As a lower eyelid surgery specialist, I know that my patients loathe under-eye bags. Eye bags, in fact, are one of the top reasons patients come to my clinic. Their biggest question: why do under-eye bags form? The answer: it’s a little complicated.
Why Do Under-Eye Bags Form?
Under-eye bags form when something goes wrong with the tissues beneath the lower eyelid. Some of these are associated with lifestyle factors, while aging also plays a central role. Knowing why under-eye bags form can help you take steps to prevent them at younger ages. Below, I break down some of the most common causes.
Lack of Sleep
The most common cause of under-eye bags is fatigue and lack of sleep. Fortunately, getting plenty of rest can often reverse their appearance. But poor sleep can cause fluid to pool under the eyes, which is precisely what makes you look so tired.
Best Fix: Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Quality sleep, with a good bed-time routine.
Aging
Unfortunately, aging happens whether we want it or not. As the body ages, your skin elasticity goes down, fat can bulge, and muscles weaken. Understandably, my patients are not excited about these changes.
Best Fix: Live healthily (exercise, eat well, stay connected with people). It makes a difference, really.
Lifestyle Factors
The things you put in your body can dramatically affect its exterior appearance. For example, high salt or alcohol intake can cause fluid retention under the eyes. Smoking can speed up collagen breakdown. And medication can come with all manner of side effects. Basically, anything that we know to be “bad” for you actually is, both for your health and appearance.
Best Fix: Maintain healthy habits. Kick the bad ones.
Genetics
A chromosomal roll of the dice can lead to some people being more likely to develop under-eye bags. If your parents had eye bags, then you could be more susceptible to them too. However, it is not a surefire thing. The way genetics work, a gene associated with eye bags might skip you!
Best Fix: Know genetic predisposition and prepare accordingly.
Allergies
The allergic response can lead to swelling and fluid buildup. Associated congestion and pressure can also affect blood vessels. Anyone with spring allergies can tell you how puffy they can make you feel.
Best Fix: Limit allergen exposure and take appropriate medication.
Sun Exposure (a.k.a. Radiation Exposure)
Unprotected sun exposure means you are getting direct UV radiation to your skin. UV radiation physically damages your cell’s DNA. At best, this impairs health reproduction. At worst, it can lead to cancer.
Best Fix: Minimize exposure and always wear sunscreen.
The Global Fix: Lower Eyelid Surgery
Whether your under-eye bags are from genetics, aging, or anything else, one solution can address any cause: surgery. I provide personalized eyelid surgery at my practice as a board-certified eye and face specialist.
Lower eyelid surgery targets the specific causes of your under-eye bags. I reposition tissues, smooth out fat, and adjust muscles as needed to rejuvenate the under-eye area. However, if your bags are temporary (like from sleep loss), I recommend simply getting some rest.
I reserve surgery for patients with eye bags that would not go away through any other method. I may even suggest nonsurgical treatments like laser therapy.
Work with a Premier Eyelid Surgeon
At Oasis Eye, you can work with a leading eyelid surgeon in Ashland and Medford. Call today to set up a consultation and see how we can unveil a younger you. Whatever your cause of eye bags, I can help you reverse them.