Introduction
Eye bags under the eyes can make the eyes look tired and unpleasant in appearance. Eye bags are one of the signs of aging; however, at a young age, they may also appear due to several factors. Eye bag removal treatment includes surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Some home treatments can also be used for the removal of eye bags; removing eye bags is usually an aesthetic concern, not a medical need.
What Are Eye Bags?
A light puffiness or swelling under the eyes is known as bags under the eyes or eye bags. With the advancing age, the tissues and muscles supporting the eyelids get weaker, and skin begins to sag. In addition, fat that supports the eyes may migrate into the lower eyelids or the space under the eyes, making them look puffy or swollen. Fluid can also collect under the eyes, which aids in puffiness.
What Causes Eye Bags?
Several factors cause eye bags. These causes are listed below:
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Aging.
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Smoking.
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Not getting proper sleep.
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Genetics.
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Retention of fluid after a salty meal or waking up in the morning.
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Dermatitis (skin inflammation).
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Kidney disease.
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Dermatomyositis (autoimmune disorder causing skin and muscle inflammation)
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High salt intake in the diet.
What Are the Symptoms of Eye Bags?
The following symptoms can identify eye bags under the eyes:
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Mild puffiness or swelling under the eyes.
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Dark circles.
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Loose or saggy skin under the eyes.
These eye bags usually do not cause harm except to make the eyes look tired and aged. However, it needs medical attention if it is accompanied by irritation, rashes, vision impairments, or headache. In addition, some underlying diseases can be responsible for eye bag formation, such as thyroid disease, kidney disease, allergy, connective tissue disorder, or some infections.
How to Remove Eye Bags?
There are three ways by which eye bags can be removed or reduced. These are:
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Surgical Treatment - This treatment includes eye bag removal surgery which is called blepharoplasty.
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Nonsurgical Treatment - This treatment includes the use of fillers, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and microneedling.
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At-home Treatment -This treatment includes some home remedies that can reduce the appearance of eye bags.
What Is Under Eye Bag Removal Surgery?
The under-eye bag surgery is known as lower blepharoplasty or eyelid lift. This surgery aims to remove the extra tissue from the under-eye area that causes eye bags. In this surgery, the fat in the under-eye area is readjusted. In addition, the under-eye muscle and skin is tightened to give a smooth and toned appearance from the lower eyelid to the cheeks. The recovery time of eye bag removal surgery is ten to 14 days.
What Is Nonsurgical Eye Bag Removal?
The non-surgical eye bag removal procedures are as follows:
1. Fillers:
In this procedure, a dermal filler is injected underneath the skin of the target area (under the eye). The most commonly used filler material is hyaluronic acid, a gel-like material. Injecting dermal filler makes a smooth appearance in the under-eye area.
This procedure takes 15 to 45 minutes to complete and is done under topical anesthesia to reduce the discomfort for the patient. These non-surgical eye bag removal results last about six to 12 months.
In addition, dermal fillers can cause some side effects, for example, pain and tenderness in the injected area, redness, infection, allergy, the formation of biofilm after the injection, and migration of filler material to other areas. In very rare cases, this may even cause vision impairment or blindness.
2. Laser Resurfacing:
In this non-surgical procedure, lasers stimulate new collagen production and remove damaged surface layers of loose and sagging skin under the eyes. This resurfacing results in tightening skin under the eyes and eliminating under-eye bags.
This procedure takes around 45 minutes to complete. The result of this nonsurgical eye bag removal procedure can last years, depending on the type of skin and exposure to the sun.
However, this procedure carries its risks, like changes in skin color, which can lead to hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, infection, scarring, redness, swelling, and pain.
3. Chemical Peels:
In this procedure, chemicals are used to remove or peel the outermost layer of skin, which is dead, damaged, or wrinkled. The new skin that forms is smoother, firmer, and glowing. It can be light, medium, or deep depending on how deep the chemical penetrates the skin.
The results from chemical peels depend upon the type of chemical peel used and skin type. Results can last from six months to 10 years. However, their risk involves bleeding, swelling, redness, and pain.
4. Microneedling:
In this procedure, tiny needles are used to prick the skin to cause an injury intentionally. These injuries to the skin promote collagen and elastin synthesis under the eye area, making the skin look firmer and smoother. This therapy is called collagen induction therapy (CIT).
The results of this procedure last around four to six months. The side effects are minimal, but some of them include swelling, scarring, skin flaking, redness, or irritation.
How Much Does It Cost for Treatment for Eye Bags Removal?
The surgery for eye bag removal costs more than nonsurgical procedures. The cost of nonsurgical procedures depends on how many sittings are required to achieve the desired results and the skin type. Eye bag surgery is usually done by doctors from the specialty of ophthalmology and plastic surgery. In addition, dermatologists and cosmetologists also do nonsurgical treatments.
What Are the Home Treatments for Eye Bags Removal?
There are some home remedies to lessen the appearance of under-eye bags. These remedies include:
1. Cold Compress:
The undereye bags are treated with a cooling therapy. Patients with eye bags should put cold substances like ice packs, chilled cucumber slices, frozen bags of vegetables, or a refrigerated spoon over the closed eyes for a few minutes. These chilled substances will reduce the inflammation and swelling under the eyes.
2. Hemorrhoid creams:
Hemorrhoid creams can also improve under eye bags as these have an ingredient named phenylephrine which narrows blood vessels and reduces blood flow to decrease swelling. However, using these creams poses a risk of irritation to the eyes.
3. Caffeine:
Caffeine also constricts the blood vessels and is used as a vasoconstrictor. Placing chilled tea bags on closed eyes can reduce the appearance of eye bags.
Conclusion
Eye bags under the eyes can appear for many reasons, like lack of sleep, aging, genetics, extreme salty diet, kidney or thyroid disorders, etc. These eye bags can make an individual look very aged and tired. Surgical and nonsurgical treatment can effectively reduce eye bags. In addition, cold compression with chilled spoons or ice packs at home can also reduce the appearance of eye bags. If home treatments do not work, an individual should follow nonsurgical or surgical treatment. Surgical removal of eye bags gives dramatic results and lasts longer than nonsurgical and home remedies.
