Health

Under Eye Bags: Causes and Treatments

Under eye bags are also known as puffy eyes. They are very common, just like aging. Under eye bags are not usually a sign of a medical condition but are a cosmetic concern. Under eye bags can be a bother, but they have no impact on your health or vision.

What Are Under Eye Bags?

Under-eye bags are puffing or mild swelling under your eyes. It is a condition where some of the muscles that support your eyelids and the tissues around your eyes weaken.

The fat that supports your eyes will shift to the lower eyelids and cause them to appear puffy. There are instances where fluid moves to your lower eyelids to cause the puffiness.

What Causes Under Eye Bags?

There are several causes of under eye bags. They include:

  • Natural aging. This is the most common cause of under eye bags. Your muscles and skin will lose their firmness as you age.
  • High-salt diet. High consumption of salty foods will cause you under eyes to swell as you will retain a lot of water in your body.
  • Genetics. You can also get under eye bags because it is a physical characteristic of the members of your family.
  • Medical conditions. Your eyes can swell as a result of medical conditions such as thyroid problems.
  • Allergies. Allergies can cause inflammation and congestion, which will lead to Under eye swelling.

Treatment for Under Eye Bags

There are two treatment approaches on how to remove eye bags. They include:

  1. At-Home Treatment

At-home treatments offer a quick fix for your under eye swellings. Mild swellings will subside within the day. The treatment options include:

  • Caffeine. Caffeine will constrict your blood vessels. Take caffeinated black tea and rest it on your closed eyelids.
  • Hemorrhoid creams. These products contain phenylephrine, which constricts your blood vessels and reduces puffiness. You can get these creams over the counter. However, some will irritate and you should make sure they don’t get into your eye.
  • Cold compress. A cold compress will reduce blood flow to lessen inflammation. You need to find a cold item like frozen vegetables, ice packs, refrigerated spoons, and more. Use a cold compress for a few minutes.
  1. Medical Treatment

Non- Surgical Approaches

  • Filler. The doctor will inject filler material like hyaluronic acid in the swollen area. You will be under local anesthetic for this treatment. The results will last between six and 12 months.
  • Chemical peel. Your doctor will apply a chemical solution to dissolve old skin cells. How long the results last will depend on your sun exposure and skin type.
  • Laser resurfacing. A laser will remove wrinkly skin in the affected area. It also stimulates new collagen growth to form a firmer skin. The results also depend on sun exposure and skin type.

Surgical Treatment

A surgeon will perform a procedure called a lower eyelid lift. He or she will readjust the fat in the lower eyelid and tighten the skin and muscles for a smooth appearance. A lower eyelid lift is an outpatient procedure, and there are minimal chances you will need a follow-up treatment.

Conclusion

Under eye bags are rarely serious. They are caused by factors like allergies, natural aging, high-salt diet, genetics, or medical conditions. At first, you can try and treat it at home. However, there are medical options that include non-surgical and surgical treatment.

Non-surgical approaches include laser resurfacing, filler, and chemical peel. These approaches treat under eye bags for a few months or years. The surgical procedure is called a lower eyelid lift and is a long term solution.

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