Sunken eyes, also known as hollow eyes, occur when the skin under the eyes appears dark and sunken, the eye socket looks large, and the eyes seem deeply set in the socket. Some individuals naturally have sunken eyes from a young age due to a significant genetic predisposition, but they can also develop and worsen with age. However, the primary cause of sunken eyes is the thinning of the skin under the eyes, which is a result of the natural ageing process involving the loss of collagen and elastin.
Hollow/Sunken Eyes
Hollow or sunken eyes can significantly impact your facial appearance, often making you look tired & older than you feel. These changes, whether due to ageing, genetics, lack of sleep, or weight loss, can be distressing but are treatable.
At Perfect Eyes Limited, we specialise in restoring volume and vitality to the eye area with advanced treatments. Our personalised procedures aim to refresh your appearance, helping you look and feel your best.
What are Hollow/Sunken Eyes?
Causes of Hollow/Sunken Eyes
Ageing
Under eye hollows often develop with age due to the degeneration of eye muscles and surrounding tissues, causing the skin beneath the lower eyelids to sink.
Dehydration
Severe dehydration can lead to sunken eyes, particularly in children, though adults can also experience this effect when fluid levels drop significantly.
Lack of Sleep
Chronic fatigue and lack of sleep can accentuate hollows under the eyes, making them appear more pronounced and deep-set.
Weight Gain or Loss
Rapid weight fluctuations can shift facial fat distribution, leading to hollow or sunken areas beneath the eyes.
Genetics
If under-eye hollows run in your family, you may be genetically predisposed to developing them, regardless of age or lifestyle.
Enophthalmos
Enophthalmos, characterised by one or both sunken eyes, may result from trauma, bone loss, weight loss, autoimmune diseases, or conditions like metastatic breast cancer.
Treatments for Hollow/Sunken Eyes
Eyelid Fillers
Eyelid filler procedure is painless and uses hyaluronic acid to fill sunken areas around the eyes. Results are immediate right after the treatment with minimal downtime.
Know More →
Temple Fillers
Temple fillers offer immediate improvement with minimal downtime. A hyaluronic acid-based filler is injected into the temple hollow using a needle or cannula.
Know More →
Tear Trough Fillers
Tear trough fillers provide a quick, painless procedure with long-lasting results. The area is numbed, filler is precisely injected, and expert skincare advice ensures lasting effects.
Know More →
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do sunken eyes look like?
Sunken eyes are also called under eye hollows or tear trough hollows. Everyone’s sunken eyes may look different, but they usually make the eyes look tired and the skin under the eyes seems thinner.
How can I naturally lift my sunken eyes?
One way to help your sunken eyes look better is to drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin hydrated. This can make the skin under your eyes look plumper. You can also gently massage around your eyes to improve blood flow and reduce puffiness.
Which deficiency causes sunken eyes?
Sunken eyes can be caused by not getting enough of certain important nutrients that are needed for healthy skin and facial structure. For example, not having enough Vitamin C, which helps make collagen, can lead to the skin under the eyes losing its elasticity and fullness.
What are the symptoms of having sunken eyes?
Common symptoms of sunken eyes include:
- Dark circles under the eyes.
- Double vision (if caused by an eye fracture).
- Dry eyes.
- Droopy or pulled back upper eyelids.
- Asymmetrical eye positioning.
- Tired-looking eyes.
What are some good foods to eat to help reduce sunken eyes?
You can try eating more leafy, dark green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, sprouts, and kale because they have a lot of antioxidants. It’s also a good idea to cut back on caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee.
Can losing weight cause sunken eyes?
Usually, sunken eyes are more likely due to ageing and genetics, not weight loss. But when you lose fat, you lose it from your whole body, including your face. So, if you have significant weight loss, it might make sunken eyes look a bit worse.
