Under-eye bags: how to get rid of them?
Looking for a youthful, rested look? Our comprehensive guide tells you everything you need to know about bags under the eyes: causes, aggravating factors and effective solutions.
How to eliminate under-eye bags?
Bags under the eyes appear gradually and can become a daily source of concern when they impact the aesthetic appearance of your eyes.
Under-eye bags are an accumulation of fat in the lower eyelids. They appear over time as the weakened skin begins to relax.
Generally non-pathological, bags under the eyes are primarily an aesthetic problem.
Les causes des poches sous les yeux sont nombreuses et peuvent se combiner.
Puffiness under the eyes is very often linked to a genetic predisposition. Like sensitive skin, it is common for several members of the same family to have bags under the eyes.
Another common cause of under-eye bags is aging skin. Aging leads to a loss of fatty tissue and collagen. This loss of collagen leads to a loss of skin elasticity and tone, which is particularly noticeable around the eyes.
Thyroid disease, infections, allergies, stress, water retention and smoking can also contribute to the appearance of bags under the eyes.
What are the consequences?
Bags under the eyes are primarily an aesthetic problem, giving the eyes a tired, aged look.
However, bags under the eyes can also be a sign of an underlying medical problem. Don't hesitate to consult a dermatologist as soon as symptoms of under-eye bags appear, to rule out the hypothesis of a medical problem.
Excess fat may be present in any of the three fat compartments of the lower eyelid. Depending on which fat pack is most affected, the appearance of the bags under the eyes will be different.
It's essential to know which fat compartment is affected before undergoing surgery.
When should you seek medical advice?
If the swelling becomes painful, red or itchy, it's time to ask your dermatologist for a medical diagnosis.
Depending on the cause of your under-eye bags, prevention methods may vary.
If your bags are the result of aging or a genetic problem, the best option is cosmetic surgery.
On the contrary, if bags under the eyes are linked to external factors, here is a list of tips that should help reduce their appearance:
- Eat healthy foods and avoid too much salt
- Learn to manage your stress
- Sleep an average of 8 hours a day with your head elevated
- Use cool, moist compresses to help reduce swelling
- Apply cosmeceuticals to conceal dark circles
- Use haemorrhoid creams to tighten blood vessels under the eyes
Discover our dedicated guide to finding the best eye contour cream.
What kind of surgery is needed to eliminate bags?
Blepharoplasty is cosmetic eyelid surgery that smoothes and tightens the skin under the lower eyelids by removing excess fatty tissue through small incisions.
This surgery can also be performed on drooping upper eyelids by removing excess skin. Blepharoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, under local anaesthetic.
The results are generally excellent, but beware of false expectations. The effect on each patient is unique.
Recovering from surgery
After surgery, it's important to apply the following tips for a good recovery:
- Apply cold compresses regularly for 48 hours
- Apply eye drops to prevent infection
- Apply sun cream to protect the skin under the eyes
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun
The most common risks associated with surgery such as blepharoplasty are the appearance of :
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infections
- Numbness to touch
- Skin discoloration Cysts
Post-operative recovery may take up to 6 weeks. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if any of the above symptoms appear after the operation.