WHAT CAUSES PUFFY EYES?

The eyes are generally puffy in the morning, because the layer of fat that protects the eyes from external aggression is particularly hydrophilic (attracts water). This layer of fat can form an unsightly pocket on the lower or upper eyelids.

This phenomenon of puffy eyes is amplified by the activities experienced by the body, which “congests” the eyelids:

• Sleep with your head flat
• Doing an activity for several hours upside down (e.g. gardening)
• Consuming too much alcohol or salty foods that dehydrate or cause water retention.
• Hormonal changes and pregnancy can also be the cause of increased puffiness under the eyes.

WHAT ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR PREVENTING PUFFY EYELIDS?

To counter the symptom of puffy eyelids, it is of course advisable to “limit” the various points listed above as much as possible. A good posture at work and during sleep, a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet will all help to contain the swelling of fatty bags and puffy eyes on waking in the morning.

Other anti-puffiness remedies are known for their decongestant effect on the eyelids, read more here!

However, fat pockets should not be confused with the malar pocket, which forms a kind of double pocket and corresponds to a ptosis of the orbicularis muscle. The malar pouch gives the impression of permanently swollen eyelids, which can only be rectified by a subpalpebral lift.

When the upper eyelids droop over the eye, this is generally due to a combination of a pocket of fat lodged in the upper eyelid and excess skin. In the case of an eyelid outgrowth linked to the natural aging process, the look is partially closed by the cap effect, and only eyelid stripes (MagicStripes type) or upper blepharoplasty can correct and rejuvenate the look.

BLEPHAROPLASTY TO ELIMINATE BAGS UNDER THE EYES

Between the ages of 20 and 40, anti-puffiness creams, draining products and lymphatic massages can complement a healthy lifestyle to prevent puffy eyes.

But as the face ages, bags of fat tend to become more pronounced, creating real bags under the eyes. Similarly, the loss of facial volume leads to ptosis of the upper eyelid, which closes off the eye at the upper outer corner. This “puffy eyes” look is unsightly and complexing for most women, making make-up difficult and eyes dull.

All dermatologists and aesthetic physicians agree that only cosmetic surgery can remove bags under the eyes for good!

Although cosmetic surgery can never stop the aging of the face, the result of laser surgery to remove bags is definitive. Fatty masses that have been removed or sublimated* never return!

To learn more about treating under-eye bags and get Dr. hayot’s opinion, read this March 2015 article in Elle Magazine

* The laser sublimation process reduces fat mass by vaporizing the water contained in adipocytes. This process is made possible by the powerful energy of the Lumenis UltraPulse CO2 laser at 100°C.

ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY?

Blepharoplasty to remove bags under the eyes is possible for everyone! For men and women, from 18 to 98 years of age, anyone can undergo this cosmetic eyelid surgery!

However, certain contraindications must be complied with before considering an operation in the operating theatre, and prior validation by an anaesthetist is required.

For all the precautions to take before a blepharoplasty, consult this page!

If you’re concerned about puffy eyelids or bags under the eyes, and would like to receive specialist advice and a detailed estimate, contact Dr Hayot.

Frequently asked questions about under-eye bags

Can aesthetic medicine erase bags under the eyes?

Aesthetic medicine cannot erase bags under the eyes, as hyaluronic acid injections will not be effective. Some doctors inject hyaluronic acid into the eye circles, which reduces the appearance of bags, but this is not a treatment for under-eye bags, as it can only hide the bag, not treat it.

How is under-eye blepharoplasty performed?

Blepharoplasty of the bags under the eyes is a very simple surgical procedure that involves using a laser scalpel to make an incision through the inside of the eyelid, known as the transconjunctival route, and then removing and vaporizing the bags under the eyes. The advantage of this laser and transconjunctival technique is that there is no skin scarring, and there is little or no bleeding, just a little edema for a few days postoperatively. It’s a very quick and simple procedure.

How much does blepharoplasty cost?

As far as prices are concerned, all quotations are given after a consultation, because very often it’s not just bags under the eyes. There can also be bags and dark circles, wrinkled skin, dark circle discoloration or an associated small malar pocket. Estimates are therefore made to measure and given after a consultation.

Is the removal of bags under the eyes definitive if done surgically?

The removal of bags under the eyes is completely definitive. After 30 years of oculoplasty practice, I have never seen a recurrence of bags under the eyes when it is completely removed.

It is possible to see cases of recurrence with other practitioners, because the pouch was retracted with the electric scalpel and not removed, for fear of taking a risk by removing it. In such cases, the bags under the eyes recur, but this is because they were not properly removed during the first operation.

I’m 17, and I have relatively large bags under my eyes. Is there a permanent solution?

Of course, under-eye bags can be permanently removed at the age of 17. As the treatment is completely definitive, there’s no need to wait several years before removing the bags under the eyes, because once they’re gone, they won’t reappear.