Under-eye bag treatment is an effective solution for achieving a brighter, well-rested appearance around the eyes. When sagging and discoloration beneath the eyes begin to affect your self-esteem, it may be time to seek treatment.
Dr. Jennifer Levine is a facial rejuvenation expert who holds board certifications from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. She leads her practice with a unique knowledge of facial anatomy, allowing her to help each patient achieve an appearance they can be thrilled with.
If you are considering facial enhancement, contact us online or call our office at (212) 517-9400 to schedule your personal consultation.
Contents
What Causes Under-Eye Bags?
The natural weakening of the skin and muscles supporting the eyelids allows fat to shift forward, which results in under-eye bags. Over time, the thin skin of the under-eyes becomes more prone to discoloration and wrinkling. The main factors contributing to under-eye bags are:
- Genetics: A family history of under-eye bags is a common cause of prominent lower eyelid fat pads.
- Aging: As we age, tissues and muscle support naturally weaken, and the supporting eye fat can naturally be pushed forward to create the appearance of bags.
- Fluid retention: A high salt intake can cause the body to retain excess water, which can manifest as puffiness beneath the eyes.
- Lack of sleep: A lack of sleep can cause blood vessels to dilate and fluid to accumulate, resulting in puffiness, especially in the morning.
- Allergies: Certain allergic reactions can release histamines and lead to inflammation, swelling, and itchiness, which can affect the under-eye area and cause swelling.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, chronic dehydration, and alcohol consumption can cause inflammation under the eyes.
- Underlying conditions: More severe under-eye swelling can be a sign of an underlying health issue such as thyroid disease, kidney problems, or chronic sinus issues. (1)
Popular Under-Eye Bag Treatments
Blepharoplasty
A blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that makes corrections to the upper and/or lower eyelids. This procedure is ideal for more advanced concerns that cause the eyes to look tired, droopy, or puffy. A blepharoplasty achieves rejuvenation by removing excess skin, reinforcing structural support, and repositioning or removing fat that causes puffiness.
Fat Transfer
An under-eye fat transfer is a procedure that harvests fat from a donor area such as your abdomen or thighs to fill sunken, hollow tear troughs. (2) This procedure is ideal if you are experiencing under-eye hollowness and dark circles due to volume loss after weight loss or as a result of aging.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can add volume beneath the eyes to refresh your appearance. Many dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid as their active ingredient. Hyaluronic acid binds with and retains water, which adds volume and fills wrinkles.
Sylfirm X
Sylfirm X combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy to rejuvenate and tighten the skin around your eyelids. This treatment takes 10 minutes per session and requires three to four sessions to complete a full series. The technology uses RF heat to stimulate collagen growth and microneedling to prompt a healing response.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is effective for tightening moderately crepey under-eye skin. The laser heats the dermis layer, which contracts the skin and stimulates collagen production. This tightens and smooths mild under-eye sagging and puffiness. These lasers can also reduce discoloration.
Candidates
If you are currently experiencing under-eye concerns such as puffiness, dark circles, wrinkles, sagging skin, and bulging fat, an under-eye bag treatment may be an ideal solution. To qualify for treatment, you must also have consistent under-eye puffiness or hollowing that you desire to correct. You must also be in relatively good health and have realistic expectations regarding your outcomes.
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, Dr. Levine will examine your under-eye bags, evaluate your fat distribution and skin quality, and review your medical history. Following this, you and Dr. Levine will discuss your treatment goals. With all of this information, Dr. Levine will create a personalized treatment plan to target your under-eye concerns.
Dr. Levine carefully tailors treatment to you and your unique concerns, and she will also address any questions or concerns you may have about your specific procedure. She wants this meeting to be informative to ensure that you feel comfortable, confident, and prepared for treatment.
Contact us online or call our office at (212) 517-9400 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Levine.
Preparation
After establishing your treatment plan, Dr. Levine will provide detailed preparation instructions. These will vary according to your specific procedure details and medical history. However, in general, Dr. Levine recommends that you:
- Pause the use of blood-thinning medication and supplements
- Avoid alcohol consumption at least 24 hours before your treatment
- Maintain hydration levels and consume well-balanced and healthy meals leading up to your procedure
- Arrive bare-faced to your appointment, free of any lotions or makeup
As a surgical procedure, blepharoplasty and fat transfers will require more extensive preparation. You will need to take time away from your responsibilities, pick up prescriptions, and more.
Recovery
Recovering from your under-eye bag treatment varies depending on the specific procedure you undergo. After a blepharoplasty or fat transfer, you will require about two weeks of downtime. You may experience bruising, tightness, and sensitivity for a few days. Final results typically appear after three months.
Recovery after Sylfirm X is minimal, usually taking one to three days for mild redness, warmth, and slight swelling to subside. Your face may appear swollen and red, but cold compresses can help alleviate the discomfort. You should protect your skin with sunscreen and avoid strenuous activity and alcohol for at least three days. Laser skin resurfacing recovery depends on the depth of the laser, but redness, swelling, and a sensation similar to a sunburn may appear. Your skin will also start peeling after two weeks, revealing fresher skin. Refrain from picking at the peeling skin and let it flake off naturally. You should also avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen that prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Results
Your under-eye bag treatment will result in smoother, tighter skin, brighter, more open eyes, and a reignited youthful glow. By addressing fat pads, smoothing deep hollows, and minimizing dark circles, your entire face can appear more refreshed.
Patient experiences may vary.
Corresponding Procedures
SkinMedica®
A good skincare routine is vital for preserving the results of your under-eye bag treatments. SkinMedica is a clinically backed skincare line with several products that tighten, brighten, and smooth skin texture. SkinMedica offers the TNS® Advanced+ Serum, Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment, HA5® Hydra Collagen Hydrator with Vegan Collagen, Neck Correct Neck and Decollete Cream, and the HA5® Hydra Collagen Hydrating Foaming Cleanser with Vegan Collagen.
Cost of Under-Eye Bag Treatments in New York, NY
The cost of your under-eye bag treatment(s) depends on the severity of your concerns, your personal goals, the treatments you undergo, and more. After establishing your treatment plan, Dr. Levine will provide a detailed cost outline. Contact us online or call our office at (212) 517-9400 to explore your under-eye treatment options!
FAQ
What causes under-eye bags?
Over time, the natural weakening of the muscles supporting the eyelids and weakening of the skin can cause the fat to shift forward, causing bags and puffiness. Other factors, including genetics, underlying conditions, aging, and more, can also result in under-eye bags. The thin skin under the eyes is especially vulnerable to these changes over time.
What are the different under-eye bag treatments available?
Available under-eye bag treatments include dermal fillers, blepharoplasty, fat transfer, radiofrequency microneedling, laser skin resurfacing, and medical-grade skincare. Our team can help you build a customized treatment regimen based on your unique concerns.
How much do under-eye bag treatments cost?
The cost of your under-eye bag treatments varies depending on the severity of your concerns, the treatments you select, your personal goals, and more. Dr. Levine will provide a detailed cost estimate during your personal consultation.
Are there any ways to enhance the effects of under-eye bag treatments?
Yes, you can enhance the effects of your under-eye bag treatments by practicing an effective skincare routine and leading a healthy lifestyle. You should try to stay out of the sun, get plenty of sleep, and stay hydrated.
How will I know I am an ideal candidate for under-eye bag treatments?
You may be an ideal candidate if you are generally healthy but struggle with under-eye bags, puffiness, discoloration, or bulging fat as a result of aging, genetics, or more. The best way to determine your candidacy is to attend a consultation with Dr. Levine.
References
- Nakra T, Vrcek I, Ozgur O. Infraorbital dark circles: A review of the pathogenesis, evaluation and treatment. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2016;9(2):65. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.184046
- Kim HS, Choi CW, Kim BR, Youn SW. Effectiveness of Transconjunctival Fat Removal and Resected Fat Grafting for Lower Eye Bag and Tear Trough Deformity. JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery. 2019;21(2):118-124. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamafacial.2018.1307
