The area under the eyes often shows the signs of aging first. The skin is delicate and much thinner than the rest of the face. Many people are unhappy with their under-eyes. This is due to its impact on your overall facial aesthetic. Fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, dark circles, bags, and hollowness can be difficult to address. Many turn to serums or creams to address the issue. These products are often ineffective or do not solve the problem entirely. Makeup is also used to conceal certain under-eye issues. This is also ineffective and can sometimes make the issue look worse. You may wonder, what causes under-eye bags and hollows? Below you will find helpful information about under-eye concerns and what you can do about them.
What Causes Under-Eye Bags and Hollows?
Under-eye bags and hollowness are extremely common. They can make you look tired, angry, and age you. While they are common, they are often misunderstood. Many people think topical treatments can address the issue or even help them get a good night’s sleep. However, sometimes a more targeted under eye bag treatment is necessary. The right treatment for you depends on the cause of your under-eye issues. Consider the following causes of under-eye bags and hollows.
Natural Aging
Aging can have a real impact on the area under the eyes. This is because the skin is thinner and more delicate. The fat pads beneath the eyes also shift and lower. The underlying tissues and skin also lose their natural firmness and tone. This can result in hollowness and dark circles. For other people, under-eye bags are common. Sagging tissue descends and forms bags. These become more pronounced as you get older. Sometimes people are affected by both issues. This can have a compound effect on the facial aesthetic.
Genetics
Some people are born with under-eye bags and hollowness. This can be completely separate from natural aging or lifestyle habits. If your parents or close family members have prominent under-eye bags or hollowness, you are at a higher risk for the issue. Genetics plays a role in the structure of the under-eye. This includes the fat, skin, and underlying tissues. Younger patients with deep hollows and under-eye bags may assume genetics is the most likely cause. Treatment from the top oculofacial plastic surgery center is necessary to address the issue.
Skin Quality
The skin under the eyes is thin and highly delicate. Skin thinning continues as you age. This is because collagen and elastin production reduce as early as your late twenties. This can be exacerbated by sun exposure. When the skin becomes thinner, the blood vessels beneath it are much more visible. This creates a blue or purple tint that reveals dark circles under the eyes. Some people also suffer from hyperpigmentation from sun exposure, genetics, or hormonal changes. This further darkens the under-eyes, leaving the area looking very dark. A cosmetic intervention is needed to address the issue.
Lifestyle Factors
Several lifestyle habits can negatively affect the under-eye area. Your daily life plays a critical role in your skin quality. This includes your diet, including processed foods that are high in salt or starch. They can cause fluid retention, which can accumulate under areas where the skin is thin. Alcohol consumption and smoking are also factors that can cause issues under the eyes. Alcohol causes dehydration and fluid retention. Smoking can also dehydrate the skin and impact blood circulation. Avoid both to maintain healthy, hydrated skin. Maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle is key.
Treatment for Under-Eye Bags and Hollows
Issues with the under-eyes can affect your self-confidence because they alter your facial aesthetic. Many people feel like they look tired and aged. Treatment can reverse the impact and help you look and feel like yourself again. Below are some of the most effective treatment options for under-eye bags and hollows. Consult with a professional to determine which treatment is right for you.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are a popular non-surgical treatment option. They are strategically placed in the under-eye to reduce hollows and restore volume. This creates a smooth transition between your upper cheek and lower eyelid. The results are clear immediately after treatment. Follow-up treatments are necessary to maintain your results. However, results can last from a few months to over one year, depending on the patient and the product used. The treatment option is not permanent, which makes it a popular option among those with under-eye issues.
Laser Treatment
Another cosmetic option for addressing under-eye issues is laser treatment. Laser resurfacing addresses pigmentation, skin texture, and skin laxity. This can be used under the eyes to address your aesthetic concerns. There are several laser treatment options. The type that is right for you depends on your skin quality, concerns, and aesthetic goals. Working with a skilled oculofacial plastic surgeon can help ensure you get the treatment option that is right for you. Laser treatments require maintenance appointments to maintain your results. It is not a permanent solution, but it is highly effective in addressing under-eye concerns.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
For patients seeking a permanent solution to under-eye concerns, lower eyelid surgery is a top choice. It is great for patients with under-eye bags, sagging tissue, and fat prolapse that does not respond to non-surgical treatment. The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the under-eye area. Sometimes, the fat may be repositioned to improve the under-eye contours. The results are immediate and reveal a smoother and firmer under-eye. The transition from the upper cheek to the lower eyelid is seamless and refreshed. The results are permanent, but they do not stop the aging process entirely. Focus on a healthy lifestyle to ensure your results last.
Top Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Center
Under-eye bags can make you look tired and much older than you are. If you want to improve the look of your under-eyes, contact Dr. Langelier and her team today to schedule a consultation!