How would you deal with bags and creases under eyes, like these? (Photo)

Question

I am a 27 year old male, about to turn 28. Over the last month or two, I have begun to notice bags and creases under my eyes. I'm an actor, and regularly get head shots taken, so I can see the difference from now, to a few months ago. It is pretty dramatic. I suffer from thinning hair, so I have been taking finasteride and using minoxidil for the past few years. Could either of these drugs have helped to cause these changes under my eyes? Are there treatments that can help reverse this?

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

Thank your for the question and sharing your photos. It would be best for you to make an appointment for in office consultation with a specialist, because the appropriate treatment option is difficult to judge from those photos. If the eyelid bunches up when you smile, then Botox might be the right solution. If the puffy area can be blended into the cheeks with fillers, then that would be a good choice. If you are not a candidate for Botox or Fillers, then a pinch of skin and underlying fat can surgically be removed to flatten out the area. As you see, the best approach has to be tailored to your specific problem. I hope you find this helpful. Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There are many ways to treat dark circles, as well as under eye wrinkles and bags. It is important to note however, that the majority of times the cause for discoloration is genetic and due to the viability of the blood vessels below the skin. A combination approach is always needed to get the best results in this area and this includes: topical skin care, laser and/or radiofrequency treatments, and fillers if placed appropriately.  All my patients are on topical lightening agents, typically a vitamin C serum product in the AM and a brightening agent and/or a vitamin A based product in the PM. Sun protection is essential.Resurfacing and tightening are essential. My patients get offered a menu of options, for which a combination gives the best results. Light salicylic acid peels help give textural and pigment improvement; nonablative lasers (Fraxel or Clear + Brilliant) can be used to tighten and improve fine lines/wrinkles and crepe skin; fractional radiofrequency devices (Sublative, Viva) are cutting edge and improve texture, tone, and wrinkles with very little downtime; radiofrequency with pulsed electromagnetic fields (Venus) are amazing for puffiness and bags, in patients who do not want eyelid surgery; appropriately placed fillers can replace lost volume, cover up the vessels and fat pads below improving the appearance -- patients should pick a well experienced practitioner to prevent complications such as Tyndall (blue discoloration) and irregularities, one that uses a cannula for injection will help give results with little bruising or swelling; microsecond Nd:YAG laser treatments (Laser genesis) has produced dramatic improvement in discoloration in some of my patients and is safe in dark skin types, similar to the radiofrequency devices. For lifting, ablative laser resurfacing such as co2 laser combined with monopoloar radiofrequency deep heating (thermage) give amazing results. The key is for a patient to see a cosmetic dermatologist with experience in all the latest devices and techniques so the persons goals can be met by a combination approach of individualized treatments and skin care. In some cases, those who smile and have crepe skin or under eye wrinkles, a small amount of neurotoxin (botox, dysport, xeomin) strategically placed in the lower eyelid skin can improve wrinkles dramatically and give the eye a more "open" appearance.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear lonewonder,A filler injection with Restylane would help out the hollowing and hiding of the bagsThe crease may improve or still be there, depending on the how your exam isSee a specialist who can address all of your concernsBest,Dr. Nima

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

You may want to talk to a doctor to see if fillers may work for you. Maybe talk to them about Belotero, or what other fillers they recommend. this is something that you do not need surgery for unless it is necessary

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

You need a careful assessment but the first three top choices are under eye filler.  The type of filler and how it is placed is of critical importance.  Generally service lasts about 1 year and can be performed at the time of consultation.  You will be pleasantly surprised that treatment is very comfortable.

How would you deal with bags and creases under eyes, like these? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Under eye bags

Answer: Under eye bags

Answer: Less is more.

Answer: Less is more.

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.

How would you deal with bags and creases under eyes, like these? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Under eye bags

Answer: Under eye bags

Answer: Less is more.

Answer: Less is more.

Browse related questions

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.