Under Eye Bags Treatment

Whether caused by aging, genetics, or fatigue, under-eye bags and circles significantly influence one’s appearance. Under-eye bags refer to a range of cosmetic concerns about the area just under the lower eyelid. Typically, under-eye bags are caused by puffy fat behind the lower eyelid. Some people genetically have under eye bags. Others develop under-eye bags and puffiness as the fat bulges forward with age. Salty and starchy food and allergy symptoms can cause swelling and temporarily make eyelid bags look bigger. Eye bags usually do not dramatically improve with weight loss and generally do not improve on their own.

What Are Under-Eye Bags?

Under-eye bags can also be caused by sagging skin and muscle that develops with age. It is important for your surgeon to determine how much of the under eye bag is caused by fat and how much is caused by sagging tissue to provide the best treatment plan and results.

Festoons (also sometimes called malar mounds) are bags or puffiness that sit on the cheekbone. Unlike under-eye bags, these are not caused by fat deposits. Festoons and malar mounds are caused by loose skin and muscle and/or swelling. Genetics, age, side sleeping, weight loss, allergies, salty and starchy food, and previous filler injections under the eyes can all contribute to the appearance of festoons and malar mounds.

What Are Dark Circles?

Dark circles under the eyes appear for a variety of reasons. The under-eye area can appear dark when the under-eye skin thins out and its underlying blood vessels become visible. The under-eye area can appear dark or shaded due to loss of volume under the eye. Shadows can also cause the appearance of darkness under the eye due to the contrast of puffiness in one area and thinness in another. Darkening of the skin, called hyperpigmentation, can cause darkness under the eyes due to sun exposure, genetics, and hormone changes. Loose skin that bunches up can also look darker than tighter and firmer skin. Risk factors for developing dark circles include:

Dehydration
Certain skin conditions
Family history of the condition

Alcohol use and smoking
Rubbing your eyes
Seasonal allergies

Increasing age
Sun exposure

Benefits of Bags and Dark Circles Treatment

Multiple options (choose what suits your needs)
Flexible treatments for creating the look you want
Consistent results that can last months to years

Procedures performed by an eye & face expert
Rejuvenated facial appearance and expression

Which Treatment Is Right for Me?

With multiple types of fillers and laser treatment modalities, it can seem intimidating at first to choose your solution. That is why Dr. Langelier always starts with an in-depth consultation. Ask any questions, go through before and-after photos, and learn the details of each option. Dr. Langelier uses her years of experience to custom-tailor a treatment plan for your unique situation. Factors she looks at include:

The cause of your symptoms
What treatments you feel comfortable with
You schedule (some treatments require more downtime than others)
Symptom severity and your goals
Your overall health
Any prior procedures in the treatment area

What Is a Treatment Session Like?

Dermal Fillers: Treatment sessions are 30 minutes in most cases. Very little discomfort, and numbing cream is optional. Can typically return to your day the moment you leave our office.
Laser Treatments: Treatments can take 30 to 90 minutes. Mild to moderate discomfort (feels like a hot rubber band snapping on the skin). Patients can return home right after treatment.
Lower Eyelid Surgery: Procedures take about 1–2 hours. Anesthetic is used to ensure you feel zero pain during surgery. Can return home about an hour after surgery.

Combining Procedures

Many patients see extended benefits by combining a brow lift with another face procedure. One popular combination is to have eyelid surgery at the same time. This additional procedure further provides new definition to the eyes by addressing concerns such as excess eyelid skin, puffy eyelids, under-eye circles, and eyelid malposition. You can have multiple procedures in a single visit, which avoids the hassle of having multiple recovery periods.

Is There a Recovery Period After Under-Eye Treatment?

Dermal Fillers: Some patients experience no swelling or bruising. Some patients experience a few days of swelling. It is possible to get a bruise, and this typically takes 1–2 weeks to resolve. Most patients return to their routine on the same day as their treatment.
Laser Treatments: Recovery period varies based on the type of treatment provided. With broadband light (BBL) treatments for pigmentation, patients can return to work the same day. With laser resurfacing treatments for treatment of pigmentation, wrinkles, and loose skin, recovery depends on the intensity of the treatment, but typically lasts 5 to 14 days as redness and swelling fade. Patients tend to return to work after this phase and can cover any remaining redness with makeup.
Lower Eyelid Surgery: About 1 to 2 weeks of downtime away from work and 1 week of restriction from strenuous physical activity. Expect some amount of swelling, bruising, and mild blurry vision during this period. Most patients have minimal discomfort controlled with acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol).

Seeing Neurotoxin Results: Timeline & Duration

Dermal Fillers: You can see the results instantly as the filler plumps hollows immediately. Final results are seen once any swelling fades. Results can last for several months to years, depending on the filler type. Your body will slowly break down the filler over time. Patients can have touch-up treatments as results fade.
Laser Treatments: You can begin seeing improvements once you have fully healed from your previous treatment session. Results of laser resurfacing are permanent. However, the skin continues to age with time and repeat treatments over the years are helpful for many patients.
Lower Eyelid Surgery: Improvement in lower eyelid bags is seen immediately but final results are typically seen after residual swelling fades, with about 90% of swelling healed in the first month. Extremely long-lasting results for most patients (10+ years on average).

Schedule Your Consultation

Book your consultation with Dr. Langelier to learn more about our options for under-eye bags and dark circles treatment in Richmond. Call our office or use our online form to begin working with a leading board-certified oculofacial surgeon on a tailored treatment plan.