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Will Eyes by Thermage Help Reduce Puffy, Baggy Eyes?

I am a 27 year old female and have had puffy eyes for as long as I can remember. I get bad allergies in the spring which I believe to be a lot of the cause. However, I have bags all year long (just worse with allergies). I recently visited a dermatologist who said she did not believe I had "fatty bulges" but more fluid retention and suggested Thermage. I am desperately looking for a procedure other than invasive surgery and I feel that the bags make me look unhappy and old. Is there any proof that Thermage will work for this? Are there any other treatments that will last a long time and be effective?

Asked 42 months ago by kc1234 in PA
Sort 8 expert answers by:
+3

Treat the Underlying Condition First

Severe allergies, thyroid conditions and a host of other medical conditions can cause excessive swelling around the eyes. This is significant because it means that removal of periorbital fat will not be of benefit. You should first be placed on an aggressive allergy medication and avoidance therapy for several months and not how much improvement can be achieved. Once you have been treated for several months see how much improvement you have achieved. I personally do not advocate... more
Anil R. Shah, MD
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Thermage for eyelids

Thermage works well for some patients on the loose skin of the upper eyelid but bags of swelling fluid retention on the lower eyelids may not respond well.
Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist
+2

Thermage will not correct eye bags

Dear KC, Eye bags, puffy eyes, bags under eyes, and dark circles under the eyes are most often caused by a condition called orbital fatty herniation. If your bags are constant and not cyclical related to allergic reactions or fluid retention, then fatty orbital herniation is the most likely cause. Thermage is a skin tightening technique using Infrared energy. It cannot be safely used on the eyelids, and if it is used, can only tighten the skin about 20% and will have NO EFFECT on eye... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Thermage- Lower eyelids

Thermage is a skin tightening device- and will have a response on the lower eyelids- but only to the extent that your issue is skin laxity. Much of the 'puffiness' seen in your lower lids is generally due to fat and fluid. The upper eyelid results with Thermage are very impressive because this is mostly a skin laxity issue.
Scott E. Newman, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Thermage for puffy under eye bags

I would not recommend Thermage for the condition that you are describing. (Bags under the eyes). Eyes by Thermage treatment is indicated for mild or moderate loosening of eyelid skin. If the bags are not too prominent, you may benefit from Traditional Laser Resurfacing or Fractionated Laser Resurfacing. If the condition is severe, you would have to consult an oculoplastic surgeon who will explain to you the latest advances in the treatment of this common and annoying... more
Eugene Mandrea, MD
Chicago Dermatologist
+1

Thermage for Eyes

Our experience with Thermage for eyes has been overall excellent, particularly with tightening loose upper eyelids. About 90% of patients treated will respond with tighter upper eyelid skin. Puffy bags under the lower eyelids do not respond as well, although can be reduced. Fractional lasers like Lumenis ActiveFX can also be used for the eyes leading to tightening of loose skin.
Robert A. Weiss, MD
Baltimore Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Eyes by thermage and lower lid bags

As the person who developed the Eyes by Thermage treatment, I can speak from extensive experience on this topic.  Thermage is not a good treatment for puffy bags but, in a minority of patients treated in our initial studies, some reduction of lower eyelid fullness was observed.  
Brian Biesman, MD
Nashville Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Options for puffy, baggy eyes

The eyes are the windows to the soul. All too often, however, they seem to reveal exhaustion. The very delicate skin around the eyes tends to get crepey and puffy due to fatigue and stress. An effective non-surgical option that might benefit you is Thermage, which can tighten the skin around the eyes. The new and improved Thermage is a virtually painless, non-invasive (no incision!) treatment that can tighten skin and stimulate your body to make healthier collagen—the building... more
Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD
New York Plastic Surgeon
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