Under-Eye Bags and Dark Circles

The bags that appear under the eyes over time can be either aqueous (composed of water) or adipose (composed of fat). The former generally form in the morning and disappear during the day, but the latter are permanent over the long term. They are not dangerous, but can cause aesthetic or visual discomfort.

• The main causes. As we age, the skin’s collagen content tends to decrease, leading to a loss of elasticity and thickness. This natural phenomenon results in the appearance of puffiness, beneath the lower eyelids, which can alter the look of the eyes. It is important not to confuse these with dark circles, which refer to a discolouration of the skin under the eyelids, but are very different in nature.
  • These bags can be of two types: aqueous or adipose. In the first case, they form directly under the eyelid, usually during the night but the bags then disappear within a few hours. In the case of adipose bags, the bags forms over time as the skin droops, simply due to gravity, which causes the fat around the eyes to lodge in three small natural pockets below the lower eyelid.
  • Whether they’re water or fat pockets, they pose no immediate danger to health and are usually no more than an aesthetic inconvenience. They do contribute to a tired appearance, nevertheless, some patients may also suffer from itchy eyelids or visual problems due to the discomfort.
  • Genetic predisposition is one of the main causes of bags forming just under the eyes, but it’s not the only factor.
    Lifestyle choices must also be taken into account to limit the natural development of bags as much as possible.
  • Sleep is the most important factor, as the recommended eight hours per night is rarely achieved in adults. Yet fatigue has a direct effect on the accumulation of fat in the eyelids, and hence on the resulting puffiness.
  • In addition to sleep, attention to skin care is also essential, as the eyelid area is very thin and therefore particularly sensitive.
    Excessive consumption of alcohol, tobacco or salt (which accentuates water retention) also has aggravating effects that need to be taken into account.
• The best ways to limit the appearance of bags under the eyes. Simple gestures can help reduce the size of the bags that naturally appear under the eyelids over time. Applying cooling agents to the eyelids, such as the famous fresh cucumber slices or cooled tea bags, helps deflate the bags. Hydration and a low-salt diet are also highly recommended.
  • Nevertheless, the most viable long-term solution is professional treatment, with or without surgery. There are many possibilities, and everyone can find the right formula.
  • Hyaluronic acid injections can be used to eliminate wrinkles and create harmonious volume around the eye, although the operation must be repeated regularly to maintain a lasting result.
  • Treatments that promote skin regeneration, such as microneedling and vampire lift, are ideally suited to the treatment of under-eye bags. They enable the skin to regain the elasticity it has lost over time, and thus limit the slackening of the skin that leaves room for puffiness to form.
  • In the case of excess skin, cosmetic surgery can correct eyelid imperfections. Blepharoplasty treats fatty eyelid bags without leaving a trace, since a single incision is made along the lash line or inside the eyelid. The aim is to restore the eyes to their original radiance, without altering their appearance. The results of the procedure are definitive and visible after a few days’ recovery.

Professional treatments can be combined to achieve a more harmonious appearance and longer-lasting results. An initial consultation with a doctor helps to clearly establish the patient’s specific needs and expectations.

There is a solution for every budget, ranging from around a hundred euros for a simple treatment. We recommend that you consult one of our doctors directly to define the protocol that best suits your situation and expectations.

There are many ways to slow the development of under-eye bags and reduce their appearance. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the most effective way to help prevent them, although this may not be enough to counteract genetic factors. Aesthetic medicine and surgical treatments can improve the appearance of the eyelids and enhance the overall look of the eyes. It is advisable to consult a doctor to determine the most suitable options for your needs, as every case is unique.

Every case is different, and every patient is treated on an individual basis. During the initial consultation, the doctor will define your expectations with you, and the best possible solutions to meet them.

Each step is then adapted to your profile and medical history. Depending on the treatment, preparation and convalescence protocols may vary considerably, but support remains the same until the final result is achieved.