Eye Bags

As time passes, our eyes can lose their sparkle, weighed down by puffiness and swelling. Whether you're seeking to rejuvenate your appearance, enhance your facial features, or simply feel more confident in your own skin, we're here to help.

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What are Eye Bags?

Eye bags often present as swelling or puffiness around the lower eyelids that affects your overall appearance and self-confidence. They can happen because of fluid buildup, fat moving beneath the eye, and sometimes, certain medical issues. Eye bags are a common sign of ageing, but they can be seen in young adults too. As you age, your appearance might change, especially the soft tissues around your eyes accompanied by the loss of structural bony support. This area can sag, become thin, loose, and wrinkled, and give the appearance of tired eyes.

Causes of Eye Bags

High-salt diet

Consuming high amounts of salty foods leads to water retention, causing puffiness and swelling under the eyes.

Allergies

Seasonal allergies or sensitivity to certain substances can cause congestion and inflammation, resulting in swollen and puffy eyes.

Medical conditions

Certain health conditions, such as thyroid issues or fluid retention, can lead to swelling and puffiness under the eyes.

Genetics

If your family members have under-eye bags, you might experience them too, as it can be an inherited physical characteristic.

Natural ageing process

As we age, our skin and muscles lose firmness, leading to sagging and puffiness under the eyes.

Lack of sleep

Not getting enough restful sleep can cause puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.

Smoking

Smoking can cause vascular constriction, reducing blood flow and leading to puffiness and discolouration under the eyes.

Sinus trouble

Sinus pressure and congestion can cause puffiness and swelling under the eyes.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, causing puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.

Stress and drinking too much caffeine

High levels of stress leading to sleepless nights and high caffeine intake can cause puffiness and tension under the eyes.

Crying

Excessive crying can cause puffiness and swelling under the eyes due to increased fluid retention.

Treatments for Bags Under Eyes

Lower Lid Blepharoplasty

This precise surgery removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the lower eyelids, smoothing the under-eye area. A tiny incision, hidden in the natural crease or inside the lid, allows for a virtually scarless result.

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Meet the Expert: Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai

With over two decades of surgical and non-surgical experience, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai is currently considered to be one of the safest, most experienced oculoplastic surgeons in the UK. Her extensive training, in combination with her caring and empathetic nature, makes her a natural choice for patients seeking the very best care. For this reason, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai appears consistently in Tatler magazine as one of the UK’s “Best Eye Surgeon” and “Top Doctors” since 2019, and is the recipient of multiple awards, including “Best Aesthetic Doctor” Safety in Beauty Diamond Award 2023, “Consultant Surgeon of the Year”, “Best Surgical Result” Aesthetic Awards 2021 & Highly Commended “Consultant Surgeon of the Year” Aesthetic Awards 2022. She was voted by “MyFaceMyBody” as one of the Global 100 most influential aesthetic practitioners in 2019 & 2020.

Dr. Sabrina - Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Surgeon- Signature

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of Eyebag Surgery?

While Eyebag Surgery is a safe operation, there are risks associated with it. Some common risks include:

  • Infection
  • Scarring
  • Large bruise or haematoma
  • Theoretical risk to vision
  • Hollow appearance
  • Temporary poor blink
  • Sagging of the lower lid

How can I get rid of eye bags permanently at home?

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to completely remove eye bags permanently at home. However, a few natural treatments and changes in lifestyle, like using cold compresses, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate sleep, along with topical skin care with eye serums containing caffeine can help lessen their appearance.

Can thyroid problems cause eye bags?

Yes, thyroid problems can cause eye bags. When your thyroid hormones are out of balance, it can lead to fluid buildup and swelling around your eyes, resulting in puffiness and bags. This is because thyroid hormones play a big role in regulating many functions in your body, including fluid balance.

What deficiency causes dark circles and bags under the eyes?

Low levels of vitamin B12 and iron deficiency anaemia may contribute to dark circles under the eyes.

When should I consider medical treatment for eye bags?

If home remedies and over-the-counter products are not effective, or if you desire more immediate and noticeable results, medical treatments like dermal fillers, laser therapy, or blepharoplasty may be considered.

What are the main symptoms of eye bags?

Eye bags, or periorbital puffiness, typically present with the following symptoms:

  • Loose or sagging skin
  • Minor swelling and puffiness
  • Dark circles
  • Fat deposition
  • Mild redness