Many people wake up with puffy eyes, which can be an interesting discovery upon looking in the mirror first thing in the morning. Once the initial shock of seeing the under eye bulges wears off, one might wonder “What gives you bags under your eyes?” There are several reasons why you might have puffy eyes in the morning, including but not limited to alcohol consumption, high salt intake, and fluid retention. A simple diuretic can help to reduce the swelling of under eyes if caused by the aforementioned factors. However, some people have puffy eyes throughout the day, independent of their lifestyle habits and environment. For these individuals, getting rid of puffy eyes can be a much more frustrating process.
Genetic Puffy Eyes & Dark Under Eye Circles
Genetics can determine whether or not an individual is predisposed to have puffy eyes and/or dark circles. The two conditions can occur separately from one another, but are often lumped together due to the prevalence of having both. People who have always had under eye bags or dark circles may struggle with their appearance, since these conditions are typically associated with irritability and lack of vitality. Neither association is ideal for young adults networking and meeting new people–the eyes are often the first thing we notice about other people, and having puffy eyes and dark circles may result in negative first impressions. At such a critical time in life, young adults should not have to worry about being passed down for a job or a relationship due to looking tired or cranky.
Fortunately, there are options for individuals with hereditary eye bags and dark circles.
Laser Treatment for Chronic Puffy Eyes
Under the vast umbrella of facial rejuvenation procedures, laser treatments can be performed on the under eye area. A Fraxel laser is often used in such a treatment. Those with mild puffy eyes due to excess or wrinkled skin would benefit most from this treatment, because the skin tightens around the lower eyelid as a result of the skin resurfacing technique. No fat is actually removed during this procedure, which means that larger bags due to herniated fat pads will still be there afterwards. Due to its limitations, this laser treatment is sometimes combined with a blepharoplasty procedure to tighten any loose skin left over after the fat has been trimmed.
Blepharoplasty Puffy Eye Treatment
Many people opt for lower lid surgery after struggling with eyebags for years. After general anaesthesia has been administered, the surgeon makes an incision just below the lower lash line and repositions or removes fat from the area. Excess skin can be excised or lasered at this point. The incision is then closed with sutures (removed with a week) or skin glue. There is typically bruising and swelling for up to two weeks after the surgery, and the full healing process can take up to a few months.
Alternatively, the surgeon could also approach the blepharoplasty with a transconjunctival incision, in which excess fat can be removed or redistributed from the inside of the lower eyelid. No skin is removed during this approach.
Many people see blepharoplasty as a sure way to get rid of puffy eyes permanently. However, that is not always the case. While the surgery can address the eye bags caused by excess fat around the eye, it cannot prevent the body from aging. As we age, we lose volume in our facial, starting around our upper cheeks. This can create hollows around the eyes, which in turn can make the eyes seem puffy.
Filler Injections for Eye Swelling
While dermal fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm and Belotero are used by some practitioners to reduce the appearance of puffy under eyes, there can be some complications which limit their effectiveness. These fillers are all composed of hyaluronic acid and are transparent in color.Transparent fillers run the risk of appearing blue and bruised due to the unique spectral characteristics of human skin (i.e. the Tyndall Effect).
Radiesse restored facial volume in this patient, correcting the breakdown of collagen production that comes with age. As a result of this dermal filler injection, her face was rid of puffy eyes and sagging cheeks.*
Radiesse is another type of dermal filler that differs from the rest in its composition and consistency. It is composed of calcium particles suspended in a gel-like medium and is slightly thicker than hyaluronic fillers. Radiesse also differs from hyaluronic fillers in that it is white and opaque, rather than clear. The thinness of the skin around the eye makes the white filler a better suited to avoid discoloration.
Video – Under Eye Hollows and Dark Circles Treated with Radiesse
The patient below grew tired of constantly covering her hereditary dark circles and eye bags, but felt she could not leave the house unless they were properly concealed. Seeking a long-term solution that did not involve surgery, she consulted with Dr. U about dermal filler injections. Dr. U recommended Radiesse for the under eye area, in order to provide support and brighten the dark circles.
As seen in the video, she is very happy with her results. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. U today to see if you could benefit from an under eye dermal filler injection.