After having my baby two years ago, I started developing permanent puffy bags under my eyes. How can I get rid of them?

Hi Bren. Depending on how old you are and how severe the issue is, you may be a candidate for a lower blepharoplasty (eye surgery) or injection fillers such as Restylane.To see examples of before and after pictures for our Los Angeles patients that have had puffy eye bags and been treated with dermal fillers, check the link below.

Your body goes through a number of changes with pregnancy. Most of the time these changes are temporary, but sometimes it unfortunately just doesn't go back. Topicals can help very mild cases of eyelid puffiness but really only temporarily. I have plenty of young, non-stressed, well rested patients that simply have a genetic predisposition to having puffy under eye bags. The procedure for reducing lower eyelid bags is very straightforward and done in an outpatient setting. Often patients are back to work within a week. I would tread very lightly around injectables as the skin in the area is very thin and ugly effects can happen easily.  

Most expert experienced artistic plastic surgeons have a
variety of procedures, both non-surgical and surgical, at their disposal to
produce excellent cosmetic results in the appropriately selected patient: Botox
or Dysport, temporary hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, long-lasting micro-fat grafts, blepharoplasties,
or a combination of procedures. Each has benefits and drawbacks and depends on
desired outcome and individual anatomy.

Following the advice of anyone who would presume
to tell you what to do without seeing photos and without taking a full medical
history, examining you, feeling and assessing your tissue tone, discussing your
desired outcome and fully informing you about the pros and cons of each option
would not be in your best interest. Find a plastic surgeon that you are
comfortable with and one that you trust and listen to his or her advice. The
surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and
ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

There can be several causes of puffy eyelids . If the puffiness is due to protruding fat then fillers could be used if the protrusion is subtle . If the fat is more prominent then fillers are not the best option and a transconjuctival blepharoplasty ( no external incision ) may be the answer. Only a detailed consultation can determine what is best for you .

It's difficult to provide you with an accurate recommendation without an exam or photo. However, puffy lower eyelids can be treated with surgery and sometimes with fillers along the tear troughs. Best to consult with your local plastic surgeons for a more definitive solution. Thank you for your question. Best wishes.