Do you have puffy eyes? If so, you’re not alone. Most people experience puffiness and bags under the eyes at some time in their lives. While eye bags under the eyes are something we’ve all experienced, these are far more noticeable in some people. Since our eyes are among the first features that people notice about us, we naturally want them to look as fresh, beautiful, and bright as possible. However, eye bags can be an unpleasant distraction and they affect people of all ages, skin types, and tones and are a major cosmetic concern.
Accepting and embracing your dark circles is always beautiful, but if you don’t like the way they look or think that they decrease your confidence, you don’t have to put up with them. It all comes down to how you choose to treat them. That’s why, here we’ll explore how to get rid of under-eye bags, discuss their causes, and everything you need to know about them, from easy lifestyle adjustments to cosmetic procedures.
Under Eye Bags: What Are They and Why Do They Appear?
Many people are concerned about under-eye bags, which are the most prevalent concern. Usually, this begins as a minor, sporadic swelling, but it might become severe, permanent, and broad with time. If left untreated, they may persist for a long time. Although eye bags are sometimes misinterpreted as an indication of tiredness, they result from a complex interplay of various factors such as heredity, lifestyle choices, and environment.
According to popular assumption, bags under the eyes are not a sign of exhaustion or sleep deprivation. Yet, these factors could make them look worse.
Understanding the causes is essential for finding the most effective treatment to minimize and remove bags under eyes:
- Weakening Skin and Tissues: As we age, the skin under our eyes weakens and thins. This allows fluid to gather and cause swelling. The loose skin can give rise to skin bags.
- Loss of Muscle and internal tissue Support: The muscles and internal tissues supporting our eyelids weaken with age. This allows fat that normally supports the eyes to prolapse and create a puffy appearance.
However, the damage can be reduced by eliminating activities like smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, and a diet high in salt. For optimal results, many people address eye bags with skincare products, over-the-counter medications, or under-eye fillers.
What causes bags under your eyes?
Are you frustrated by eye bags and endless searches for how to treat eye bags? But hold on, have you gotten to the root cause yet? Before exploring the various treatments, it’s critical to determine what causes eye bags. There are several reasons why under eye bags develop. Below is a breakdown of some common causes.
- With age, the breakdown of the fatty tissue in the upper cheeks causes bulges to protrude below the eyes.
- The orbital septum, a thin membrane, presses against the skin beneath the eyes to retain fat. If it weakens, the fat may sag, resulting in under-eye bags.
- Smoking can dehydrate the skin, and medical professionals believe that quitting smoking at night might worsen eye puffing by interfering with sleep.
- While genetics can contribute significantly to the appearance of under eye bags, it is not always the main cause.
- Consuming alcohol can dry the skin, increasing the likelihood that it will sink under the eyes.
- Lack of sleep can widen blood vessels, which can result in eye bags under the eyes or make them worse.
- A diet high in sodium can affect the delicate area around the eyes, increasing the appearance of bags and promoting water retention.
- Nasal congestion brought on by allergies and irritations can result in blood pools developing under the eyes, which can produce puffiness around the eyes.
How to Get Rid of Eye Bags?
Under eye bags are one of the most prevalent concerns people have about their appearance, as they make them look fatigued. These unpleasant pouches might make you appear more aged, worn out, and overall less energetic than you actually are. There are various surgical and non-surgical treatments available to remove eye bags, so it’s wise to think about your options. Below are some of the eye bag treatments.
Surgical Professional Treatments to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes
Eyelid surgery
If you have bags under your eyes, there are treatment options available, one of which is eye bag removal surgery, also known as blepharoplasty. The process aims to eliminate or relocate extra skin and fat in the lower eyelid area. The extent of skin and fat removal or modification depends upon the severity of your eyebags, the condition of your skin and tissues, and the shape of your overall face. Excess fat is removed through an incision in the natural crease inside the lower lid. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and requires local anaesthesia.
After the procedure, there is usually considerable swelling and bruising, which may last for 2 to 3 weeks. Before deciding on eye bag removal to remove bags under eyes, it is essential to consult with a competent and experienced oculoplastic surgeon to discuss your options in detail.
Blepharoplasty can also address the following issues:
– Baggy or puffy upper eyelids.
– Excess skin of the upper eyelid that obstructs vision.
– Droopy lower eyelids.
– Excess skin on lower eyelids.
It is important to discuss the potential side effects of eyelid surgery with your healthcare provider, which may include dry eyes, pain, watery eyes, swelling, bruising, and blurred vision. However, rare complications may include visual loss, bleeding, infection, injury to eye muscles, corneal abrasion, and drooping of an eyelid.
Non-Surgical Professional Treatments to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes
1. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are a new and highly effective technique for reducing eye bags. Fillers are available to fill in dark Tear Trough hollows, which are a common sign of ageing and can make the eyes appear tired. The Tear Trough treatment can be completed in just twenty minutes, and the results are immediate, lasting up to two years before a top-up is needed.
During the Tear Trough filler treatment, a hyaluronic acid filler specifically designed to treat tear troughs is injected under the eye between the bone and muscle. The filler helps to even out the surface of the skin and significantly reduces the appearance of under-eye bags. When opting for this procedure, it is essential to ensure that you book your treatment with a fully qualified and experienced doctor.
2. Micro needling
Microneedling is a procedure that targets fine lines, puffiness, and hyperpigmentation, making it ideal for reducing eye bags and rejuvenating the face. To encourage natural collagen production in the skin, a simple tool with small needles attached to it is used to create tiny punctures. If you have sensitive or irritable skin, this treatment is safe and more comfortable than chemical-based alternatives.
The process of microneedling creates micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s natural healing response, thereby increasing collagen production and cell turnover. Collagen keeps the skin contoured, plump, and youthful, which is why this treatment is perfect for reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.
While allowing your skin to feel thoroughly replenished, microneedling helps your daily skincare products reach deeper layers. Therefore, it is crucial to visit a specialist to receive a microneedling treatment safely and comfortably.
3. Chemical Peel
A light chemical peel can be a great treatment for reducing dark pigmentation under the eyes. The procedure takes thirty to ninety minutes and doesn’t require any recovery time, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule. Peels usually contain different chemicals that address various issues, so it’s important to discuss your peel with a specialist before undergoing treatment.
Among the most popular options is a glycolic acid peel, which enhances the rate of collagen production in your skin, reducing the appearance of eye bags. Glycolic acid is best suited for individuals who have puffiness and dark circles due to sun damage, so it’s highly recommended to use sun cream along with the chemical peel to protect your face from the sun.
If your eye bags are caused by ageing, then a retinol acid peel is likely the best option for you. This peel minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, lifting the skin under your eyes and reducing darkness and puffiness. To improve its rejuvenating effect, the peel safeguards the skin with antioxidants while boosting collagen production to thicken the skin under your eyes.
Risk Factors Associated with Bags Under Eyes
Eye bags are generally not a cause for concern, but they can sometimes indicate other underlying health issues. Below are some of them:
- Sudden Appearance: If your eye bags appear suddenly, it could be a sign of a thyroid condition.
- Allergies: Seasonal and other allergies can trigger histamines that your body releases that lead to fluid leakage from blood vessels and puffiness under the eyes.
- Eye Infection: An infection such as pink eye or inflammation resulting from dry eye syndrome can also cause skin swelling. If you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor to receive antibiotics or eye drops to treat the underlying condition.
- Systemic Diseases: Conditions such as kidney failure can also contribute to the development of eye bags.
- Smoking: Smoking habits can exacerbate the problem, as it worsens sleep quality, decreases collagen production, and reduces skin elasticity.
Choose the Best Skin Care Products for Eye Bags
A treatment approach for bags under the eyes should always start with skincare. You should always start by improving the quality of your skin, even if you require expert treatments to assist get rid of your under eye bags. This could be sufficient to address your under eye bags, and if not, it will improve the results of medical procedures. Numerous skincare products are available that are intended to prevent, reduce or remove bags under eyes. These usually work by tightening the skin around the eyes and minimising puffiness.
The following are the essential components of skin care:
- Caffeine: It tightens blood vessels and minimises the appearance of puffiness and swelling because of its vasoconstrictive qualities.
- Retinoids: Retinol helps to firm and smooth the area around the eyes by promoting the production of collagen and skin suppleness. Tretinoin and other prescription retinoids may provide better anti-ageing benefits.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Strong hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the skin, which helps plump it up. This can lessen the appearance of fine lines and bags in this way.
- Peptides: These can improve the texture and strength of the skin. Some peptides have the ability to firm the skin over time, which lessens the appearance of under eyebags.
- Vitamin C: This antioxidant helps produce collagen and brightens the skin. It can strengthen the skin beneath the eyes and help prevent skin ageing.
- Arnica: This is a common element in natural skincare products and helps reduce bruises and swelling. It might also be helpful for people who have bags under their eyes.
- Vitamin E: Known for its healing and moisturising qualities, vitamin E promotes skin health and helps lessen puffiness around the eyes.
- Green Tea Extract: Packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, this helps against environmental stressors and minimises swelling.
Conclusion
To treat under eye bags effectively, it’s essential to identify their causes and take preventive measures. This will allow you to adopt the right approach that works for you. Whether through skincare, non-surgical or surgical treatments, you can choose the one that best suits your needs. However, managing the root causes of under eye bags and improving the quality of your skin is crucial for optimal results.
For most people, good skin care can help reduce the appearance of under eye bags. But, for those with severe or persistent under eyebags, it may not be sufficient to get rid of them completely. It’s important to have realistic expectations and seek advice from a healthcare professional who specialises in treating the under eye area before considering any professional treatments.
Treatment by the Expert
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that offers a more permanent and drastic improvement to tired-looking eyes. At Perfect Eyes Limited, we offer a range of treatments, including under-eye fillers, which can help transform the appearance of the under-eye area.
We understand that with so many under eye bag treatments available, it can be hard to know which is right for you. That’s why, during your consultation with us, we’ll take the time to explain the treatment from start to finish, so you can make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does it cost to permanently remove eye bags?
This depends on the surgeon, the procedure, and the specifics of the case. An eye bag surgery or Lower Lid Blepharoplasty can cost you around £9000. Consult your physician in advance to go over all possible expenses and charges that might be related to a blepharoplasty.
2. Is surgery to remove eye bags painful?
Even though the procedure is usually painless, you might bruise and swell a little. After 10 to 14 days, most individuals feel comfortable stepping out in public.
3. Can iron deficiency be the cause for under eye bags?
Yes, iron deficiency can be a potential contributor to the formation of under eye bags. It is sometimes referred to as anaemia and can cause a range of symptoms, such as pale complexion, exhaustion, and occasionally puffiness or black circles under the eyes. Low levels of iron can affect the blood vessels and capillaries in the sensitive skin around the eyes.