There are quite a few homemade and pharmaceutical “remedies”out there to correct bags and dark circles under the eyes, but not many are effective or long-lasting. On the other hand, there is a procedure called lower blepharoplasty that can permanently address your lower lid bags. More importantly, there are plastic surgeons that specialize in correcting eyelid bags and dark circles, called oculoplastic surgeons.
Baggy lids and dark circles can contribute to an aged appearance and a worn-out look, even in people who feel young and full of energy. Let’s explore the science behind these unpleasant signs of aging and how to treat them effectively.
How to treat bags under the eyelids
Most people with eye bags who dislike their tired appearance will benefit from a procedure called lower lid blepharoplasty. This procedure is designed to eliminate the bags and raise the upper cheek in order to rejuvenate the person’s appearance. Lower lid blepharoplasty is not just about removing skin and fat. It is a delicate operation that requires tissue remodeling and precise surgical maneuvers. Not all patients have excess skin or excess fat. When a person is mainly bothered by wrinkly skin, a chemical peel or CO2 laser resurfacing may address their bags. Another person might not have excess skin but they may need fat removal; in these cases, an incision on the skin may be avoided and no scar will be present after the procedure.
As a surgical alternative, lower lid blepharoplasty carries minimal risks for the patient; among them, transient blurred vision, swelling and mild bruising of the operated area are worth mentioning. These discomforts usually disappear in a few days. Some patients will experience dry eye symptoms for the first month after surgery but these can easily be managed with artificial tear drops.
To attain the best surgical result, it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully. Heavy lifting is not recommended for the first week after the operation. The great majority of patients do not feel pain after the surgery and don’t feel the need to take pain medication. As for bruising, it is strongly recommended to stop multivitamins and omega 3 supplements before the surgery to minimize the amount of black and blue. The use of cold compresses also helps to reduce inflammation.
How to treat dark circles
Dark circles around the eyes are different from bags in two ways: First, they are not caused by excess tissue; and second, they are much harder to treat. Dark circles are mainly caused by pigment deposits in the skin of the lower eyelids. These deposits consist of melanin, a normal pigment of the skin. People with darker skin tones tend to have more pigment on their skin and, therefore, are more prone to developing dark circles. Another cause of dark circles is skin changes secondary to chronic allergic conditions, such as, asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. There is yet another cause of dark circles in people with very light skin. These patients may have dark circles since adolescence and the cause is lack of pigment that allows venous blood, i.e., blood in veins, to show through the skin.
Regarding treatment of dark circles, the options depend on the main cause of the problem:
- Excess pigment on the skin may be treated with specific lasers that target melanin.
- Chronic allergies may be treated with oral medications or creams that target the allergic condition.
- People with light skin may benefit from the application of dermal fillers. This must be done by a well-trained physician because complications from a poorly applied filler can be devastating.
In summary, there are many safe, effective and long-lasting alternatives to get rid of your bags and dark circles. We can offer you the best option to suit your needs.
We invite you to contact us through our website or by telephone +506 2522-1000 and +506 2248-2305. It will be our pleasure to assist you.
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