Peri orbital hollowing / under eye bags? What are the medical terms for what I have? (Photo)

Question

I am a 28 y/o female. Past few years, the area around my eyes has sunken in giving me a hollow eye look. How would you describe what is going on in the area around my eyes (medically)? Does it also look like I've got allergic shiners? I have prominent allergies daily. I do have some relatives with dark, hollow peri orbital regions which apparently is common in South Asians. Is this likely all genetic? Any options for improvement? I don't expect miracles. Thanks!

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

This is a term made up by a pediatrician to quiet moms asking about their children's dark circles.  They have nothing to do with allergies.  The darkness is optical due to thin skin sitting on red muscle.  This is called a tear trough hollow also called a nasojugal groove.  Under eye fillers with Restylane are the state of the art treatment but the service is fussy and it is critical you have this done by a talented injector.

Paul Nazemi, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your question and photo.  I would consider treatment with a conservative amount of dermal filler to camouflage the bags and create a smoother contour.  See a specialist for an in-person consultation to learn more about the treatment options and your specific issues.  Best wishes.

Elba Pacheco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. First, you have beautiful eyes. The area that you are concerned about is called the tear trough. Tear trough correction can be achieved in many cases by an experienced injector who uses a filler such as Restylane. An Oculoplastic surgeon, experienced with this procedure, would offer you the best results and safety for you vision.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I called this condition Hollow eyes.   It is common in South Asians and is caused by lack of fat around the eyeball and in some cases a depression in the bone of the eye socket.  This can be corrected with a transconjunctival blepharoplasty with arcus marginalis release and fat grafting.  To learn more please read the link below:

Peri orbital hollowing / under eye bags? What are the medical terms for what I have? (Photo)

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Answer: Peri orbital hollowing / under eye bags? What are the medical terms for what I have?

Answer: Peri orbital hollowing / under eye bags? What are the medical terms for what I have?

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Peri orbital hollowing / under eye bags? What are the medical terms for what I have? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Peri orbital hollowing / under eye bags? What are the medical terms for what I have?

Answer: Peri orbital hollowing / under eye bags? What are the medical terms for what I have?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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