The Best Treatments for Under-Eye Bags

Sleepless nights and stress can bring about temporary under-eye bags, as can allergies and other types of sinus congestion. But people who are cursed with permanent eye-bags typically have them due to a combination of heredity and aging. Unfortunately, eye-bags are a cosmetic issue that concealers can hide – and home remedies such as putting teabags on the area rarely work.

Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available at AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Birmingham, MI that can help get rid of under-eye bags for a younger, more rested and attractive appearance.

Causes of Under-Eye Bags

There are three pockets or “pads” of fat that exist around the eyes: one next to the nose, one in the center lower lid, and a lateral one on the outside of the undereye.  When the skin around the eyes weakens and sags with age, the skin relaxes and creates a pouch. The fat pads then “herniate” over time slipping down to fill the space created by the drooping skin. This then creates the appearance of puffy under-eye bags.

Additionally, excess fluid in the body can also pool in these pockets of sagging skin, making the lower eyelids look even more puffy and swollen. This is why many under-eye bags are more noticeable in the morning, as the fluid has had all night to settle in. And shadows or discolored skin under the eyes only accentuate the under-eye bags, making them look even more prominent.

Surgery for Under-Eye Bags

The most effective way to eliminate under-eye bags is with lower blepharoplasty surgery. This surgical procedure removes or repositions the fat and skin underneath the eyes to restore a smooth appearance.  There are two basic techniques for performing under-eye, lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

An external incision can be made just below the lash line (cutting through the skin and muscle) around the eye, removing the fat pockets and lifting the skin-muscle flap.

Another surgical approach to under-eye bags is called a “transconjunctival” technique removes the fat from the inside of the lower lid and is often preferred because it does not result in an external scar on the lower lid. A small amount of excess skin can also be removed while leaving the muscle intact – which keeps the shape of lower lid intact.

Top Birmingham, MI plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has performed several hundred blepharoplasty surgeries with stunning results that eliminate under-eye bags and take years off of patients’ appearance.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Under-eye Bags

While blepharoplasty surgery is the fastest and most dramatic way to remove under-eye bags, AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI also offers effective, minimally invasive treatments to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags.

These treatments can be ideal for under-eye bags that aren’t severe enough for surgery – or for patients who can’t incur the downtime or the expense of blepharoplasty surgery.

CO2RE laser utilizes both ablative and fractional laser technology to activates the body’s natural production of new elastin and collagen protein fibers – which are the building blocks, of thick, firm, elastic, youthful skin. As the skin thickens and tightens over time after treatment, it eliminates the saggy pockets where fat and fluid build up under the eyes.

Nordlys IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) delivers light energy that can reduce dark circles caused by both pigmentation and visible veins. This can help reduce the appearance of under-eye bags, as well.

Dermal Fillers such as Juvéderm can also reduce the appearance of undereye-bags, when injected to fill the hollows under the eyes. In February of this year the FDA approved Juvéderm® Volbella XC for injection into the tear troughs to treat under-eye circles and bags. The formula of facial filler has a soft, thinner, smooth consistency that makes it ideal for treating under eye hollows. It’s thin, pliable texture gives it a natural look and feel when used in the tear troughs.

Botox can also help some undereye bags. While Botox does not remove under- eye bags, injections into the “crow’s feet” area can help reduce tension around the eyes and relax wrinkles, which can also help improve the appearance of bags.

Regardless of which noninvasive treatment you opt for, though, be sure it’s with a board-certified plastic surgeon. “Particularly for laser treatments, you need to make sure you are going to a doctor who specializes in treating eyelids,” Dr. Shafer says. “Ultimately, none of the treatments are equivalent, and the plastic surgeon must determine which approach is best for you specifically.”

Under-Eye Bag Treatments | Birmingham, MI

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali offers the best and most advanced technologies for reducing or eliminating under-eye bags. At AMAE Plastic Surgery & Med Spa he offers both surgical blepharoplasty and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments for under-eye bags – including Co2RE laser, IPL Photofacial, dermal fillers and Botox – so you can choose the option that is right for you.

Schedule a consultation and see which type of treatment is best for your under-eye issues and beauty goals – so you can look and feel younger and even more beautiful!

Under-Eye Bag Treatments | Birmingham, MI: 248-335-7200