Removing bags under the eyes – causes, methods, tips and tricks

What are bags under the eyes?

When puffiness forms under the eyes or the tissue sags, this is known as bags under the eyes. They have nothing to do with the eponymous tears or tear fluid. Nor do they have anything to do with the anatomical bags under the eyes, which are part of the lacrimal apparatus, are located to the side of the nose and cannot be seen. Rather, the colloquial bags under the eyes are accumulations of fluid or fatty tissue directly under the eyes. In addition, the skin above them can sag, which usually increases the suffering of those affected. The appearance usually looks older than you actually are. The facial expression appears tired, exhausted or even sickly. In particularly pronounced cases, the bags under the eyes extend from the inner corner of the eye to the temples. A skin fold may also form.

How do bags under the eyes develop? Genetic and external causes

The formation of bags under the eyes has nothing to do with retained tears. Instead, they are usually caused by genetic and external influences. The typical causes are

• disturbed lymph flow due to stress, lack of sleep or illness.
• genetic predisposition: If you have a family history of bags under the eyes or tend to age more quickly, this increases the risk of developing bags under the eyes.
• an unhealthy lifestyle with excessive alcohol and/or nicotine consumption, a sugary diet and frequent exposure to UV rays.
• Natural skin ageing, in which the cushioning tissue under the eye loses stability, causing the underlying fatty tissue to sag. This is caused by the reduction in collagen and elastin production with age.
• Allergies that trigger inflammation and make blood vessels more prominent.

What is the difference between acute and chronic bags under the eyes?

Acute bags under the eyes are usually caused by a lack of sleep. Excess cortisol, which is produced when there is too little sleep, causes fluid to collect under the eye. This leads to bags under the eyes. However, these disappear again when the lack of sleep is corrected. Chronic bags under the eyes, however, do not form even if living conditions improve. They are also caused by excess fluid or fat deposits under the eyes and can also be triggered by a lack of sleep. However, there are numerous other causes that can lead to chronic bags under the eyes.

Having bags under the eyes removed – methods and options

In most cases, bags under the eyes are purely an aesthetic challenge. Sometimes, however, they are also a sign of heart, kidney or thyroid disease. Especially if they appear very suddenly and get bigger over time, you should see a doctor quickly. But even the harmless bags under the eyes can cause a great deal of suffering for those affected. Numerous methods have been developed to remove them. Some of them are hundreds of years old.

Prevent

To prevent bags under the eyes from developing in the first place, you should lead a healthy lifestyle. If you avoid alcohol and nicotine, avoid excessive sunlight, eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink enough every day, you will give your skin everything it needs to stay as firm and youthful as possible. This can also prevent bags under the eyes.

Compresses and tea bags

One of the oldest methods of combating bags under the eyes is to apply tea bags and cold compresses directly under the eyes. The compresses cause an acute supply of cold, which stimulates blood circulation in the skin. This in turn improves the drainage of lymph. The swelling of the bags under the eyes is reduced. The tannins contained in black and green tea have a similar effect. Both methods are tried and tested for acute bags under the eyes. However, if they are chronic, they have little or no effect.

Sleeping position

If possible, sleep on your back with your head elevated to avoid the formation of bags under the eyes. In this position, it is difficult for fluid to collect under the eye, which prevents acute bags under the eyes from forming in the first place. However, this method does not help with chronic bags under the eyes.

Lymphatic drainage

The effect of lymphatic drainage on bags under the eyes is controversial. It can achieve good results, especially if the skin under the eyes is still firm and resistant. In other cases, however, lymphatic drainage has shown hardly any improvement.

Microneedling

Microneedling uses tiny needles to inflict minimal injury to the skin. This is not usually associated with pain, but releases important signals in the body. The body’s self-healing powers are activated, blood circulation is increased and collagen and elastin production is boosted. The drainage of lymph is also stimulated. Microneedling is therefore usually a good treatment method for less pronounced bags under the eyes.

Laser

Treatment with the fractionated CO2 laser also requires no surgery at all. In this treatment, the collagen fibers in the skin are heated and thus activated. The result is an immediate tightening effect. Similar to microneedling, this method also stimulates the body’s own self-healing powers through micro-injuries. However, laser treatment is also only suitable for smaller bags under the eyes.

Injection

Another option for removing slightly pronounced bags under the eyes is injection with hyaluronic acid. The hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the lower eye area, creating artificial volume there. The skin tightens and the additional volume can even out smaller bags under the eyes. Although the method is effective, the injected hyaluron degrades in the body over time. The procedure must be repeated around six months after the procedure in order to maintain the results. Injections with autologous fat offer longer-lasting results without the use of exogenous fillers. For this procedure, fat tissue is removed from the abdomen, buttocks or thighs, specially prepared and also injected into the affected area.

Surgical removal

If you are looking for a permanent solution or your bags under the eyes are already more pronounced, surgical removal of the bags under the eyes provides the best results. The excess fatty tissue or fluid accumulation as well as the sagging skin are removed during the eyelid lift and the lower eyelid muscle is tightened.

For whom is surgical removal of bags under the eyes suitable?

In most cases, surgical removal of the bags under the eyes is the last step in a long history of suffering. Previously acute symptoms have become chronic and other interventions have had little or no effect. In these cases, surgery is the ideal way to finally regain a firm and awake eye area. However, if you only have slight bags under your eyes in the morning, which disappear again within a short time, then surgery is usually not the right choice. Acute infections and pre-existing conditions that prevent surgery also make surgical removal of your bags under the eyes impossible. In these cases, wait until your state of health has improved.

Are there any risks?

The surgical removal of bags under the eyes, or lower eyelid lift, is still an operation. Even though it is a familiar and well-tested method, there is still a residual risk – as with any surgical procedure. The area under the eye contains many important structures that are necessary for proper eye function. If these are damaged, this can lead to serious health complications. Infections and secondary bleeding in this sensitive area should also be avoided as a matter of urgency. It is therefore all the more important that you only have the procedure performed by an experienced and trained specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery.

What should you look out for during a lacrimal sac removal?

Ask your doctor for detailed advice before your procedure. Discuss your wishes and ideas. An intensive examination of your personal situation is also part of the initial consultation. The options and detailed procedure can only be determined after the consultation. After the treatment, it is important that you rest sufficiently. Slight swelling and bruising are normal at first and will subside within two weeks. Avoid sport, strenuous physical activity and intense sunlight during this time. Also sleep with your head in an elevated position to minimize swelling.

Tight, alert eyes at last with the right tear bag removal

Pronounced bags under the eyes can be very distressing for those affected. Facial expressions often appear tired, exhausted, in a bad mood or even older than you actually are. This can cause a great deal of suffering. Mild symptoms can be treated well with home remedies and various minimally invasive methods. If the bags under the eyes are already very pronounced, a surgical lower eyelid lift is an option. This usually offers lifelong and particularly good results. If you take sufficient rest after the procedure and follow the instructions of your doctor, side effects are extremely rare. You should urgently consult an experienced specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery. Our experts will provide you with comprehensive and understanding advice. We look forward to hearing from you.