Are you curious about why your eyes look swollen or how to remove eye bags permanently? The good news is that while they can be annoying, bags under your eyes usually don’t affect your vision or health. If you want to reduce the puffiness around your eyes, there are both temporary and long-term solutions available.
Many products claim to help reduce puffiness and lighten the area under your eyes, but they don’t always do the trick, especially if your eye bags and dark circles are something you’ve inherited from your family. There are many surgical & non-surgical treatments available to address under-eye concerns, so it’s important to consult with your doctor to explore the options best suited for you.
Common reasons for under-eye bags can include:
- Allergies
- Eczema
- Tiredness
- Skin colour changes
- Too much sun exposure
- Getting older
How to Get Rid of Eye Bags?: Medical Options
Surgical Options
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Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty is also referred to as eye bag removal surgery. This surgery aims to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids or bags under the eyes. When done properly, this procedure can give a more youthful look that lasts for about 10 years.
During a lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), the surgeon adjusts the fat in the lower eye area and tightens the muscle and skin to create a smoother appearance. This procedure can often permanently eliminate under-eye bags, with only a rare need for future touch-ups. This is accomplished by making a tiny incision, which can be hidden in the lower lid’s natural crease or, in the case of a “Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty,” on the inside of the lower lid. The surgeon will then either remove or reposition any unwanted tissues before closing the incision with tiny stitches.
However, in some cases, patients may need additional treatments to address under-eye bags, such as combining laser resurfacing, dermal filler or fat transfer.
You can learn more about the under eye bags from here.
Non Surgical Options
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Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing involves using a focused light beam to remove imperfections from the outer layers of the skin. It is a non-invasive surgery with minimal recovery time, which makes it an excellent option for those seeking to get rid of mild under-eye bags along with loose eyelid skin.
This process results in smoother, more youthful-looking skin & stimulates increased collagen production. By using a concentrated light beam, laser resurfacing effectively addresses skin imperfections & enhances the skin’s appearance.
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Tixel
Tixel employs thermal heat to address loose skin and hyperpigmentation, providing non-invasive skin tightening and contouring.
During the procedure, a numbing cream is applied to the skin to numb the area. Then, a special device with heated cones is pressed gently. The heat helps your skin make more collagen, which tightens it up. The tiny cones also make small channels in the top layer of the skin.
This enables specific serums to enter the skin at a deeper level, perhaps reducing dark spots & improving skin texture. After the procedure, you may have scabs on your skin for 1 to 7 days, but you can use makeup to cover them up. The results can last for 12 to 24 months.
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Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a special solution to help the skin shed and reveal newer, younger-looking skin. This treatment can help lessen bags under the eyes.
There are different types of chemical peels, ranging from mild to strong, that can be customised to fit your specific skincare needs. Mild peels target the outer layer of skin gently, while stronger peels penetrate deeper for more noticeable results.
To find the best type for your unique skin, it’s important to consult with a doctor who can offer the guidance you need for your skincare. The outcomes of a chemical peel depend on the type and strength of the peel, as well as your skin type and condition.
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Microneedling
Without requiring surgery, microneedling is a gentle and safe method of improving the appearance of the under-eye area. During this procedure, tiny needles cause minor controlled injuries on the surface of the skin, stimulating the creation of collagen and elastin. This minimises fine lines and bags under the eyes, giving the area around them a more youthful appearance.
Microneedling also improves the ability of the skin to completely absorb skincare products. This means that the active ingredients in the products can penetrate the skin more effectively, targeting under eye bags & wrinkles more efficiently. Microneedling is a non-invasive way to rejuvenate the under-eye area and promote firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
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Under Eye Fillers
Under eye fillers are common known as Tear Trough Fillers it’s a type of treatment that doesn’t involve surgery. It’s a quick & gentle way to improve the skin, making it look younger and more hydrated.
The procedure only takes about 30 minutes. First, a special cream is applied to numb the area around the eyes. Then, hyaluronic acid gel is injected to add volume and stimulate the production of collagen in the skin. This helps reduce the appearance of eye bags and wrinkles.
Fillers can make the skin look plumper and smoother, which is why they’re often used to treat bags under the eyes. Hyaluronic acid is a popular type of filler that helps keep the skin hydrated & firm, and it’s a substance that occurs naturally in the body.
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Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides, a key component in reducing under-eye bags, are derived from the DNA of trout or salmon in a saltwater solution. This treatment effectively reduces lax skin bags and wrinkles by stimulating the body’s collagen production.
Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai usually applies a numbing cream 15 minutes before the procedure. The entire treatment lasts about 15 minutes and involves using a small needle. Polynucleotides (PDRNs) signal specific cells in the body to produce collagen, hyaluronic acid, and fat.
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Radiofrequency Treatment
Radiofrequency (RF) procedures utilise radio waves to heat the lower layers of the skin. It is a non-surgical treatment that helps lessen the appearance of under-eye bags.
Microneedles are inserted into the under eye region at a depth of 1-2 mm for the purpose of delivering RF energy. It melts fat, produces collagen, and enhances skin tone and texture. It also helps with fine wrinkles and fat pockets in the jowl area.
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Plasmotherapy or PRP Injections
PRP eye rejuvenation doesn’t need surgery. It’s a simple procedure that only requires injecting your blood plasma to help with dark circles, bags, or hollows under your eyes.
This non-surgical method uses your own blood to help the production of collagen & elastin, which are important for keeping your skin smooth & youthful. After taking a small amount of blood, the platelets are separated, and the platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the area that needs treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Under Eye Bags
1. How can I naturally reduce my under-eye bags?
Here are some tips:
- Apply a cool compress to your eyes.
- Ensure you get enough sleep.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated.
- Try to avoid drinking fluids before bedtime and reduce salt in your diet.
- Quit smoking.
- Reduce allergy symptoms and avoid excessive rubbing of your eyelids.
- Use cosmetics to minimise the appearance of under-eye bags.
2. Can under-eye bags be reduced without surgery?
Yes, there are non-surgical options, such as chemical peels, radio-frequency or laser treatments, and under eye fillers to improve the appearance of under-eye bags.
3. Can under-eye bags be permanently removed?
A surgical lower eyelid lift can typically get rid of under-eye bags, although some patients may require multiple treatments, such as laser resurfacing combined with filler or an eyelid lift.
4. Do under-eye bags come back after removal?
While some individuals may notice the return of under-eye bags as their skin becomes looser over time, this is not commonly observed. If they do come back, it usually happens after a significant period, such as 10 to 15 years after the initial surgery.
