Bags under the eyes are a common cosmetic concern. People who have bags under their eyes tend to appear tired, even when they’re well-rested. Many people have experienced the frustration of caring for themselves, only to have friends frequently say, “Are you okay? You look so tired.”

Dr. Miles sees many patients (both men and women) at his practice who want to get rid of bags under the eyes. What causes bags under the eyes? Is there anything that you can do about them?

Why do people have bags under the eyes?

For many people, bags under the eyes are caused by aging (which is why they will not go away even when you get plenty of sleep). They’re a result of migrations in the tissues of the face, particularly the fat pads that are located just under the eye. Normally, the fat pads are supported in this position by a connective tissue structure known as the orbital septum. As collagen breaks down during the aging process and the orbital septum becomes weaker, these fat pads may migrate downward, leading to the appearance of bags below the eyes. Extra fat tissue may also accumulate in the under-eye region as you age. The tendency for this to happen is hereditary, so a healthy lifestyle won’t be able to prevent it.

The loss of fat in the cheeks, which is also a common part of aging, can also contribute to the appearance of bags under the eyes. With less fat in the cheeks, the fat tissue under the eyes looks more prominent by comparison. The breakdown of collagen during aging also thins the skin, which may cause the area under the eyes to look dark or purple as a result of seeing through the skin to the blood vessels below.

Bags under the eyes can also be caused or exacerbated by swelling in this area. In some cases, this is a result of a medical condition, such as allergies. Some women experience swelling around the eyes each month, as their hormones shift. When you haven’t gotten enough sleep, you may also see bags under your eyes.

Can anything be done to remove them?

If the bags under the eyes are caused by a medical condition (such as allergies), or a lifestyle issue (such as insufficient sleep), then treating this underlying cause will help. However, when bags under the eyes are caused by shifts in the tissues of the face during the aging process, they cannot be removed by any cream, serum, or other topical treatment. Although applying certain substances to the eye area may reduce swelling to some extent, it will not affect the location of the fat pads, and will therefore not remove the bags under the eyes.

For many patients, a surgical procedure can help. During a procedure known as lower blepharoplasty, a plastic surgeon can remove the excess fat below the eyes that’s causing the problem. In cases where bags under the eyes are the only issue, this can be done through an incision inside of the eyelid. The excess fat will be removed, and the resulting scar will be invisible.

If the patient is also bothered by excess sagging skin or wrinkles in the eye area, this can also be addressed during a blepharoplasty procedure, resulting in a complete rejuvenation of the eye area. The scars will be well-hidden in the folds of the eyelids. In addition, blepharoplasty can be combined with another facial procedure, such as a brow lift, or  Facelift if a patient has additional concerns about the appearance of the face.

Patients who have a blepharoplasty commonly report receiving comments such as, “You look so well-rested,” and, “Wow, you’re looking great.” Generally, no one knows that the patient had surgery unless she or he decides to reveal it. Rather, they simply notice that the patient looks refreshed.

Would you like to learn more from a plastic surgeon Charlotte area?

If you have bags under the eyes, and you want to find out about your options for looking more refreshed, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Miles. He will examine you, and will talk with you to find out more about your concerns and your goals for your appearance. This will allow him to make treatment recommendations. There’s no need to keep looking old and tired. It’s time to get rid of the bags under your eyes, so you look more youthful, energetic, and refreshed.