Bags under the eyes are caused by a combination of fluid retention (edema), enlargement of the adipose tissue and loss of skin elasticity. Sometimes, bags under the eyes darken, which further accentuates their appearance.
The factors causing under-eye bags are varied, but can include loss of elastic tissue through aging, stress and fatigue, lack of rest, and reduced muscle tone.
Description
Typically, under-eye bags are defined as a cosmetic issue. This definition is accurate when the bags are temporary manifestations linked to poor rest, or due to natural skin aging, which causes elasticity loss and sagging. However, the swelling can also be caused by infections or allergic reactions, such as in conjunctivitis, kidney or liver problems, hypothyroidism, poor nutrition or hypertension.
Causes of the bags under the eyes
The cause of bags under the eyes is largely due to an individual’s constitution, which links to the laxity of the bag tissue and fat accumulation in the orbit. Similarly, bags can be formed by a buildup of fluids, due to the same irritative phenomena or linked to other pathologies, such as hypothyroidism, hypertension, kidney and liver problems and poor diet.
Symptoms
The characteristic signs of bags under the eyes – themselves a symptom – are swelling similar to that of edema and loss of skin tone. The appearance of under-eye bags is often associated with the accumulation of dark pigments, such as melanin, in the same area, manifesting as dark circles.
Diagnosis
It is important to clarify whether bags under the eyes are a simple cosmetic issue or if they are a symptom of a pathology. If a cosmetic issue, the diagnosing clinician will indicate either aesthetic or surgical correction to reduce the appearance of the bags.
If, instead, the under eye bags are part of an ongoing pathology, they will be taken into account alongside other symptoms in order to correctly diagnose the overall condition. Blood tests can be useful to reveal the presence of markers of an infection, hormonal imbalance, or reduced functionality of the liver and kidneys.
Treatments
If under-eye bags are the result of a period of stress or fatigue, rest and regular sleep is sufficient to get rid of them. To reduce swelling further, a cold compress can be applied and, to facilitate the drainage of fluids that accumulate in the bags, sleeping with the head slightly elevated may be necessary.
No matter the cause of under-eye bags, there are many cosmetic solutions in the form of creams, lotions and gels that have astringent properties to help reduce the swelling of the bags.
Some patients will consider blepharoplasty, which is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess subcutaneous fat through a small incision on the eyelid and tightens any sagging skin.
Prevention
Preventing bags under the eyes requires following a healthy lifestyle, which includes: a good, varied diet; moderate, regular exercise; adequate rest and sleep, typically at least eight hours per night, and
sleeping with the head slightly elevated.
It is always a good practice to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and to always wear sunglasses to prevent premature aging of the eyelid skin.
