What Causes Under-Eye Bags? Are They Dangerous? How To Prevent Their Recurrence

Under-eye bags are one of the most common facial concerns that can significantly affect self-confidence. Although they do not cause pain in the under-eye area, they can make the face appear prematurely aged and require extra care when applying makeup to avoid further dullness. But what exactly causes this issue? Are under-eye bags harmful to the body? And how can we prevent them from recurring? Dr. Vanda has the answers for you.

What Are Under-Eye Bags?

Under-eye bags refer to swelling and sagging beneath the eyes caused by the accumulation of fat or fluid. This condition results in the lower eyelid appearing puffy or protruding. While some individuals experience only mild swelling, it is often visibly pronounced in most cases. As one age, under-eye bags tend to become more prominent. Generally, they are commonly observed in older adults, but this condition can occur in individuals of any age or gender, depending on various internal and external factors.

Types Of Under-Eye Bags

1. Temporary Under-Eye Bags

Temporary under-eye bags occur over a short period and are typically caused by an unbalanced lifestyle, such as insufficient sleep, frequent alcohol consumption, or allergies. These under-eye bags usually disappear once lifestyle habits are improved or allergies are treated.

2. Permanent Under-Eye Bags

Permanent under-eye bags result from aging or genetic factors, leading to the accumulation of fat beneath the eyes. Even with lifestyle adjustments or the use of high-quality under-eye skincare products, medical intervention is often necessary to address this condition effectively.

What Causes Under-Eye Bags?

1. Aging

As we age, the body begins to produce less collagen starting from around the age of 25. Reduced collagen levels in the skin around the eyes lead to the weakening and sagging of the muscles and ligaments that support the under-eye area, making the skin structure less robust to hold the fat underneath. This deterioration is compounded by the increased resorption of facial bones, causing the eye sockets and cheekbones to recede, which makes under-eye bags more prominent.

2. Insufficient Sleep

When you sleep less than 7–8 hours a day over an extended period, the body overstimulates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), causing blood vessels to constrict. This also leads to an increased release of cortisol, a stress hormone, which raises blood pressure and reduces the efficiency of blood circulation. Furthermore, this condition overburdens the heart, making it less effective in pumping blood to the under-eye area. Poor circulation also affects the lymphatic system, leading to fluid retention under the eyes, which manifests as under-eye bags.

3. Allergies

When the body comes into contact with allergens such as dust, pollen, or pet dander, the immune system releases histamines, which cause the capillaries to dilate and lead to inflammation under the eyes. Allergies also disrupt blood and lymphatic circulation in the under-eye area, causing fluid to accumulate in the surrounding tissues. Additionally, allergic reactions often result in itchy eyes, prompting excessive rubbing or scratching. This can cause capillaries under the skin to rupture or become inflamed, leading to puffiness and dark circles.

4. Smoking

Frequent smoking introduces a large amount of toxins, particularly nicotine and free radicals, into the body. These substances degrade collagen and elastin in the skin, reducing its elasticity. Nicotine also constricts blood vessels, impairing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This hinders proper blood circulation, resulting in fluid buildup under the eyes, which causes puffiness.

5. Alcohol Consumption

Regular alcohol consumption can dehydrate the body and promote fluid retention under the eyes. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing the body to lose more water than usual. It also generates free radicals that accelerate skin cell deterioration, weakening and sagging the skin under the eyes. Additionally, excessive alcohol intake can disrupt sleep quality. While alcohol initially increases adenosine levels to induce drowsiness, its rapid decline can cause you to wake up during the night, making it difficult to return to sleep. Poor sleep impairs blood circulation and skin repair, contributing to the development of under-eye bags.

6. Genetics

If you inherit genetic traits that affect endocrine function, you may be predisposed to excess fat accumulation under the eyes, resulting in puffiness. Some individuals may inherit traits such as lower skin thickness and elasticity, reduced collagen and elastin production, or a greater tendency for tissue sagging in the under-eye area.

7. Certain Health Conditions

Chronic health conditions can also cause under-eye bags as a side effect. These conditions include heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, poor lymphatic circulation, and thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or Graves’ disease.

Are Under-Eye Bags Dangerous?

Under-eye bags are not inherently dangerous. However, they can affect one’s appearance, making the face look older. Wearing heavy makeup may further accentuate this effect. Nevertheless, if you experience pain or significant swelling in the under-eye area, or if the swelling worsens over time, it could indicate an underlying health issue, such as kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, or an eye infection. In such cases, immediate medical attention is necessary.

How Can Under-Eye Bags Be Treated?

1. Lifestyle Changes

If under-eye bags result from risky habits, addressing those habits should be the first step. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, and ensure you get sufficient sleep to meet your body’s needs. Additionally, applying a cold compress and using eye care products containing retinol or peptides can help reduce under-eye puffiness.

2. Lower Blepharoplasty (Under-Eye Bag Surgery)

This procedure involves removing fat, fluid, and excess skin from the under-eye area, followed by stitching with ultra-fine sutures hidden under the lower lash line. It tightens the skin, giving a refreshed and youthful appearance. While results are noticeable, potential side effects include bleeding or pus from the incision, blurred vision, impaired eye muscle control, and, in some cases, burning pain or fever due to infections.

3. Dermal Fillers

Injecting hyaluronic acid-based fillers into the under-eye area stimulates collagen production, tightening loose skin. Results are immediate, and no surgery is required. However, fillers naturally break down over time, requiring reinjections every 6–12 months to maintain results. This option may not be suitable for certain individuals, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with bleeding disorders, those allergic to hyaluronic acid, or patients with severe under-eye bags caused by excess fat, which could lead to uneven filler distribution.

4. Laser Therapy

This method uses laser energy to generate heat in the skin’s deeper layers, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin around the eyes without irritating. Popular laser types include Fractional Lasers, such as CO2 or Erbium YAG, and Non-Ablative Lasers, such as Nd:YAG or Fraxel. While effective, this treatment may not suit those with under-eye bags caused by excess fat. Recovery time varies, and multiple sessions may be required for noticeable results.

What Is The Best Way To Treat Under-Eye Bags?

While the four methods mentioned above provide effective results, some come with side effects, recovery time, or require repeated treatments to see noticeable improvements.

Dr. Vanda recommends an innovative and non-invasive approach called EndoliftX Light Scan at Dr. Vanda Aesthetic Clinic.

EndoliftX Light Scan uses an External Laser Improving Skin Quality technology with a wavelength of 1470 nm, this laser directly targets the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The specially designed handpiece ensures precision in lifting and tightening under-eye bags, delivering immediate and natural results without surgery or downtime.

For those concerned about scarring, Dr. Vanda assures that there’s none. EndoliftX is not a surgical procedure but involves inserting into the skin through microscopic entry points invisible to the naked eye. This minimizes tissue damage while providing precise results. Patients can resume daily activities immediately after the procedure, and results continue to improve over time as collagen production is stimulated.

For more details: EndoliftX Light Scan

( Review EndoliftX From Dr.Vanda Aesthetic Clinic )

Why Choose EndoliftX Light Scan At Dr. Vanda Aesthetic Clinic?

At Dr. Vanda Aesthetic Clinic, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care with a team of skilled and experienced physicians. We utilize advanced technology to ensure all treatments deliver optimal results. Our experts oversee every step of the process, ensuring patient safety and effectiveness. You can trust us to help you achieve clear, noticeable, and safe results.

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What Causes Under-Eye Bags? Are They Dangerous? How To Prevent Their Recurrence

What Are Under-Eye Bags?

Types Of Under-Eye Bags

1. Temporary Under-Eye Bags

2. Permanent Under-Eye Bags

What Causes Under-Eye Bags?

Are Under-Eye Bags Dangerous?

How Can Under-Eye Bags Be Treated?

What Is The Best Way To Treat Under-Eye Bags?

Why Choose EndoliftX Light Scan At Dr. Vanda Aesthetic Clinic?

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