Under eye bag only on one eye, how can I get rid of it? (Photo)

Question

I have a bag under only on mt left eye. It also only shows when I am smiling. Ive had it for many years now, but Im not sure the reason why. I'm guessing it is because I am a side sleeper,therefore I only sleep on my left side. What can I do to get rid of it?

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

This should be correctable by a one sided lower blepharoplasty through a hidden internal approach.  Typically the recovery is very quick - Friday surgery can work on Monday.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for you question. There are generally three methods to reduce lower eyelid bags and wrinkles.
1. Utilizing peels, lasers or any other ablative or semi ablative techniques to stimulate new collagen growth. Though effective, most people want to have little to no downtime and in order to get a very effective result with which most patients would be extremely satisfied, these techniques will fall short of their stated goals. These techniques are wonderful if they are utilized in an appropriate strength. 
2. Carefully injecting a temporary filler (such as Belotero® or Restylane®) underneath the skin in hollow areas with magnification. This could be quite effective but does involve the risk of producing irregularities and lumps and will necessitate a certain amount of bruising. A permanent filler such as Bellafill ® or even a fat transfer utilizing purified fat from your body are also options.
 3. Performing a simple surgery under local anesthesia called a pinch blepharoplasty. In this operation, a small strip of skin is removed directly underneath the lower eyelash line and results in a nearly invisible scar. The recovery is very rapid (a couple of days) and involves one single stitch which is removed in five days. This approach is actually the least complicated in appropriate hands and will produce the most consistent and significant of results in reducing your lower eyelid bags and wrinkles.

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

I WOULD TRY FILLERS BEFORE GOING IN AND DOING SURGERY , THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAT TRANSFER AND FILLERS ARE FILLER ARE LESS INVASIVE AND CAN LAST 6-9 MONTHS SOMETIMES UP TO A YEAR DEPENDING ON WHICH ONES. FAT TRANSFERS ARE USUALLY SURGICALLY DONE WITH LIPO AND TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER AREA OF THE BODY. A FAT TRANSFER CAN ALSO BE DONE THROUGH A LOCAL AFTER SURGERY FOR A REPEAT FAT INJECTION. FAT INJECTIONS OR TRANSFERS ARE USUALLY MORE PERMANENT. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT YOU MAY WANT TO SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT IN A CONSULTATION AND SEE WHAT YOUR OPTIONS ARE.

Edgardo Zavala, MD · Answer

Your picture shows isolated central fat eye bag in your left eye. This is a family trait and will progress over time, likely involving the other eye as you age. See if this is the case in your family. The permanent solution is a transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty. This is a no scar, local anesthesia 30 minute procedure. A good physical exam is needed to confirm what the best treatment is. Good luck

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

There are two ways to address this:1. Non-surgical fillers- this can require repeat injections every year or so2. Lower blepharoplasty through transconjunctival approach with fat repositioning. In your case, option 2 is my preference as it is a one time fix that should last you a lifetime, or close to it. There would be no external visible scar.Good luck

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach will give the most improvement. Fillers, lasers, and microneedling/PRP can improve under the eyes. My patients try to get non surgical treatments to avoid surgery. We use PRP and stem cells there often. I suggest consulting with an expert to develop a treatment plan best suited for your short and long term goals. Best, Dr. Emer

William Numa, MD, FACS · Answer

It is difficult to determine the exact cause of your concern from the picture provided.  An in-person consultation would be best so that the provider may properly assess the area provide the corresponding recommendations. It is possible that you may be a candidate for lower eyelid blepharoplasty, however, if you are not interested in surgery at this time then dermal filler could also be an option.
Undergoing any cosmetic procedure requires careful attention to detail and consideration for different options. Consider obtaining several opinions before moving forward with any given procedure. And always trust your face to a board-certified facial plastic surgeon o board-certified plastic surgeon.

Paul Nazemi, MD · Answer

Your photo shows a lower eyelid bulge, which is caused from bulging of the lower eyelid fat pads.  This can be corrected with a lower eyelid blepharoplasty under local anesthesia.  A small incision is created in the inner aspect of the eyelid and the fat is trimmed, leaving no visible scar.  Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You may benefit from a combination of treatments.  You can consider a conservative amount of filler to help disguise the area under the eye.  Chemical peels, lasers, and microneedling can also be used to improve tone and texture under the eye.

Kevin Cavanaugh, MD · Answer

Hi,
Thanks for your question. The shadowing on the left is more noticeable and is likely from a combination of more sun exposure on that side, anatomic difference, and sleep position. Shadowing in this area can be treated with dermal fillers, neuro-modulators, and chemical peels or laser resurfacing. I recommend you speak with a local cosmetic dermatologist about a treatment plan that is right for you.
Kevin Cavanaugh, MD

Under eye bag only on one eye, how can I get rid of it? (Photo)

Answers (13)

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