What are these lines under my eyes? (Photo)

Question

Is it due to aging? I’m only. 20. Is it genetic? My sleep is below average but not terrible. I have no allergies. Had them forever. What are some solutions on how to fix?

C. Carson Huynh, MD, DMD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. What you're describing sounds related to the orbicularis oculi muscle (the circular muscle that closes the eyes). In some people, this muscle is naturally more prominent along the lower lid, creating a visible line or ridge, especially when smiling. There may be an underlying cause like allergies, but they can often be genetic, especially for someone who has had them since childhood with no history of allergies as it sounds like in your case. Some possible solutions include very conservative Botox injections with a physician with experience working in periorbital area to soften the muscle's appearance. A more permanent option is surgical muscle reduction. It's important to note that the procedures mentioned do not come without possible risks that could affect the eyelid position, function, or even the eye, so it's very important to have an in-person exam to determine possible treatment options.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

At 20, lines under the eyes are not necessarily a sign of aging—especially if you’ve had them for as long as you can remember. Genetics and your natural facial anatomy are often the biggest factors.

Some people naturally have a more visible tear-trough or a slight crease where the lower eyelid meets the cheek. The thickness of the skin, the shape of the underlying bone, the amount of fat in the area, and how the light hits the face can all make these lines more noticeable. If they’ve always been there, that makes a genetic or anatomical cause much more likely than premature aging.

Sleep can definitely make the area look worse temporarily. When you’re tired, the skin may look a little duller or the under-eye area may appear darker or more sunken, but poor sleep alone would not usually create a permanent line that has been present for years. Allergies can also contribute to under-eye changes, but since you don't have allergies, that is less likely to be the main factor.

For improvement, I would start with the basics: consistent sleep, daily sunscreen, a gentle moisturizer, and avoiding rubbing or pulling on the delicate under-eye skin. A low-strength retinoid may help with very fine lines and skin texture over time, but the under-eye area is sensitive, so it needs to be used cautiously and not too close to the eyes.

If the lines are primarily due to your anatomy or tear-trough shape, skincare may only make a modest difference. Treatments such as laser or other skin-resurfacing procedures can help when the issue is mainly skin texture. Filler is sometimes used for tear-trough hollowing, but at age 20 I would be very conservative about considering filler because the under-eye area is anatomically delicate and filler can have complications.

Most importantly, having these lines at 20 does not mean that you are aging prematurely. If they've been there your whole life, they are very likely just part of your natural facial anatomy.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The lines that you are referring to are genetic and not due to sleep or aging.  To keep skin youthful and healthy we recommend using medical grade skin care products like Transform MD and wearing sunscreen every day.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

The lines you are seeing have nothing to do with the aging process. This is strictly a hereditary feature that you were born with. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery.

What are these lines under my eyes? (Photo)

Answers (4)

More Dermal Fillers Questions

Would tear trough filler, fat transfer, or infraorbital implant be better to improve my under eyes? (Photo)

Face sagging & dent - what are the effective treatments in my case? (Photo)

44, weight loss, will Botox & filler purchase help sagging & sides of mouth issues? (Photos)

I had a jawline filler to help with jowls. Is this normal? (Photo)

What is the best option to treat my malar bags?

I look 22 at 18. How can I fix this? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS