Undereye puffiness is a problem for so many of us. In some cases, it’s relatively mild, but in others it can best be described as “bags” under the eyes. So, what causes it, and what can you do about it?
Puffy lower eyelids are caused by protruding fat. There are three fat compartments of each lower eyelid – the medial, central, and lateral. These fat pockets reside inside the eye socket and function to take up space and cushion the eyeball from trauma.
When this fat protrudes, it creates puffiness. When it protrudes a lot, we get bags. Technically the only way to permanently reduce eyelid puffiness is via surgery – a lower blepharoplasty.
This is a short, 90-minute operation where I make a small incision on the inside of the eyelid and remove excess fat from the three fat compartments. This effectively de-puffs the eyelids. There are two versions of this surgery: the “scarless” technique which simply removes fat, and the pinch technique which removes fat and a pinch of excess skin.
I perform both under a general anesthetic since I’m operating so close to the eyeball that precision and control are keys to the success of the operation. Downtime is a week or two, although swelling can take several months to completely resolve.
So, what can you do for lower eyelid puffiness other than surgery?
Unfortunately, not a lot. Retinol eye creams can modestly smooth lower lid wrinkles and thicken the skin, but don’t do much for the underlying puffy fat. There are instant depuffing creams you can try that can basically shrink wrap the skin for an hour or two, but they don’t create any long-term benefit.
Want to know more about how to rejuvenate your eyes? My latest podcast is all about it! In this solo episode, I answer:
- How to lift the eyebrows without surgery
- Options for removing excess skin of the upper eyelids
- Cat / fox eye surgery – what is it, and should you do it?
- Crow’s feet treatments
- When insurance covers your eyelid lift
- Options for dark circles
- And a lot more!
To listen to How to Rejuvenate Your Eyes! Get Rid of Dark Circles, Bags, Puffiness, Crow’s Feet, and More… on Apple devices, click HERE. To listen on Spotify, click HERE
