Lower eyelid bags – or puffy eyes – are an issue for many people. The causes vary from genetic to environmental, and the treatments available are just as diverse.
Most symptoms are cosmetic, but some people report feeling swelling and irritation in the lower eye area. Severe cases can irritate the eye by drying it out or interfere with vision. As for treatments, options include over-the-counter products, home remedies, and blepharoplasty – a specialized eye surgery.
If you’re trying to get rid of lower eyelid bags, this guide is for you. Here’s everything you need to know when searching for the right solution.
How to Get Rid of Bags Under The Eyes
Depending on how badly they impact your life, you can treat puffy eyes in several ways. Mild cases are usually the result of inflammation or fluid buildup caused by things like allergies, stress, and a lack of proper sleep. Severe or consistent puffiness may come from other health conditions, but it can also just be the result of aging.
Getting 7-9 hours of sleep a night is key to reducing puffiness and regulating stress hormones. Elevating your head up with an extra pillow can keep fluid from building up too much around the eyes.
A cold compress is a great way to bring down the swelling if you wake up with lower eyelid bags. The pressure from a cool washcloth helps to drain excess fluid. Making a compress with green tea can provide extra relief thanks to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Eye creams with chamomile, arnica, and cucumber contain similar properties.
What Causes Bags Under The Eyes
Ultimately, the best treatment is the one that addresses the issue triggering inflammation and swelling under the eye. Knowing the underlying cause is a crucial step, so it’s always worth taking a moment to assess. If you’re not sure what might be causing lower eyelid bags, the best thing to do is consult an eye surgery specialist.
Aging and genetics are two of the most common causes of puffy eyes. They affect all of us to some degree, and the symptoms of both are often telling on the skin.
Our skin retains more fluid as we age, and the photoaging effects of the sun can take a toll too. Sun damage is one of the main environmental triggers for other skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and fine lines.
When it comes to genetics, some people simply have more excess fat pads in the lower eye area. A lack of sleep can induce puffiness, but so can allergies, seasonal changes, and crying.
While most treatments are applied topically or through surgery, diet plays a huge role in healthy skin. Excessive salt ramps up moisture retention, leading to fluid buildup.
On the other hand, alcohol and a low water intake will dehydrate the body faster. Cutting down on sodium and alcohol while drinking more water is a good habit for glowing, hydrated skin.
Ways to Get Rid of Eye Bags
If you’re trying to get healthier skin, small lifestyle adjustments add up in a big way. Potassium helps to regulate floods in the body, so try adding high-potassium foods to your diet. Good candidates include legumes, bananas, and dark leafy greens like spinach or kale.
Dermatological products can help treat the puffy area locally, and an eye surgery specialist can simplify the entire process while offering guidance and care. Products are often creams, but a doctor might recommend a supplement or medication if the puffiness is caused by a potassium deficiency or allergies.
Blepharoplasty in Nashville, TN
If you’re considering eye surgery to get rid of lower eyelid bags, blepharoplasty may be the right solution. Blepharoplasty treats conditions in the area such as:
- Saggy or droopy eyelids
- Excess skin on lower eyelids
- Bags under the eyes
By removing excess skin, blepharoplasty does more than protect you from vision problems. Cosmetically, it can restore the youthful and alert look that’s often lost with puffy, irritated or discolored eyelids.
Schedule a Consultation for Nashville’s Eyelid Surgery Today
At Tennessee Oculoplastics, ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive eye surgery is our specialty. Our trusted experts specialize in ectropion, entropion, dacryocystorhinostomy, and blepharoplasty.
Contact us today and learn more about our team of physicians and services in Nashville, TN.