5 Non-Surgical Ways to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes

For some, dark circles, eye bags, and puffy under eyes can be fixed with something as simple as a good night’s sleep. However, for the rest of us, dark circles, eye bags, crow’s feet, and hollow or sagging skin never really go away, no matter how many topicals we use.

Wondering how to get rid of bags under your eyes? To address dark circles and hollows, and finally treat the bags under your eyes, there are many treatments available. The bags under eye treatment options include everything from under eye filler, botox, or surgery to tighten skin more effectively than your average eye cream. For more on under eye fillers in Minneapolis, our team is here to break down the top medical treatment options.

What Causes Bags Under the Eyes?

There are several factors that contribute to dark under eye circles, hollow under eyes, and bags under your eyes. To better understand how to get rid of bags under the eyes, let’s first understand what causes bags under eyes.

Genetics

One factor that can cause dark bags under eyes is genetics. For some, there is a genetic predisposition to dark circles and eye bags, caused by fat build-up in the eyelids. This excess of fat can cause those unwanted eye bags, making your eyes look puffy and tired.

For others, they are born with saggy upper eyelids, which can make them look hooded and tired. More recent medical studies have revealed that dark circles under the eyes may run in the family, too.

These tired eyes can also be due to a tear-trough deformity. Tear trough deformity is a significant indentation between the eye and the nose that gives the eyes a sunken look. This may develop in some upon birth, while others may develop it later in life.

Aging

Aging can also cause your eyes to look saggy or create eye bags. As you age, the skin stretches and loses elasticity, and the muscles begin to weaken and thin, causing loose skin and eye bags.

Dark circles can also appear as you age due to the same process, causing the blood vessels in the eyes to become more apparent, creating a dark under-eye look. This may also be due to a loss of volume in the face as we age.

Sun Damage

Excessive sun exposure can trigger the body to produce extra melanin, which is a pigment that gives the skin color. This can result in hyperpigmentation, or dark patches, under the eyes.

Dehydration

Drink your water! Dehydration is widely known to contribute to better skin, and when you don’t drink enough water, your eyes will look increasingly dull.

Water Retention

Fluid retention due to some medications, salty foods, or certain diseases can cause swelling and puffiness in the body, particularly around the eyes.

Allergies

Some allergy symptoms include puffy eyes, caused by the chemicals released, or histamines when you have seasonal allergies.

Smoking

Cigarettes and other tobacco-based products cause damage to the skin, quickening the aging process which can cause eye bags.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions can cause droopy eyelids or eye bags. Some of these conditions include renal disease, diabetes, thyroid eye disease, Myasthenia Gravis, and eye infections.

Medical Nonsurgical Options for Under-Eye Bags

So, what helps with bags under eyes? There are many non-surgical options for treatment for bags under eyes available that will reduce bags under the eyes for a more refreshed look. To understand how to get rid of tired-looking eyes, here are a few non-surgical solutions.

#1 Under Eye Filler

When it comes to getting rid of bags under the eyes, filler is a good place to start. This treatment option places a filler material, usually hyaluronic acid, to the area where the under-eye and cheek meet. This injection is performed in a doctor’s office or skin clinic and will last anywhere from six to 12 months.

#2 Under Eye Botox

Another option for treating under-eye bags is Botox. Specifically, botox injections for crow’s feet can address under eye bags, but won’t get rid of the bags themselves. Instead, it treats the tension around the eyes, helping relax the muscles to improve the appearance. This is a temporary solution for under eye skin issues, and will need to be injected every three to six months to maintain the results.

#3 Laser Resurfacing

When it comes to what to use for bags under eyes, laser resurfacing is another good option. This treatment uses a layer to remove the surface layer of skin, targeting wrinkly areas in the under eye. This process will help stimulate collagen production, creating firmer skin. This process can actually last for years, depending on your skin type and how much sun exposure you get.

#4 Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a great option when navigating how to remove bags under eyes. This process will remove the superficial top layers of wrinkles under your eyes. This in-office treatment uses a chemical solution to dissolve the dead skin cells, creating a tighter, brighter skin finish. This treatment will also last a few years.

#5 PRP Injections

Ideal for the lower eyelid region, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can assist, strengthening the skin around the eyes for a more youthful finish.

At-Home Treatments for Puffy Eyes

In addition to the non-surgical, more long-term solutions to reduce swollen eyes, under eye puffiness, and dark circles, there are some at-home solutions to try, too. To navigate how to fix bags under eyes at home, here are a few options.

Cold Compress

When it comes to how to reduce bags under eyes, a cold compress can help to alleviate puffy lids. To do this at home, apply iced water or cold spoons to your eyes, helping to reduce under eye puffiness and swelling, as well as the appearance of dark circles.

Tea Bags

Another of the top home remedies is tea bags. To fix bags under eyes temporarily, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in tea bags will assist, especially teas with caffeine, which will increase circulation. To do this at home, steep tea bags in hot water and let them cool in the refrigerator. Then, apply the cold bags to the eyelids for a few minutes to alleviate puffiness and sagging.

Cucumber

It’s not just a beauty regimen for the movies! Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties that can help naturally reduce swelling in the eyes. To get the best results, chill your cucumber slices before using them, as the cooling effect will help further tighten the skin for a refreshed finish.

Hemorrhoid Creams

For some, hemorrhoid creams have proven effective in reducing puffiness, as they help to narrow the blood vessels and reduce swelling. However, this method should be used with caution, as this treatment is not approved for this specific use. With this in mind, it may have some unwanted side effects, like eye irritation.

Apply an Eye Cream

Another way of fixing bags under the eyes is eye cream. Eye creams are specifically intended for the eye area, unlike hemorrhoid creams, and are specifically designed to help get rid of under-eye darkness or puffiness with a temporary fix. When shopping for under-eye creams, look for ones with ingredients like retinoids, caffeine, Vitamin C, A, and E, antioxidants, green tea, or peptides.

Under-Eye Patches

Under-eye patches are another great way to temporarily reduce the appearance of under-eye bags and puffiness. This also serves as a relaxing addition to your skincare routine, helping you to unwind and alleviate stress.

Use Retinol

Retinol, which is a form of Vitamin A, is a key ingredient in many anti-aging skin care products, including eye creams. Research has shown that using an under eye cream with retinol can help improve everything from lines and puffiness, to dark circles, for a more youthful appearance.

Sunscreen

UVA and UVB rays are incredibly harmful to the skin and can accelerate aging due to the harmful rays and pigmentation they may cause. With this in mind, always wear SPF and opt to wear sunglasses when you can to protect the delicate under eye area.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it can actually constrict your blood vessels. For this reason, looking for skincare products with caffeine can help reduce puffiness, and so can tea bags with caffeine!

Elevate Your Head as You Sleep

To help reduce puffiness and fluid retention in the face, elevating your head when you sleep will help prevent that unwanted morning puffiness when you wake up. While this isn’t a permanent solution, it can help alleviate some of the symptoms that cause under eye bags.

Stay Hydrated

Staying properly hydrated is essential to maintaining healthy skin all over, as well as reducing puffy eyelids and tired-looking eyes. Whether you drank alcohol or had too much salt, water can help reduce the side effects and plump the skin, temporarily reducing puffiness under the eyes.

Considering a Nonsurgical Under Eye Filler or Botox?

While there are numerous at-home solutions that can help you navigate how to tighten the skin under your eyes, the best option for removing bags under the eyes more permanently is non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

With a highly trained staff and extensive knowledge of the best solutions for your dark bags under eyes, our team at Metropolitan Skin Clinic is here to help. To learn more, schedule a virtual consultation today.