What can I do for dark puffy under eye bags? (Photo)

Question

I am about to be 37. I have always had a little under eye puffiness/darkness, even when I was a kid. The last couple years it has gotten a lot worse. In certain light/photos, the combination of the color and puffiness makes it look like I have a black eye! I was told I'm not a candidate for tear trough filler, but eye creams don't seem to do anything. What else can I do to treat this area? Photos are in natural light with no makeup.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For puffiness and sagging under the eyes, we often use Renuvion helium plasma radiofrequency energy to achieve incredible results and take years off of your appearance. Combining RF energy and cool helium plasma, the signs of aging (wrinkles, pigmentation, skin laxity) are improved in a ‘Nonsurgical Eyelid Lift.' The focused heating tightens and peels the upper layers of skin with extreme precision, leaving the surrounding area undamaged, smoothing and tightening the periorbital skin, and improving the overall skin quality around the eyes. It's an aggressive treatment, and the recovery time is longer than with other nonsurgical procedures, but the results can be life-changing.​ See an expert to determine if this is the best solution for you. Best, Dr. Emer

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @trixie619! You would be a great candidate for a lower blepharoplasty. I recommend an in person consultation with a facial plastic surgery. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing photos. It is possible to reduce the appearance of bags under the eyes with a lower blepharoplasty procedure. This surgical approach can smooth the transition between the eye and upper cheek by sculpting, repositioning, or removing excess fat, depending on your individual situation. By contouring and restructuring the lower lid, the eyes can appear more open, awake, and refreshed. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can review your concern and suggest the best course of action.

Julia Spears, MD · Answer

Hello! To help correct or minimize the discoloration under your eyes, I would suggest seeing a Medical Aesthetician for under-eye chemical peels like lactic acid and trichloroacetic acid. This has a blend of acids that can help with discoloration and will give you a more even tone. You can also do IPL (intense pulsed light therapy) which is a form of light therapy that will treat any unwanted pigmentation. Both treatments will require multiple sessions just to be aware of what you can expect. 
Best of luck!
Dr. Julia Spears MD

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

While an in person evaluation is always best, it appears from your photos you are a candidate for under eye filler.  Another option would be lower blepharoplasty.  This surgery will help to smooth the under eye giving a refreshed, more youthful eye.

What can I do for dark puffy under eye bags? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: What can I do for dark puffy under eye bags? (Photo)

Answer: What can I do for dark puffy under eye bags? (Photo)

Answer: Under eye concerns

Answer: Under eye concerns

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What can I do for dark puffy under eye bags? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: What can I do for dark puffy under eye bags? (Photo)

Answer: What can I do for dark puffy under eye bags? (Photo)

Answer: Under eye concerns

Answer: Under eye concerns

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.