Anything I can do to improve my under eye bags? (Photo)

Question

I had some bags under my eyes since I was in my early 20s. It's genetics and my dads are horrible. I made sure to go to an oculoplastic surgeon. She removed some fat and quickly after I noticed bulges under my eye that were never there and one bag was still there. I went back and she said it was a muscle she could put Botox in. I said no. I'm sad because everything is worse. Is there anything I can do? Should I go back to her? I paid $5000 to be more unhappy.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The eye area needs significant combinations to get improvement. Lasers like erbium, co2, halo, profractional/contour, or Fraxel can all be used to build collagen long term. Plasma pen is a newer less invasive option but will take many treatments and require proper skincare. Plasma Pen is focused electrical plasma energy to tighten skin, producing small columns of energy just above the skin, allowing the skin to tighten to help improve wrinkles. This area will have 3-5 days of small “dots” that will then scab and peel, then the skin will tighter and brighter after. Numerous treatments are needed over lasers where only one or two give a bigger result, but more downtime. After plasma pen you NEED peels 2 weeks like later Cosmelan, enlighten or aerify, see emeragecosmetics (link). At home derma rolling should be started weekly even after plasma pen or lasers to further increase collagen, see emeragecosmetics AERIFY x anteagemd stem cell ampules. To properly heal you need light Stim red LED, EmerageSkin refit face, refit eye; AnteageMD serum, silagen silicone gel, jan Marini bioshield, EmerageSkin enzymatic polish, and EmerageSkin hyla b and AOX, and Sente dermal repair. Otherwise there is EXTREME risk of pigmentation issues and “dots” in the treatment area. at home peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify along with dermarolling (AERIFY emerageskin roller with Anteage MD ampules) should be started now regardless for antiaging, sun damage, and wrinkle prevention. There are many things you can do to treat under eye hollows and dark circles. A surgical option to remove skin and/or fat will such as eyelid blepharoplasty with or without fat pad repositioning (if doing lower eyelid surgery) will be the best long term. There are many things you can do to treat under eye hollows and dark circles without surgery. Non invasive less downtime options such as fillers, lasers, microneedling/PRP, cosmelan peels, and microneedling RF like Fractora, PiXel8 or morpheus can all help give some improvement. Accutite can often be used or stronger lasers like erbium or co2 spot treatment can tighten the skin and give very quick improvement in wrinkles and texture. I suggest you get a formal consultation to see what is best for you and your goals. Best, Dr. Emer.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @amybk27! Thank you for posting your photos. I would recommend a lower blepharoplasty. Best of luck to you!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. I’m sorry you’ve had unsatisfactory results from your under-eye surgery. The under-eye bags you’re referring to can either be volumized with dermal filler injections for a temporary improvement, or removed with a lower blepharoplasty surgery. This procedure can smooth the transition from the lower eyelid to the upper cheek area by sculpting, repositioning, or removing excess fat and loose skin as needed for a refreshed and awake result.

I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon or injector. They will be able to review your surgical history, discuss your concerns with you, and help you decide on the best course of action.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your experience and photos. It appears you need revision of the surgery. If you’re not confident in your surgeon you should go to another oculoplastic physician.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your photos you have the option of improvement surgically and non surgically.  Fillers are a temporary treatment that can be used to improve the appearance of under eye bags.  I've included a video on this approach that I hope you find helpful.  The other option is surgical in the form of a lower blepharoplasty.

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Anything I can do to improve my under eye bags? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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