Are you tired of being asked if you’re tired? Under-eye bags, including puffiness and sagging, are a common problem, making you look tired, older, or even sick. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of under-eye bags, and board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ortiz is sharing tips to do so, from simple solutions for temporary puffiness to long-term solutions.
What Causes Under-Eye Bags?
Before we look at how to fix the issue, let’s explore what causes under-eye bags in the first place.
Fatigue
The most common cause of puffiness and dark circles is fatigue or lack of sleep. Too little sleep causes fluid to build up in the tissues under the eye, making them look swollen or puffy.
Allergies
If your allergies are acting up or you have a cold, the pressure and inflammation in your sinuses can also cause swelling under your eyes.
Dehydration
Dehydration, alcohol, or too much salt all cause the tissues under the eye to look loose and take on a sagging appearance. Drinking water can plump the tissues back up, making them look smoother and more attractive.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure causes more severe and long-term damage and speeds up the aging process. UV rays break down the collagen that gives the tissue its volume and plumpness, and the area under the eye is particularly delicate. As the collagen breaks down, the skin begins to sag and droop, creating permanent bags under the eyes unless they’re removed.
Aging
Even without sun damage, over time, you lose collagen, again, leading to volume loss. Since there’s no plumpness to keep the skin lifted, the skin under the eye droops.
7 Tips to Get Rid of Under-Eye Bags
Now that you know what causes under-eye bags, let’s look at some ways to get rid of them.
Cold Compresses
Cold compresses reduce inflammation and minimize blood flow, which causes tissues to shrink and reduces the look of puffiness under the eye. While chilled slices of cucumber are popular, you can also use a cold washcloth or even refrigerated spoons over your eyes.
Sinus Medication
If your puffiness is due to a cold, sinus problems, or seasonal allergies, an over-the-counter decongestant will reduce swelling and stuffiness. In turn, this will reduce the puffiness and swelling under your eyes so you’ll look and feel better.
Drink Water
Whether it’s alcohol, too much salt, or dehydration causing your under-eye bags, you need to restore water into your body. Simply drinking plenty of water should plump your skin back up to smooth the temporary bags (plus get rid of any of the physical unpleasantness caused by too much alcohol or not enough water).
Caffeine
Caffeine shrinks blood vessels, and while drinking coffee or soda won’t help your under-eye bags, you can apply it topically to shrink the tissue under your eyes. Consider using an eye cream containing caffeine extract, or place chilled, damp teabags over your eyes.
Minimize Sun Exposure
Reduce your likelihood of getting under-eye bags in the first place by minimizing your sun exposure. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and wear sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection to keep the collagen under your eyes plump and healthy.
Injectables
When loose, sagging skin is the problem, dermal fillers, including Juvederm® and Restylane® can be used. These will plump the skin under the eyes, lifting and smoothing the tissues to create a more rejuvenated appearance and minimize the look of bags. These dermal fillers can last six months to one year, making them a long-term, minimally invasive option.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is the most effective, long-lasting method for eliminating or minimizing the appearance of under-eye bags. During this procedure, Dr. Ortiz will make a small incision just inside the lower eyelid, allowing him to remove excess tissue, skin, and fat deposits. Then, he is able to smooth and re-drape the existing skin over the lower eyelid, creating a firmer, smoother appearance that is free of sagging or loose skin.
Schedule a Consultation for Eyelid Surgery Today
If you want a rejuvenated, youthful appearance, but under-eye bags make you look older and tired, we can help. Dr. Ortiz is a board-certified, North Raleigh plastic surgeon who has helped hundreds of people look better and feel more confident. To learn more about dermal fillers and blepharoplasty and see which one is right for you, reach out to us today at 919-532-2270 or send us a message using our easy-to-use contact form below.
