What is the difference between lower eye bags and tear trough deformity?

Question

Is there a difference between the two? Both appear to create a groove and it seems both are sometimes corrected with filler. Thanks.

Timothy R. Miller, MD · Answer

In short, these are two different anatomical descriptions.Lower eyelid bags are (simply speaking) "herniated" pockets of fatty tissue.  To begin, everyone has differing amounts of fatty tissue located within a certain section of the eye socket; however, genetics and/or aging can "weaken" or thin the structure that keeps this fatty tissue well concealed within the eye socket.  When this structure (septum) weakens or thins the fatty tissue prolapses or "herniates", and we see this as an eyelid bag.The tear trough is the groove (hence the term trough) located just below the eyelid bag, and most surgeons limit the boundaries of the tear trough to the groove located from the inside corner of the eye by the nose to the pupil.  The tear trough deformity becomes much more evident with larger sized eyelid bags.  The fat re-positioning technique used in lower blepharoplasty effectively reduces the size of the bag and simultaneously fills in the tear trough deformity (or groove).  Fillers can be used to fill the groove as well.The attached link provides more information.I hope this helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

These sorta go together, although the tear trough is really due to atrophy of fat under neither and exposure of tendon/bone below the under eye.  Eyebags often become more prominent as the tear trough forms.  Filler can help camoflague the area and can treat both, but only surgery will fully remove the eye bags.  Fractional lasers or radiofrequency do help improve puffiness and wrinkles as well in this area.  Find someone who is an expert to treat you and offer options.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Luis A. Cenedese, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear BobinhoodThe tear trough deformity is casued by a thinning of the tissues superficial to the infra-orbital rim or loss of bone itself.The deformity is accentuated by lower eyelid bags which develop due to psuedo-herniation of the infra-orbital fat.These can occur together or experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to making treatment decisions.by themselves.Correction involves injection of fillers including fat over the tear trough or surgery, (blepharoplasty or midface lift).Please consult in person with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to making treatment decisions.

What is the difference between lower eye bags and tear trough deformity?

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What is the difference between lower eye bags and tear trough deformity?

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