I Got Sudden Bags/puffiness Under the Eyes? (photo)

Question

I got sudden bags/puffiness under the eyes about 2 weeks ago, never had it before. I am 32 years old, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, am not stressed, and my diet hasn't changed. I have tried cucumbers, cold eye mask/compression, and eye rollers and creams. Nothing works. I am going to my doctor next week to check for allergies. But other than that, do you guys have any other ideas? Any non-surgical ways to fix this cosmetically? How much would that cost and how long is the recovery?

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

If it is truly a sudden onset of bags then allergies are a possibility. Other possibilities include thyroid eye disease, though that's more gradual, or volume [water] retention due to kidney problems.

	However, the most likely scenario is a sudden realization of a longstanding and gradual problem. Based on the photo, this looks like classic lower eyelid fat prolapse, however, an in person exam can better determine level of swelling.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If the condition happened suddenly it may be related to allergies or a thyroid imbalance.  If those are ruled out and you don't notice improvement you may consider cosmetic options.  Fillers are a non surgical temporary option to help disguise contour irregularities.  Lower blepharoplasty surgery is a more permanent solution to correct under eye concerns.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Benjamin Caughlin, MD, FACS · Answer

The fact that this has come suddenly does may me think more of a medical problem and I agree with the decision to see your primary MD ASAP to check some labs etc. If it is not medically or allergy related I would treat this with a lower lid transconjunctival blepharoplasty with fat transposition. You are young and you would do well with this procedure.Cost at my practice $ 3,500.Recovering is 2 wks but I prefer patients to prepare for 3 wks. Results are appreciated at about the 2-3 month mark.Hope this helps.Best of luck,DrC

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi BubbaGump. For a non-surgical solution, we would look no further than a good injector with Restylane in the syringe. This should help to smooth out the area of concern. If this did come on suddenly, it is prudent to get checked for allergies as this can sometimes be the cause.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

If your doctor determines that there is no medical condition causing the puffiness under your eyes, then there are two main options for improvement. You could have a filler, like Restylane, injected under the bags to help or you could have surgery to remove some of the excess fat that is causing the puffiness. The cost of each will vary from doctor to doctor and the immediate recovery for the surgery would be about a week.

I Got Sudden Bags/puffiness Under the Eyes? (photo)

Answers (5)