Treating Under-Eye Bags With and Without Surgery

The pockets of swelling that occur underneath the eyes are commonly called “under-eye bags.” While this is typically a cosmetic concern in older adults, it doesn’t always signify aging. Just like dark circles, your tendency to have puffiness underneath the eyes can be a genetic trait as well as a reaction to certain lifestyle habits. Your diet can even influence how much fluid you retain in your face and around your eyes. In some, under-eye inflammation is an allergic response to something in the environment. Regardless of the cause, it is important to know your options as far as treatment. These include both surgical and non-surgical solutions. Some people may even find that they can improve the appearance of under-eye bags by making some adjustments at home.

Home Remedies

Not everyone can find improvement in their under-eye bags with a home remedy, but it is worth trying if you want to avoid the cost of a professional-grade treatment. The following home remedies and lifestyle changes may help you get rid of eyes that look puffy, tired and aged:

• Use a cool compress on the skin around the eyes for a few minutes at a time.
• Cut down on fluids before bedtime and limit salt intake to reduce your likelihood of waking up with excess eye puffiness.
• Kick you smoking habit, as this only aggravates the swelling underneath your eyes.
• Get enough sleep, and sleep with your head slightly raised.
• Recognize trigger allergens and/or take allergy medication to reduce under-eye symptoms.

Non-Surgical Therapies

If you are unable to find relief at home or not yet willing to go under the knife to reduce your under-eye bags, you may find help with several non-surgical cosmetic treatments. While there are countless over-the-counter products that can be used to smooth the under-eye area, you may achieve better and longer-lasting results from laser resurfacing, a chemical peel and facial fillers from a board certified plastic surgeon. These non-invasive procedures work to tighten the skin and rejuvenate delicate skin around the eyes.

Blepharoplasty

Depending on what is causing your under-eye bags, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) may be the most effective and certainly the most permanent solution. During this outpatient procedure, excess fat is carefully removed through an incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelid or inside the lower lid. Blepharoplasty can also be an excellent choice if you also need to correct puffy upper eyelids, vision impairment from excess eyelid skin or droopy lower eyelids.

Dr. Ben Talei is nationally recognized facial plastic surgeon with elite expertise in eyelid surgery. However, our Beverly Hills practice always values any non-invasive approach that can be used to improve the appearance of the eyes. If you are bothered by frequent puffiness around your eyes, schedule your consult today to learn your options.