Description

Bags under eyes mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes. Are common with age, and the tissues around the eyes weaken, including some of the muscles that support the eyelids. The fat that helps support the eyes can then move into the lower eyelids, causing them to appear puffy. The fluid can accumulate underneath their eyes.

Bags under eyes are usually a cosmetic concern and rarely a sign of a serious condition. In home remedies, such as cool compresses, can help improve its appearance. For persistent or bothersome under-eye puffiness, eyelid surgery may be an option.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bags under eyes can include:

  • Mild swelling
  • Saggy or loose skin
  • Dark circles

When to see a health care provider

You may not like the way they look, but bags under eyes are usually harmless and do not require medical attention. Consult your health care provider if the condition does not cause vision problems, irritation, or headache, or is accompanied by a rash on the skin.

Your healthcare provider will want to rule out other possible causes that can contribute to inflammation, such as thyroid disease, infections, connective tissue disease, or an allergy. You may be referred to a physician who specializes in eye (eye doctor), plastic surgery, plastic surgery of the eyes (oculoplastic surgeon).

Causes

The bags under the eyes are caused when the tissue structures and muscles supporting your eyelids weaken. The skin may start to sag, and fat is usually around the eyes can move in the area under your eyes. Also, the space below the eyes can pick up the liquid, making the area look swollen or inflamed. Several factors cause or worsen this effect, including:

  • Aging
  • The retention of fluids, especially upon awakening or after a meal salt
  • Lack of sleep
  • Allergies
  • Smoking
  • Genetics — under-eye bags can be run in families
  • Medical conditions, such as dermatitis, dermatomyositis, kidney disease and thyroid eye disease

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of having bags under the eyes are:

  • Age
  • Fluid retention
  • Lack of sleep
  • Allergies
  • Smoking
  • Genetics
  • Medical conditions

Diagnosis

Bags under the eyes are clear, without a medical diagnosis. You can have the skin under your eyes evaluated by a health care professional to learn more about what is causing the swelling or if you are interested in a medical or surgical treatment.

Treatment

Bags under eyes are usually a cosmetic concern and do not require medical treatment. Home and lifestyle treatments may help reduce the swelling. But if you are concerned about the appearance of the swelling of the eyes, medical and surgical treatments are available. The treatment may not be covered by medical insurance if it's done solely to improve your appearance.

Drugs

If you think that the puffiness under the eyes is caused by an allergy, ask your health care provider about prescription allergy medications.

Therapies

Various wrinkle treatments are used to improve the appearance of under-eye puffiness. These include laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and fillers, which can improve skin tone, tighten the skin and rejuvenate the eye area. For people with brown or Black skin, laser resurfacing involves the risk of permanent changes in the color of the skin (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation). Talk with your health care provider about laser resurfacing technique reduces this risk.

The eyelid surgery

Depending on what is the cause of the bags under the eyes, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may be a treatment option. Your surgeon will tailor your blepharoplasty (BLEF-uh-roe-plas-tee) to their anatomy and their needs, but in general, the procedure involves removing excess fat through an incision in the natural crease of the upper lid or in the inside of the lower lid. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia.

In addition to the correction of the bags under the eyes, blepharoplasty can also repair:

  • Baggy or puffy upper eyelids
  • The excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with vision
  • Heaviness in the lower eyelids, which can cause white to show below the iris — the colored part of the eye
  • Excess skin in the lower eyelids

Talk with your health care provider about the side effects of eyelid surgery — dry eyes, watery eyes, pain, swelling, bruising, and blurred vision. Rare complications include visual loss, bleeding, infection, injury to the muscles of the eye, corneal abrasion and the drooping of one eyelid.

Lifestyle and home remedies

The following tips can help reduce or eliminate the bags under the eyes:

  • The use of a cold compress. Dampen a clean cloth with cold water. While seated, apply the damp cloth to the skin under and around the eyes for a couple of minutes with a slight pressure.
  • Limit fluids before bedtime and limit the salt in your diet. This will reduce the fluid retention that can cause bags under the eyes.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking can aggravate the problem of bags under the eyes.
  • Get enough sleep. For most adults, 7 to 9 hours is a good amount of sleep.
  • Sleeping with the head slightly elevated. This can help to add an extra pillow or prop up the head of your mattress. Or elevate the head of your bed a few inches. This helps to prevent fluid build-up around your eyes while you sleep.
  • Reduce allergy symptoms. Avoid allergens when possible. Try over-the-counter allergy medications. Talk with your health care provider about prevention strategies if you develop under the eyes reactions due to hair dyes, soaps, cosmetics, or other allergens.
  • The use of cosmetics. If you want to hide dark under-eye circles, try using makeup.

Preparing for your appointment

Prepare a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your health care provider. For bags under the eyes, some basic questions to ask your health care provider include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
  • What treatment approach do you recommend, if any?
  • What will be the cost of the treatments? Does insurance cover these costs?
  • What results can I expect?
  • Can I do something at home to improve my symptoms?
  • What type of follow-up, if any, should I expect?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions that occur to you.

What to expect from your health care provider

Your health care provider is likely to ask a series of questions, including:

  • When first noticed the swelling under the eyes?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
  • What medications are used?
  • Do you smoke?
  • Do you consume alcohol?
  • Do you use recreational drugs?
  • What herbal supplements you use?
  • What other medical conditions do you have?
  • Have you ever had bleeding disorders or blood clots?
Symptoms and treatment of Bags under the eyes