Bags under your eyes can make you look old and tired. So, if they’re clearly visible or you’re starting to see them appear, you probably wonder: What’s the best way to get rid of them? You probably realize that eyelid surgery – blepharoplasty – is a long-lasting solution. But you may also wonder if filler injections are a less invasive, less expensive alternative. We’ll discuss both options here. But first, we’ll consider:
What causes bags under your eyes?
Your face has a whole system of muscles, fat, and supportive tissue below the skin. This system helps you show facial expressions, supports key structures like your eyes, nose, and mouth, and keeps your skin smooth and attractive. Unfortunately, as you age, your skin, muscles, and connective tissue start to sag. Fat volume starts to melt away where you want it, since it makes your features look young and attractive. It can also move to where you don’t want it.
There’s a substantial fat cushion between your eyeballs and your bony eye sockets. This fat protects your eyes and helps them move smoothly. When you’re young, your muscles and connective tissue keep the fat in place. But as you age and these begin to sag, the fat under your eyes can protrude out. In addition, fluid may gather under your lower eyelids. This can make the area under your eyes look puffy and eventually result in “bags” under your eyes.
Can filler injections help?
If you’re just seeing the beginnings of bags under your eyes, the problem may be volume loss in the natural fat pads below them on your face. If this is your issue, filler injections can make a big difference. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane are generally preferred to restore volume to this area.
It’s important, though, to choose your injector wisely. The area around your eyes is sensitive. Accidentally injecting filler into a blood vessel could result in tissue damage, even blindness. Fortunately, this rarely occurs with well-trained, skilled injectors. So, you’ll want to see a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, cosmetic dermatologist, or plastic surgeon who’s experienced in filler injections. This calls for a highly qualified professional. It’s not a place to price shop.
With the right doctor, filler injections are quick and easy. Unfortunately, your great new look won’t last long. Your body usually absorbs hyaluronic acid fillers in about a year. So, to maintain your look you’ll need to schedule annual filler injections. That can really add up over time.
Blepharoplasty – The long-term solution to bags under your eyes
The best way to eliminate bags under your eyes is to remove the bulging fat that’s causing the problem. That is done with a lower blepharoplasty procedure. After administering anesthesia, your surgeon will open an incision through the muscles above the fat deposits. They will first clamp and then cauterize blood vessels in the fat tissue to prevent bleeding. Once the blood vessels are cauterized, your surgeon will remove the bulging fat. Recovery is usually complete in a week or two.
Even after the bags under your eyes are gone, you may find remaining fine lines and wrinkles below your eyes that can make you look old. Some surgeons recommend laser resurfacing to eliminate them. In fact, some offer a procedure bundle of blepharoplasty plus laser.
Others may offer fat transfer to restore natural-looking volume under your eyes if needed. If you have enough healthy fat cells in other locations, this could be an option for you. Just be certain to schedule fat transfer after planned weight loss since dieting could melt away the newly transplanted fat cells. And if you plan to have liposuction, have your fat transfer procedure first, so there will be enough fat to transplant.
After blepharoplasty and any other needed procedures, your eyes will look years younger. And since we Americans have all been taught to look people in the eye, your family, friends, and coworkers will be sure to notice how much better you look.
Who’s best to treat the bags under your eyes?
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Because your eyes’ health and appearance are so important, you’ll want to choose the best physician to successfully treat the bags under your eyes. If you primarily need fillers, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon can all do the work. If you need a blepharoplasty, you’ll definitely want a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or a plastic surgeon who specializes in facial surgical procedures.
Experience is a must. Find out how many blepharoplasties a surgeon has performed. Look at their Before and After pictures of surgery to eliminate bags under the eyes. You’ll want to see clearly that your surgeon gets good results with this procedure. You can read more in “Need a Facelift, Neck Lift, Filler or Blepharoplasty? How to Find a Facial Plastic Surgeon Online.” If you’d like to successfully treat the bags under your eyes and you’re in Inland Empire, California, feel free to come see me for a no-cost evaluation at STC Plastic Surgery in Ontario.
