes is generally harmless and does not typically necessitate medical attention, even if you find them unappealing. If the condition starts to affect your vision, causes irritation or headaches, or is accompanied by a skin rash, it is advisable to consult with a health care provider.
Your healthcare provider will eliminate other potential contributing factors to the swelling, such as thyroid disease, infection, connective tissue disease, or allergies. You might be directed to a specialist, such as an ophthalmologist, a plastic surgeon, or an oculoplastic surgeon, for further evaluation.
Conclusion
Under eye bags are a common issue affected by factors such as ageing, genetics, & lifestyle choices. While they are generally harmless, they can impact your appearance & self-esteem. Natural remedies like improving sleep, maintaining hydration, and avoiding smoking & alcohol can help manage puffiness and eye bags. For more persistent cases, medical treatments like lower blepharoplasty, laser treatments, & fillers are effective options. If your under-eye bags become severe or cause discomfort, it’s important to seek professional advice to rule out underlying medical conditions & find the best treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is under eye bag surgery painful?
Under eye bag surgery is usually not very painful. You might have some swelling and bruising, and it can take a few months to fully heal after the procedure. During recovery, you can use cold compresses & antibiotic ointment to help with the swelling.
2. Can laser treatment remove eye bags?
Yes, UltraClear laser treatment is a non-invasive way to reduce under eye bags. The treatment uses microscopic laser columns to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and promote collagen production in the skin.
3. Is under eye bag surgery permanent?
In most cases, under eye bag surgery provides long-lasting results. However, some patients may need additional treatments like laser resurfacing or filler injections to achieve the desired outcome.
4. Can drinking water help reduce under-eye bags?
Yes, drinking more water can help reduce under-eye bags if you’re dehydrated. When your body is dehydrated, it tries to retain water, which can lead to puffy under-eye bags. Cutting down on alcohol can also keep you hydrated and minimise eye bags.
5. Can a lack of iron cause under-eye bags?
Yes, iron deficiency, also known as anaemia, can contribute to under-eye bags. Iron is important for maintaining healthy blood circulation, and a deficiency can affect the blood vessels & capillaries in the delicate skin around the eyes, leading to puffiness & eye bags.
