As we grow older, tissues around the eye gradually weaken and sag. This loss of skin tone allows fat to shift forward into the lower eyelids, making them look puffy and swollen. Fluid can also pool in this area and lead to edema (swelling) This can contribute to the puffy appearance. Shadows may also appear under the eyes. They may be cast by swollen, puffy eyelids due to aging. While having bags or shadows under your eyes may give the appearance of fatigue, it is usually harmless. Other factors that can contribute to under-eye bags include:
* Not getting enough sleep
* Smoking tobacco
* Allergies
* Retaining fluid (often after waking up, or after eating salty food)
* Inheriting this condition (it can run in families)
* Hormonal issues
Winning Home Remedies To Know:
Certain home remedies can help lessen or eliminate the puffiness of under-eye bags due to edema and the appearance of shadows. Below are some tips:
* Use a cool compress on your eyes. Wet a clean washcloth with cool water. Place the damp washcloth around your eyes for a few minutes, applying very gentle pressure. Do this while sitting upright.
* Make sure you get enough sleep. Most experts recommend seven to nine hours of daily sleep.
* Sleep with your head raised slightly. This can help keep fluid from settling around your eyes during sleep. Prop up the head of your bed a few inches, or simply add an extra pillow.
* Try to avoid drinking fluids before bed, and limit salt in your diet. That can help reduce fluid retention overnight that can lead to bags under your eyes.
* Quit smoking as this can contribute to faster collagen loss. This makes the delicate skin under your eyes even thinner, leading to more visible blood vessels.
* Try to reduce your allergy symptoms and avoid excessive eyelid rubbing. Avoid the things that cause your allergies whenever you can. Talk to your doctor about allergy medications.
* Use cosmetics. Try using makeup concealer to cover shadows under your eyes.
Skin Therapies for Under-Eye Bags:
There are a number of skin treatments to reduce under-eye puffiness. These include laser resurfacing, chemical peels and fillers. These treatments are designed to tighten skin, improve its tone, and reduce the appearance of bags under the eyes. Talk with your doctor if you want to learn more about these treatment options.
Eyelid Surgery for Under-Eye Bags:
A type of eyelid surgery called blepharoplasty may help diminish bags under the eyes, depending on their cause. During this outpatient procedure, the eye surgeon / plastic surgeon creates an incision under the lashes or inside the lower lid. The surgeon removes or repositions excess fat through the incision and sometimes removes extra skin, then closes the incisions with tiny stitches. In addition to correcting bags under eyes, blepharoplasty can also repair baggy or puffy upper eyelids. Talk with your doctor about the benefits, risks and side effects of eyelid surgery for under-eye bag removal.
