If you’re seeking a brighter, more youthful look, cosmetic treatments for under eye bags may be the solution you’ve been looking for. This blog dives into the common causes of under eye bags and highlights the best treatments for under eye bags that can help you feel confident again.
What Causes Bags Under Eyes?
You may think a lack of sleep is to blame for bags under your eyes, but lack of sleep is not the only reason under eye bags can develop. Other common reasons under eye bags may develop include age, genetics, and some medical conditions, like thyroid issues.
Other common causes of bags under your eyes are fluid retention, which can occur because of eating salty foods or drinking too much alcohol, and smoking. Allergies, especially those that lead to congestion, are another common cause of bags under your eyes.
Bags under your eyes are not typically a cause for concern, and instead, are more of a cosmetic concern. Fortunately, there are a number of cosmetic dermatology treatments for bags under the eyes.
What are the Best Cosmetic Treatments for Under Eye Bags?
There are a number of home treatments for bags under your eyes; however, some of the best treatments for under eye bags are professional treatments like dermal fillers, chemical peels, microneedling, and laser resurfacing.
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Dermal Fillers
One of the most common cosmetic treatments for under eye bags are dermal fillers, also known as facial fillers. Dermal fillers for under your eyes are most commonly made of hyaluronic acid. This type of filler not only boosts collagen production but also provides the most natural looking results.
Fillers help reduce the appearance of under eye bags by plumping your skin, which minimizes tear troughs under your eyes. Most people see immediate results with no down time, although it is possible to experience slight swelling or temporary bruising.
Many factors affect how long dermal fillers will last, including the type of filler used and the area being treated. Vujevich Dermatology Associates uses two proven brands – Restylane® and Belotero Balance® – as treatment for bags under the eyes. These types of fillers typically last six to twelve months, but because the areas under the eyes see less movement than other areas, like the mouth, your dermal fillers for under eye bags may last longer than they would in other places.
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Chemical Peels
Although it’s not known as one of the common chemical peel benefits, chemical peels can reduce the appearance of under eye bags. The two types of chemical peels offered as cosmetic treatments for under eye bags at Vujevich Dermatology Associates are the superficial or lunchtime peel and the medium peel.
In general, chemical peels even out skin tone and brighten the treated area. Specifically, a superficial peel gently exfoliates the outer layer of skin, improving the appearance of mild discoloration. Medium peels penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells, improving the overall appearance of your skin.
A superficial chemical peel can take up to seven days to heal, and a medium peel can take up to two weeks to heal. Because chemical peels help stimulate the production of collagen (which makes them one of the best treatments for under eye bags), their results can be long lasting.
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Microneedling
Yes, microneedling does work for under eye bags and is actually another of the best treatments for under eye bags as it stimulates collagen production by creating micro injuries in the skin. However, it’s important to consult a professional as the under eye area is extremely sensitive. Your dermatologist will need to use very fine needles and make precise needle depth adjustments throughout the procedure.
Because microneedling uses your body’s repair systems to improve your skin’s appearance, you will not see results immediately. Some results may be seen after one session, but most people need three or four treatments before they see optimal results.
Microneedling does permanently increase the amount of collagen under your eyes, but the aging process will continue, meaning your body will eventually break down that new collagen. How long this process takes depends on your age, skin type, and how well your skin responds to treatment. To maintain the best results, some people schedule quarterly or semi-annual treatments.
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Laser Resurfacing
Just like the other cosmetic treatments for under eye bags mentioned above, laser resurfacing, also known as laser skin treatment, helps stimulate collagen production. At Vujevich Dermatology Associates, we use the Excel V laser, which delivers a specific wavelength of light to target red and brown structures in the skin. Eventually, the targeted vessel walls collapse or brown pigment cells break apart and your body eliminates them naturally.
Following the procedure, you may notice some redness and swelling. It can take up to two weeks for your skin to heal following a laser resurfacing treatment, with results starting to show after those first two weeks. After 30 days, you’ll begin to notice hyperpigmentation of your skin has started to fade and the texture of your skin has started to improve.
It’s important to consult a professional when considering a laser skin treatment. Not only do they provide the best results, but they will also discuss potential side effects. For example, people with darker skin tones or a tan are at higher risk of pigment changes in the skin following a laser skin treatment.
General Treatments for Bags Under Eyes
Professional treatments are not the only methods used to get rid of bags under your eyes. A tried and true method to temporarily reduce the appearance of under eye bags is using a cool compress (think cucumber slices placed over the eyes) or a cool eye mask. Other ways to temporarily reduce the appearance of under eye bags are caffeine-infused eye creams, a cold facial roller, or cosmetics.
Antihistamines may help reduce the appearance of under eye bags if your under eye bags are related to allergies. Lifestyle changes that can be made to reduce the appearance of under eye bags are avoiding excess alcohol and salt, increasing your water intake, avoiding smoking, sleeping with your head slightly elevated, and prioritizing sleep.
Book Your Consultation
Are under eye bags affecting your confidence? Our experienced dermatology team offers cosmetic treatments for under eye bags to help you look and feel your best. Our experts will talk you through the different cosmetic treatments to get rid of bags under your eyes and tailor solutions to your unique needs.
Schedule an appointment today with one of our highly trained, board-certified dermatologists to take the first step toward enhancing your natural beauty. You can reach us at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to book your appointment in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.