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Beneath the Surface: Understanding Fat Under Eyes
Many of us struggle with dark circles and puffiness in our under-eye area, but few understand this problem’s underlying causes.
Fat under eyes, commonly known as eye bags, are common conditions experienced by many. To some extent, their existence is quite offputting; that’s why it’s essential to understand the causes and treatment. Read on to learn more about eye bags!
What are Bags Under the Eyes?
Bags under the eyes are areas of swollen or puffy skin that appear beneath the eyes. When accompanied by dark circles, eye bags can lead to a tired look.
This condition can occur at any age but is especially common in individuals who are chronically tired or dehydrated or those who have a naturally deep-set eye area.
If you notice the appearance of bags under your eyes, it is essential to learn more about this issue to reduce its appearance.
What Causes Under Eye Bags?
Under eye bags can be caused by many factors, including:
- Natural aging process
- Genetics
- Poor diet and lifestyle habits
- Lack of sleep
- Stress
- Allergies
- Dehydration
- Smoking
- Overuse of alcohol
- Hormone shifts in women during menopause or pregnancy
- Excessive salt intake
These factors cause the skin around the eyes to become thin and delicate, making it more likely for the area to retain fluids and look puffy.
Why Under-eye Bags Appear When You Get Older
As people age, their skin begins to thin out naturally, forming under-eye bags. This is because the fatty tissue beneath the skin thins and loses volume, causing the area below the eyes to look more hollow and baggy — hence the bubble-like appearance.
How To Eliminate Bags Under Your Eyes
At Home Remedies
Hemorrhoid creams
Some people may opt to apply over-the-counter creams designed for hemorrhoid treatment under their eyes. These creams contain ingredients such as phenylephrine which constricts blood vessels, reducing puffiness and swelling in the area.
However, it is essential to use caution when using these products around your eyes as they can cause irritation and worsen the condition if they come into contact with your eyes.
Cold compresses
Cold compressing the area around your eyes is an effective way to reduce inflammation and swelling. You can use an ice pack, frozen bag of vegetables, or refrigerated spoons and place them over closed eyes for a few minutes to help decrease the puffiness resulting from under-eye bags.
This approach can provide a calming effect that helps soothe tired eyes, resulting in less puffy looks of your eye bags.
Caffeine
Applying eye creams with caffeine as an ingredient is a popular way to reduce under-eye puffiness because of its vasoconstrictive properties.
Similarly, chilled caffeinated tea bags, such as green tea or black tea, can be used and placed with closed eyes to help constrict the blood vessels and reduce swelling. This provides a refreshing feeling around the eyes and gives the area a more even appearance.
Medical Options
Nonsurgical options
- Chemical peel
A chemical peel is a procedure that involves an in-office application of a solution to your under-eye skin. This dissolves the superficial layers, revealing tighter and more even skin underneath.
The results of this treatment can last for several years, depending on the individual’s skin type and sun exposure.
- Filler
This unique treatment perfectly fixes the area between the cheek and the undereye. A jelly-like material, typically hyaluronic acid, is injected with local anesthetic at a doctor’s office to achieve a seamless blend. The improvement from this procedure can last up to a year.
- Laser resurfacing
This treatment works by removing the wrinkles that form on the surface of the under-eye area using a laser. It then stimulates collagen growth which helps to firm and strengthen the skin.
Generally, results can last for years. However, longevity depends on your skin characteristics and your sunlight exposure over time.
Surgical options
A popular surgical option for eliminating the appearance of eye bags is blepharoplasty. It is an outpatient procedure of plastic surgery in which excess skin and fat around the eyes are removed to reshape and restore the area’s look.
This can result in improved clarity and shape of the eyes and a more youthful appearance. Recovery can take several weeks, but results may last years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between fat transfer and dermal fillers?
Fat transfer, also popular as fat grafting, is a procedure that involves removing small amounts of fat from other body parts and injecting them into the face to help restore volume and enhance facial features. Meanwhile, dermal fillers are synthetic products injected into the face.
Fat transfers often provide more natural-looking results that last longer, while dermal fillers may require more frequent treatments to maintain desired effects.
Who gets under-eye fat transfers?
People eligible for fat under eyes transfers are those with enough body fat for the procedure. Meanwhile, very thin or pregnant people are recommended to get dermal fillers instead.
How long does it take to see the results from treatments for fat under the eyes?
Wait for at least 4-6 months to see the final results from treatments for fat under eyes. This might seem like a very long waiting period, but it will be worth the wait once the final result appears.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with treatments for fat under the eyes?
Yes, some of the most common risks or side effects from fat under eyes treatment are bruising, pain, swelling, infection, bleeding, double vision, excessive muscle removal, numbness, and, in rare cases, blindness.
Conclusion
If you have persistent fat under eyes, don’t worry! This is a very common area to store fat, and there are various treatments if you want to get rid of it, from home remedies, eyelid surgery, and nonsurgical treatments.
Make sure to consult with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist to find the best method for your fat under eyes. With the proper treatment, you can achieve the look you want!
