One of the first signs of aging is hollowing out under the eyes. In many cases I recommend eyelid surgery to restore a bright and youthful appearance. Learn more about how I smooth under-eye hollows and bags.
What Causes Hollows and Bags Below the Eyes?
As we get older, fat tends to migrate down the face, leaving a sunken appearance in the tear troughs and temples and possibly puffy “bags”. Another reason is because the muscle surrounding the eyes attaches to the bones without tissue, which would provide more volume to protect against this “hollowing” effect.
Can Filler Treat Under Eye Bags?
Patients often ask about having dermal fillers injected to make the tear troughs appear plumper. Although injectable fillers are a wonderful tool to enhance a patient’s appearance for many areas of the face, they don’t always yield the best or most consistent results when used under the eyes.
What Does Lower Blepharoplasty Do?
Blepharoplasty on the lower lids surgically releases the muscle from the bone and, if enough fat is present, it can be rearranged to help fill the hollow areas. Patients who want a fuller look beneath their eyes may also benefit from fat transfer, in which small amounts of fat taken from another part of a patient’s body (such as the abdomen) is grafted to a new location using a micro cannula.
Fat vs Filler
For many patients, fat grafting is a better alternative to filler when it comes to refreshing the lower eye area. Fat is softer and smoother than filler and can last indefinitely. However, you may still need a follow-up procedure to “touch up” your results.
Experience and Expertise Matter
Experience is important, and having done several hundred fat transfer and eyelid procedures, I can attest to that. Regardless of the treatment chosen, the most important factor when treating hollows under the eyes is the skill and experience of the plastic surgeon performing the procedure. Always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon but pay special attention to their expertise in your desired procedure.
If performed properly, eyelid surgery can be a relatively simple procedure with a short recovery period that can make a big difference in a person’s look. See the transformations for yourself in my before and after blepharoplasty gallery.
Take the Next Step
To get started on your facial rejuvenation journey, please request a consultation online or call TLKM Plastic Surgery at (312) 788-2560 to schedule your appointment.
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