A lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is an outpatient procedure where the surgeon readjusts the fat in the lower eye area and tightens the muscle and skin to create a smooth appearance. In most cases, a lower eyelid lift gets rid of under-eye bags for life — it's rare for people to need future touch-ups.
The most effective way to address under-eye bags is with a lower blepharoplasty, a surgical procedure that involves the removal or repositioning of the fat and/or skin underneath the eyes.
Bags under eyes are caused when the tissue structures and muscles supporting your eyelids weaken. The skin may start to sag, and fat that's usually around the eye can move into the area below your eyes. Also, the space below your eyes can gather fluid, making the area look puffy or swollen.
The best way to reduce them long-term is to make certain lifestyle changes. Drinking more water and applying a cold compress can help shrink eye bags quickly, but these are not long-term remedies. This is especially true if your eye bags and dark circles are genetically inherited.
Wet a clean washcloth with cool water. While sitting up, apply the damp washcloth to the skin under and around your eyes for a few minutes using light pressure. Cut down on fluids before bedtime and limit salt in your diet. This will reduce the fluid retention that can cause bags under eyes.
Facial fillers (also called 'dermal fillers' or simply 'fillers') can also be used to reduce the appearance of under eye bags by adding volume to areas that may appear deflated. Dermal fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm, are made of a material known as hyaluronic acid.
Surgery for eye bags can range from between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the doctor, the type of surgery being performed, and what exactly is required. Talk to your doctor ahead of time to discuss all potential costs and fees that may be associated with a blepharoplasty.
"Applying cool spoons under the eyes can help reduce puffiness [because] the cool temperature constricts blood vessels and the pressure of the spoon against the skin enhances lymphatic drainage of excess fluid," says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner.
Dermatologist Suneel Chilukuri recommends applying cold cucumbers over the eyes for five minutes. The cucumber juice and the cold temperature act as anti-inflammatory compresses. Dr. Jeanniton adds that chilled green tea bags make a great compress as well.
A cold compress reduces swelling. Buy a cold compress at your local pharmacy or make your own by covering a bag of ice cubes with a cloth or freezing two spoons. Place the compress on your under-eye bags for several minutes or until it reaches room temperature to reduce puffiness.
Placing a cold compress over the affected eye or eyes for 15 minutes can reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin B12, E, K and D, have been associated with dark circles.
Bagginess under the eyes may also be due to genetics, and in these cases, are difficult to resolve and may be more permanent. They may appear almost overnight, may develop over time, and may stay for as long as the underlying cause is unresolved.
Surgery for eye bags can range from between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the doctor, the type of surgery being performed, and what exactly is required. Talk to your doctor ahead of time to discuss all potential costs and fees that may be associated with a blepharoplasty.
Dermatologist Suneel Chilukuri recommends applying cold cucumbers over the eyes for five minutes. The cucumber juice and the cold temperature act as anti-inflammatory compresses. Dr. Jeanniton adds that chilled green tea bags make a great compress as well.
"Applying cool spoons under the eyes can help reduce puffiness [because] the cool temperature constricts blood vessels and the pressure of the spoon against the skin enhances lymphatic drainage of excess fluid," says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner.
The surgery is worth it for people who want to look younger and better rested in and around the eyes. The results are subtle but dramatic, and recovery is minor with little pain reported.
The freshening of your face from eye bag removal surgery can last up to ten years. The blepharoplasty will not stop natural aging, but your face will appear younger than if you never had the procedure at all.
Placing a cold compress over the affected eye or eyes for 15 minutes can reduce swelling and relieve pain.
There are many treatments that can eliminate the appearance of under eye bags without the need for surgery including dermal fillers, microneedling, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and a variety of topical skin care products.
Get enough sleep. Being well-rested can help reduce swelling around your eyes. Try sticking to a low-sodium diet. Salt induces your body to retain water, which can cause bags and puffiness.