Eye bags are characterized by swelling or puffiness beneath the eyes, creating the impression of bags or dark circles. This condition can worsen as we age, becoming a common concern, and leading to an appearance of fatigue or age beyond your years.
The culprits behind bags include a range of factors such as ageing, genetic predisposition, insufficient sleep, and the effects of sun exposure. Less severe bags can improve with adjustments in lifestyle, while other bags under eyes treatment can include surgery.
Fortunately, a spectrum of treatments exists for addressing bags. These options span from optimising sleep patterns to contemplating the prospect of lower blepharoplasty surgery. Meeting with a medical professional is important to determine the best course of action.
What Causes Eye Bags
Ageing and Skin Elasticity
The eye bags cause can vary for everyone.
- Ageing and changes in skin elasticity contribute to bags under eyes. During the ageing process our collagen and elastin decrease.
- Weakening of muscles that support eyelids. Skin and fat can begin to sag creating under eye puffiness.
- Accumulation of fat and gravity causes the fat under the eyes to sag downward leading to eye puffiness and bags.
Genetics and Hereditary Factors
Inherent genetic traits can impact the likelihood of developing eyelid bags. Factors such as the tendency to retain fluids and the strength of one’s skin play an integral role in shaping the appearance of the delicate under-eye area.
Lifestyle Factors
- Stress can cause inflammation which can contribute to eye appearance.
- Lack of sleep can result in puffy eyes.
- Poor nutrition and lots of processed foods can impact fluid retention and swelling.
Aging signs can be the main cause of lower eyelid bags but the other factors can impact their appearance as well. Managing these factors and your lifestyle can help maintain the skin around your eyes.
Types of Eye Bags & Treatment Options
Puffy Eye Bags
Fluid retention and inflammation can cause puffiness around the eyes and cause bags.
Home remedies for bags:
- Cold Compress: A cold compress around the eyes will constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
- Hydration: Proper hydration can prevent fluid retention which causes eye puffiness.
- Adequate Sleep: Eye puffiness can happen when you are sleep-deprived.
Home remedies can provide temporary relief but they do not address the underlying causes of puffy bags. If the puffiness persists it’s best to contact a healthcare professional.
Tear Trough Hollows
A sunken under-eye area can develop. This occurs due to a loss of volume and collagen resulting in a tired appearance. Fortunately, dermal fillers can quickly restore lost volume in the tear troughs.
Facial fat transfer also presents a good option for improving the appearance of under-eye hollows. However please note, that Dr Doyle only performs this procedure in conjunction with another surgery (and not as a stand-alone procedure).
Under Eye Bags
Under eye bags happen when there is saggy or swelling underneath your eyes. Lower eyelid bags can be caused by many different factors. To remove eye bags, lower blepharoplasty can be a good permanent solution.
Eye Bags Treatment
Eye Bag Surgery: A Permanent Solution
Many wonder how to get rid of under eye bags. A possible eye bag treatment is eye bag surgery or lower blepharoplasty. This treatment for eye bags addresses under eye bag removal. Eye bags removal removes excess skin underneath your eyes. The skin removal is a long-lasting eye bags treatment and can improve the appearance of loose skin under the eye.
Eye bag removal results are permanent. During eye bag surgery the fat that is removed does not return, although new fat can grow depending on your lifestyle, aging, and various factors.
Eye bag removal surgery is a common solution to remove bags under eyes, however, you’ll need to maintain your results. Following a healthy lifestyle and guarding your skin against the sun is crucial. You’ll need to follow all post-surgery steps given by Dr Doyle to ensure your best results are maintained.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Eye Bags
There are alternative under eye bags treatments that don’t require surgery to get rid of under eye bags. However, most non-surgical methods do not provide permanent results. The best way to improve your results is to follow a healthy lifestyle and maintain your treatments regularly.
- Skincare
- Eye Creams can help improve skin texture around the eyes.
- Cold compresses can reduce inflammation around the eyes.
- Dermal Fillers
- Fillers injected into tear trough hollows can reduce the look of dark circles under your eyes.
- Fillers last around 6 to 12 months and more filler will need to be injected to maintain volume.
- PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is injected into around your eyes which can help stimulate collagen production and improve eye skin appearance.
- PRP results last around 18 months, and multiple treatments are recommended.
Dermal Fillers for Eye Bags
Fillers used in tear trough hollows can help to combat loss of volume. Fillers add plumpness back to the skin and can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
Bear in mind that dermal fillers are a temporary solution. Over time, the body gradually metabolizes and absorbs the injected filler substance. You can expect results to last an average range of 6 to 18 months.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
- Get plenty of sleep
- Manage stressors
- Follow a healthy diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Limit sodium intake
- Protect your skin from UV rays
Advantages of Lower Blepharoplasty
Long-lasting Results
Lower blepharoplasty surgically removes excess skin and fat to achieve a more smooth eye area. This procedure offers a permanent solution as the same skin never returns.
Improvement in Medical Conditions
Lower blepharoplasty provides a solution for those dealing with discomfort and heaviness around the eyes, due to excess skin or fat. Moreover, the surgery corrects misalignment of the eyelids which can cause irritation, tearing, and dryness in the eyes.
Enhanced Functionality of Eyelids
Lower blepharoplasty improves your lower eyelid function. By tightening the tissue around your eyes it can help them close better and reduce irritation, improving your eye comfort.
Reduction of Eye Bag-Related Symptoms
Tired looking eyes can be refreshed with lower blepharoplasty. Removing excess fat reduces bags and associated discomfort or pressure caused by the additional skin.
Minimising Risks and Complications of an Eyelid Surgery
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Eyelid surgery is a big decision and choosing an experienced and qualified surgeon is very important. Dr Mark Doyle stands out as one of Australia’s best plastic surgeons. He is highly experienced in blepharoplasty surgery and believes in patient-centered care, He will listen to your needs before recommending any treatment plan.
Dr Mark Doyle, Specialist Plastic Surgeon
- Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons – FRACS (Plas)
- 30+ years of cosmetic surgery experience
- 15,000+ hours in the operating theatre
- 10,000+ surgeries performed including 2,000+ face surgeries
- 200+ positive reviews
- Extensive expertise in surgical planning and 3D imaging
- Committed follow-up and 12 months aftercare including scar treatment
- Helped thousands of happy clients! See for yourself with these Blepharoplasty Before and Afters.
Following Post-operative Care and Recovery
During Blepharoplasty Recovery, it is essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions. You may be given eye drops or instructed to apply a cold compress on your eyes. Always do your best to touch the area as little as possible and always attend your follow-up appointments.
FAQs
Is lower blepharoplasty suitable for everyone with eye bags?
Lower blepharoplasty can help reduce bags but this surgery may not be for everyone. During consultation, the surgeon will determine if the surgery may be right for you.
Does Medicare cover lower blepharoplasty for medical reasons?
Blepharoplasty Medicare may pay for medically necessary procedures. Every case is different, the procedure could be considered a medical surgery, but if it’s considered a cosmetic eye surgery, it will not be covered.
Is there a connection between droopy eyelids and the presence of eye bags?
Yes, droopy eyelids can be connected to bags. When eyelid muscles weaken, it can cause a droopy eyelid and bags. It’s also possible to have one condition without the other.
Contact Us
Book a consultation to discover how you can get rid of eye bags and if lower blepharoplasty may be right for you.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plast) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience performing Breast, Body, Face and Nose surgery. Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 30+ years of experience. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are absolutely NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons in our clinic.
As a highly esteemed plastic surgeon, Dr Mark is committed to achieving the best possible results for all his breast, body, face and nose patients, both men and women.
