If you’re sick of your coworkers commenting on how tired you look—even after you’ve slept a full eight hours—then it may be time to seek corrective treatment for your under-eye bags. Whether your under-eye bags are caused by aging or unlucky genetics, you can rest assured that there is help available. What’s more, today people seeking treatment for eye bags have a range of options to choose from, including both surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Non-Surgical Approaches to Treating Under-Eye Bags
For those who are hesitant to undergo invasive surgery, dermal fillers are usually the eye-bag treatment of choice. Dermal fillers, which are typically made of a safe, natural substance known as hyaluronic acid, can restore facial volume that has been lost over time.
How does this correct the appearance of under-eye bags? It’s simple: As we age, we lose a great deal of fat from our cheeks, but not from under our eyes. This results in the under-eye area looking “puffy” in relation to the rest of the face. When dermal fillers are injected into the face, they plump up the cheeks so that the patient’s under-eye area no longer looks prominent by comparison.
Because dermal fillers are administered via injection, they carry minimal risk of complications and don’t require significant recovery time. Most patients can return to their usual activities immediately after having fillers injected, though avoiding especially strenuous activities is advised.
Surgical Approaches to Treating Under-Eye Bags
Not all cases of under-eye bags are caused by a simple loss of facial volume. Some people are genetically predisposed to having excess fat under their eyes, for instance, creating a puffiness that is apparent regardless of how much volume the rest of their face has. For these patients, surgery is often necessary in order to completely eliminate the appearance of unsightly eye bags.
During a lower eye lid lift procedure, fat is usually removed from the area below the eyes and the eyelids are sometimes repositioned. The incision is hidden on the inside of the eyelid. Older patients often need to have excess skin removed from both sets of eyelids and have their upper eyelids “lifted” for a truly pleasing result. Fortunately, recovery time remains relatively brief: Most patients can return to their normal activities within a week after having eyelid surgery (though full healing will usually take 4-6 weeks). These procedures are performed in the office under minimal sedation and maximal comfort. Results will last over 10 years!
With all of the above being said, however, it’s vital to understand that eyelid surgery is an extremely delicate operation. As such, you should be sure to select a surgeon who has extensive experience treating both eye bags and drooping lids. If you’re ready to banish your under-eye puffiness for good, put your trust in the experts at Burt & Will; our board-certified plastic surgeons will protect your vision while working to ensure you look your best.