​How can I smooth out the bags under my eyes?

With review and feedback from CEENTA oculoplastics specialist Catherine Cuite, MD (SouthPark)

Every time you see yourself in the mirror, you look tired, thanks to the bags under your eyes. But fear not: with a little bit of work, you can get rid of them.

What causes bags under eyes?

First the skin under your eyes is thinner, so blood vessels are more visible and create a dark appearance under the eyes. Also, as we age, the production of collagen and elastin in our skin decreases, which can make skin loose and start to sag. However, that’s not the only cause of sagging. Dehydration, allergies, medical issues, and even genetics can be a factor. In some of us, the cheek has dropped, leading to a loss of volume at the cheek/lid junction. In other people the fat around the eyes has protruded through and puffs up the skin under the eyes.

How can I get rid of the bags under my eyes?

There are many home remedies you can try when eliminating the bags under your eyes. First, drink more water and cut down on salt, caffeine, and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.

If you have a history of heart or kidney problems, these can cause water to build up around the eyes, CEENTA oculoplastics specialist Catherine Cuite, MD, said. It is a good idea to check with your primary care doctor about heart and kidney function regularly.

If you have allergies, make sure you take your medicine as directed, whether it’s over the counter, a prescription, or immunotherapy.

High levels of stress and low amounts of sleep can also be a factor. Make sure to get eight hours of sleep every night, and do what you can to eliminate or reduce the stressors in your life.

Medical grade skincare is very helpful to the eye area. Time-release retinols reduce fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area. Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment has ingredients that reduce puffiness and darkness around the eyes. SkinMedica Advanced has skin tightening properties visible after just 12 weeks of use. These and other medical grade skincare products are available for you at CEENTA.

Are there facial plastic surgery options for bags under my eyes?

If home remedies don’t work, a cosmetic procedure may be right for you. Cosmetic fillers are injectables made from materials found naturally in the body. These can be carefully placed into the lower eyelid area by experienced injectors to smooth and revitalize the skin under your eyes.

Some people benefit from lower eyelid blepharoplasty. This surgical procedure is done on an outpatient basis. Your surgeon will remove excess skin and/or fat from your lids to restore a younger, more rested appearance. The recovery from lower eyelid surgery is 1-2 weeks for you to return to work and 3 months for the final result.

Skin care at CEENTA

Whether you want skincare products you can use at home or a procedure from one of our providers, CEENTA will help make sure the only bags you see are the ones you bring home from the store.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with Dr. Cuite or any of our facial plastic specialists in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.