Causes and Treatment of Under-Eye bags

Almost everyone has had the experience of getting up for work or school in the morning and seeing dark circles or bags under the eyes from time to time. It’s never an attractive look and, unfortunately, many people suffer from bags and dark circles constantly. But what are the causes of under-eye bags?

 

Temporary under eye bags

are usually caused by water retention under the eyes and can be influenced by many different factors, such as:

• Sleep deprivation
• Colds, sinus infections, or allergies,
• Alcohol
• Excessive salt intake
• Smoking
• Menstruation
• Lack of exercise
• Crying

Permanent under eye bags

are usually a result of hereditary disposition or aging. Aging causes the muscles and skin around the eyes to weaken, allowing fat to bulge below the eye. Though this process is normal, it is upsetting to most people. Bags like these can make a person look chronically exhausted and unhappy–decidedly not a youthful and fresh appearance.

Preventing Eye Bags

A healthy lifestyle with sun protection will help will help prevent water buildup and keep your muscles and skin strong and supple. You can also try sleeping with your head slightly elevated to further prevent water buildup.

Home Remedies for Eye Bags

Spas use cucumbers over the eyes for a reason! The cooling effect can help reduce puffiness. Some people find that over-the-counter creams are effective as well. Eating foods high in antioxidants and avoiding salty, greasy, and processed foods can also help.

Blepharoplasty as a Solution for Eye Bags

If your under-eye bags are the result of sagging fat and skin, a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) might be your best option. The surgery is performed by removing excess skin and fat through tiny external incisions or invisible incisions inside the lower lid. The procedure typically produces excellent results, with patients looking more awake, alert, and youthful. Some patients also develop depressions or crescent shaped indentations beneath the fat bulges that accentuate the bags. This combination of a bulge immediately above an indentation is not uncommon and is best treated with a technique we have used for the past decade that in essence allows us to reposition the protruding fat into the adjacent depression thus correcting both problems. This newer procedure is performed by a limited number of surgeons and produces a more youthful look. Fine wrinkles can be treated simultaneously with resurfacing techniques that can also correct dark circles that are due to excess skin pigment.

If you’re interested in a permanent solution to sagging eyelids, contact Dr. Hilger of Hilger Facial Plastic Surgery in Edina, MN, for more information on eyelid surgery or to schedule a consultation: (952) 844-0404.

About the Surgeon

Dr. Peter Hilger has been performing facial cosmetic surgery in Edina, Minnesota for over 25 years. With thousands of cosmetic procedures performed, his breadth of knowledge and talent is unmatched. Learn more about our Peter Hilger plastic surgeon