Why Do I Have Puffy Bags Under My Eyes?

There are a wide variety of eyelid issues that can affect the appearance of your eyes. A very common and noticeable issue is the appearance of puffy bags under the eyes. These puffy bags can make it look like you are not getting enough rest or make you look older than your actual age. Unfortunately, there is no amount of rest that can get rid of these puffy undereye bags, because the actual source of the issue is the accumulation of fat in the area.

As we age, the muscles and tissues around our eyes become weaker. This can results in noticeable sagging around the eyes. The fat in the areas surrounding the eyes can also begin to shift downward and collect in the area under the eyes, creating the appearance of puffy bags. In some cases, fluid retention in the area can exacerbate the issue.

In most cases, puffy undereye bags can be addressed without removing skin from the lower eyelid. The primary focus of the procedure is to remove excess fat in the area and recontour the remaining fat.

Removing and smoothing out fat will reduce puffiness, but if too much fat is removed, the eyes can take on a hollowed appearance. That is why a proper amount of fat will be left in the area and will be reshaped to ensure that the area has a full and smooth appearance.

The incision for the procedure is made along the inside of the eyelid. Since no external incisions are made, there will not be any visible post-surgical marks. This approach is known as transconjunctival lower-eyelid blepharoplasty.

Once the fat is removed, there may be some slight skin laxity and the presence of some fine lines. A chemical peel will be applied to the area in order to help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of any fine lines.

Fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Laquis specializes in transconjunctival lower-eyelid blepharoplasty and can provide you with the exceptional care and results you need. If you are bothered by the puffy appearance of your undereyes, contact our office to schedule a consultation.