Eyebags and Wrinkles: causes and treatments

As we age, the cheek area loses volume and elasticity, leading to hollowing under the eyes, dark circles, and the appearance of under-eye bags.

This common issue can make the face look tired and aged.

What causes under-eye bags and dark circles?

The primary cause of under-eye bags and dark circles is the natural ageing process. As the muscles, fat, and bone around the eyes lose volume and elasticity, wrinkles form and hollows appear. Key areas affected include:

• Forehead: Glabella and frown lines
• Eyes: Crow’s feet and bunny lines
• Cheek area: Droopiness and loss of volume, leading to hollow eyes

Treatment options for under-eye bags and wrinkles

There are various treatments available to refresh the face, reduce wrinkles, and smooth the skin, offering a more youthful appearance.

Non-surgical treatments

1. Anti Wrinkle Treatments: This injectable treatment reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles.
2. Dermal Fillers: Fillers restore lost volume and smooth out wrinkles. Tear Trough Fillers are particularly effective for reducing dark circles and rejuvenating the under-eye area without surgery.

Surgical treatments

For more significant issues, surgical options may be necessary. Lower blepharoplasty is a common procedure to correct excessive skin and eye bags. This surgery is often chosen by people who have not achieved desired results with non-surgical treatments or have more pronounced under-eye issues.

• Lower eyelid blepharoplasty: This surgery addresses fat bulges, excess skin, and muscle laxity in the lower eyelid. There are two main approaches:
1. Transconjunctival approach: Suitable for younger individuals with fat bulges but no significant skin wrinkles. The incision is made through the inner eyelid, leaving no visible scar.
2. Transcutaneous approach: For individuals with loose skin and muscle, a small incision is made just beneath the eyelash line. This approach allows for tightening of the lower eyelid and is closed with sutures or glue.

Your surgeon will determine the best approach based on your specific needs.

To understand more about your options, please visit their specific procedure pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can drinking alcohol cause bags under your eyes? Alcohol can dehydrate the skin and irritate the delicate area around the eyes, making them appear sunken and tired.
• Does dehydration cause eye bags? Yes, dehydration can lead to dark circles or eye bags. It is recommended to drink 6-8 glasses (1.2 litres) of water daily.
• Can stress cause eye bags? Stress increases cortisol levels, which can lead to inflammation and affect the appearance of your eyes, resulting in eye bags.

Meet your surgeon Ms Susan Sarangapani

View Profile