How Do I Get Rid of My Lower Eye Bags?

Lower eye bags can make you look tired, unhappy, and older than you really are. If this is a problem for you, you are not alone. Puffiness or lower eye bags is a common condition with many causes, from dehydration to genetics and aging. Whatever the reason for your puffy or baggy lower eyelids, don't give up! This blog will give you treatment options and expert tips on how to get rid of them for a more youthful appearance.

Eye Bags Are a Common Cosmetic Problem in People of All Ages

Everyone's eyes are the first thing to show their age. If your lower eyelids look swollen and baggy, it can make you look years older and less radiant. Eye bags and puffy eyes, also known as periorbital puffiness, are common cosmetic problems in people of all ages. They can appear as bulging below the eyes, but they can also look like dark shadows around the lower eyelids. These bags are caused by fluid or fat deposits that accumulate below the eyes. As tissue surrounding the eye is very thin, eye fat tends to be more "noticeable" than fat in other areas. 

What Causes Under Eye Bags?

Under-eye bags are a telltale sign of aging, but what causes them? Below is a list of factors that contribute to eye bags. The first step in dealing with them is identifying the underlying cause. From there, you can begin to address the issue and receive the best treatment available.

Aging and Genetics

You naturally lose muscle mass around your eyes as you age. Over time, the fat beneath the eyes and under the eyelids disappears, causing the skin to sag since it lacks the support it once had. It loses some of its ability to retain moisture, making it more susceptible to wrinkles and sagging. This can also occur when people gain weight or are losing weight quickly from an illness or dieting. Lastly, genetics can be a factor in puffy eyelids because it can cause people to have thinner skin around their eyes.

Not Getting Enough Sleep

If you're not getting enough shut-eye, it goes beyond just feeling tired. Your under-eye area is one of your most sensitive spots and can show signs of aging more than any other part of your face. When you don't get enough rest, blood circulation slows down, making it harder for nutrients to reach the skin cells. As a result, the skin produces less collagen and elastin — two substances needed to build strong skin tissue — which causes eye bags in the first place.

Fluid Retention & Health Conditions

Some medical conditions can cause under-eye bags, such as allergies, kidney disease, sinus problems, and thyroid conditions. Pregnant women may also have it due to hormonal imbalance. These conditions prevent fluid from draining properly from the eyes, causing the 'puffy' look under the eyes.

Lifestyle Factors

An unhealthy lifestyle is another cause of eye bags. Excessive sun exposure, smoking, and high alcohol consumption have all been linked to the development of puffy eyes. 

Stress

When you are fatigued or stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that keeps blood flowing to the brain and muscles and away from other places like the eyes. 

Non-Surgical and Surgical Cosmetic Treatments for Under Eye Bags

Don't let droopy lower eyelids detract from your youthful look. When you're tired of under-eye bags, non-surgical treatments and surgical procedures are available to improve and even eliminate them. Depending on your unique situation, some options may be more suitable than others. Getting a physician's opinion is important to know which one is right for you. Among the treatments available are:

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are one of the most popular non-surgical options for getting rid of eye bags. They can be used to treat sunspots and other skin conditions, but they're best known as a quick fix for minimizing dark circles and wrinkles. It exfoliates and removes dead skin cells from the surface of the epidermis – the outermost layer of skin – helping to increase cell turnover rate for younger-looking skin.

Facial Fillers

If you're looking for a non-surgical treatment for under-eye bags, fillers can be injected into the lower eyelid and tear troughs. It helps fill out the hollows and add volume to the lower eyelid. Fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in human tissue. Not only does HA add volume to your skin, but it also stimulates collagen production. This treatment takes about 10 minutes, requires no anesthesia, and results are immediate.

Micro-Needling

Micro-needling causes the skin to tighten by puncturing it at regular intervals with a tiny device with multiple tiny needles. Each puncture results in new collagen growth. As it mends the skin, it improves the texture and tone of the area under your eyes, which lessens your eye bags' appearance.

After the initial procedure, a series of subsequent micro-needling treatments are recommended to achieve optimal results. Patients usually notice significant improvements following each session, and most require one or a few touch-up treatments to maintain results.

Blepharoplasty (Eye Lift)

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelift, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat, skin, or muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. This type of surgery significantly improves the appearance of your lower eyes and face by lifting, smoothing, and contouring the eye bags. It can be performed under local anesthesia and recovery time is generally short. 

During blepharoplasty, the surgeon will remove excess tissue from either the upper or lower eyelids or both. In addition, they may tighten the eyelids' supporting structures. A small incision is made inside your upper eyelid crease, and natural skin creases usually hide the scar. 

Lifestyle Changes and At-Home Remedies That Can Help Reduce Lower Eye Bags

In addition to cosmetic procedures and treating the underlying cause of lower eye bags, here are tips on how to get rid of bags under your eyes.

Good Skin Care Routine

With a professional skincare regimen, anyone can maximize the results of their eye bags treatment. The latest skincare products contain nutrient-rich antioxidants that boost your skin's elasticity and appearance. Just make sure to use creams and serums provided by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon since they are tailored to each individual's skin type.

Eat a Balanced Diet and Hydrate Well!

Consume a balanced diet for healthy levels of iron and rich protein so your body can build new cells and replenish old ones during sleep. Stay low on sodium and processed foods. Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily will also help promote good circulation to keep the skin under the eyes clear and less puffy. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, and caffeine as these can cause dehydration and fluid retention in the body.

Get Ample Rest and Manage Stress

Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep each night, around eight hours of it. Lack of sleep can make eye bags under your eyes appear worse than they really are. Stress is a significant factor in under-eye circles, so consider meditation or yoga if you don't already practice a stress-reducing routine.

Boost Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainage is a process that removes excess fluid and toxins from your body. Techniques like putting cold cucumber, iced masks, eye massage, gua sha, and rollers can reduce swelling around your eyes. You may not see results overnight, but if you continue these techniques regularly, you should notice that the skin below your eyes looks less puffy, and the dark circles under your eyes begin to fade. Just make sure to confirm it with your doctor first before doing these techniques.

Work With a Doctor You Can Trust!

The eye area contains a great deal of delicate tissue. If procedures are done incorrectly, these can lead to severe complications. Finding a highly experienced, board-certified surgeon skilled in treating the eyelid area is an essential step. If you feel it is time for a more youthful look, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon at Hilton Head Plastic Surgery and Med Spa. Call (843) 681-4088 or book an appointment online today and start achieving your beauty goals!