Do you have drooping, puffy bags under your eyes? They can make you look tired or sad and be challenging to eliminate. Under-eye bag treatments may use dermal fillers, chemical peels, laser treatments, or an eyelid lift. While other treatments work well for minor sagging and puffiness, many people need an eyelid lift to achieve the improvements they want.
What Causes Under-Eye Bags?
Many factors can contribute to temporary or permanent under-eye shadows, bags, and puffiness. Alcohol use, smoking, allergies, and not getting enough sleep can play a role. Many people inherit a tendency toward dark circles and under-eye bags. Aging and sun damage also plays a role as the skin and muscles around the eyes lose elasticity.
How to Get Rid of Under-Eye Bags
The first line of treatment for under-eye bags depends on your unique needs.
Skincare Products
Medical-grade skin care products should always be a core part of your routine, no matter the treatments you have for your under-eye bags. Dr. Leong recommends the dermatological expertise of her colleague Dr. Zena at ZENA Medical. She will be happy to assist you with developing your perfect skincare routine.
Injectables
Dermal fillers make an excellent choice for filling in hollowness under the eyes and smoothing lines and wrinkles. You can safely have dermal fillers alone or after other treatments to enhance your results.
Laser and Other Resurfacing and/or Tightening Treatments
Procedures such as a TCA peel, Croton-phenol peel, CO2 laser treatment, and radiofrequency energy (RF) can improve the crepey appearance of your lower eye area. They can also trigger collagen and elastin production to firm and smooth the area.
Eyelid Surgery
A blepharoplasty or eyelid lift can restore your lower eyelids to a more youthful appearance. Surgery corrects skin laxity and tightens the under-eye area while restoring fat pads to their proper position. Dark shadows and puffiness disappear almost immediately. Dr. Leong almost routinely resurfaces the skin with a TCA peel or CO2 laser at the time of surgery to optimize your results.
How Does a Lower Eyelid Lift Work on Under-Eye Bags?
This procedure uses a small, hidden incision to tighten the skin and muscle, eliminating drooping. Fat pads under the eyes also shift with time, leaving some areas hollow and others puffy, so that this procedure will relocate them to the correct position. You can have an eyelid lift performed on your upper and lower eyelids if you have drooping in both areas.
What is Recovery Like From Eyelid Surgery?
After an eyelid lift, you can expect some swelling and soreness. A cold cloth will make you more comfortable and reduce bruising. Most people can go back to work after about a week. Following your procedure, Dr. Leong recommends diligent sun protection, an at-home skincare routine, and in-office treatments to maintain and improve your results.
Take the Next Step
To make an appointment with Dr. Karen Leong, call us at (949) 844-8999 or fill out the consultation form below.