Can Fillers Get Rid of Under-eye Bags?

Not only can under-eye bags take a toll on your appearance, making you look worn and fatigued. Fillers provide a non-surgical solution to address this issue.

Fillers smooth the area out by plumping the skin and eliminating shadows. It delivers instant results with little to no downtime.

Instead, you will be able to achieve a refreshed look that enhances your face’s unique features and leaves you looking natural. Learn more about this effective option to rejuvenate your undereye area.

What Are Under-Eye Bags?

Under-eye bags are the puffy or swollen areas that develop underneath your eyes. They can form from aging, genetics, allergies, or stress, contributing to a dark, sunken appearance that many people want to avoid.

They can create a look of fatigue, even when you’ve had a full night’s sleep. Usually, these bags are visible as slight puffiness and can create a shadow that gives the area a darker appearance.

Dark circles aren’t bags, but rather discoloration under the eyes. Unlike dark circles, under-eye bags add a noticeable texture to the skin and usually puffiness, too.

Causes of Under-Eye Bags

Diet

A diet too rich in salt can cause the body to retain water, resulting in swelling. This is why you may see puffier eyes following a high-sodium dinner.

Allergies

Allergies can lead to an increase in congestion and inflammation. They can further increase puffiness under your eyes.

Genetics

If your family members have these under-eye bags, you can identify them at an early age. In some cases, these bags can make an appearance as early as your teen years!

This hereditary pattern follows a certain lineage, which entails that some individuals face these shifts no matter what. With age, your skin will inherently become less taut.

This, coupled with the loss of muscle tone surrounding your eyes, causes under-eye bags to become more pronounced over time. The skin thins out and fat pockets may shift, contributing to that telltale puffiness.

Symptoms of Under-Eye Bags

Under-eye bags appear as swelling and protruding tissue beneath the eyes. This may be associated with discoloration or dark circles, though the two are separate and different problems.

You may feel pain or itching, especially if the bags are severe. These symptoms may differ depending on personal factors such as the patient’s age and general health.

Many bags do not change significantly, staying the same or even improving with time. Some are marked by changing size and severity.

How Do Fillers Work?

Fillers improve the under-eye area by restoring lost volume and smoothing the skin. These compounds are injected just beneath the skin’s surface. They address cubital and reduce crow’s feet associated with tear troughs.

Restylane and Juvederm contribute to a smooth, natural appearance. These fillers are made to mimic the natural structure of your skin. The injectable fillers restore lost volume, creating a natural-looking, more refreshed, and youthful appearance.

These fillers add youthful support to the under-eye area and prevent the hollowness and weariness associated with aging.

The magic ingredient in most under-eye fillers is hyaluronic acid. This naturally occurring substance is known for its hydrating abilities. As a humectant, it draws moisture to the skin, plumping it and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are a miracle for the sensitive skin beneath the eyes. They give a soft, subtle boost that is still impactful enough to create a genuine difference.

Compared to surgical alternatives, filler treatments are less invasive. They don’t involve any incisions or extensive downtime. It’s convenient and easy to achieve.

The process is quick and easy, with no downtime so you can get back to your regular schedule practically right after your treatment.

Composition of Fillers

Many under-eye fillers contain only hyaluronic acid. This ingredient is ideal for restoring moisture and creating fullness. The viscosity of the filler plays a role as well.

Less viscous options such as Restylane Silk are best for the delicate under-eye area, which is less than 0.02 inches thick. Thicker fillers, like Juvederm Voluma, would be appropriate for support of the midface region.

Other ingredients, like lidocaine, are frequently added to help ease the pain of injection. Safety and effectiveness go hand in hand when using high-quality fillers. Use products manufactured by reputable brands.

Application Process

The filler process begins with an in-depth consultation to identify your unique goals. Preparation involves cleaning the area up and applying a topical anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable.

Our injection technique is as precise as it gets, making sure fillers are placed exactly where they need to be in the undereye area. This relatively simple and quick procedure takes around half an hour, so it’s a low-impact addition to your day.

Duration of Effects

Filler results typically last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Other people like the results for up to 1 or 2 years using the thicker fillers.

Personal factors such as your metabolism and lifestyle can affect this timeframe. Regular touch-up treatments will help keep you looking your best.

As fillers slowly absorb, they fade out naturally, creating a more organic transition over time.

Effectiveness of Fillers for Under-Eye Bags

Fillers can lessen under-eye bags, delivering instant, visible results. Fillers such as hyaluronic acid injectables help replace lost volume, and smooth lines, and conceal the appearance of under-eye bags. This results in a more youthful, rejuvenated look, giving the delicate under-eye area a new lease on life in mere minutes.

It’s a simple and quick procedure that takes an hour or less. It also has no downtime. You can continue your daily routine almost immediately.

The immediate change can be dramatic, creating a visual before-and-after effect that can be stark. With careful injection, patients can leave their appointment with smoother skin, less prominent hollows under their eyes, and a more youthful appearance without undergoing a surgical procedure.

1. Immediate Results

Fillers are known for providing instantly transformative results in a matter of minutes. They require little to no downtime, so you can get right back into your schedule. As with most body fillers, the smoothing effect on wrinkles and hollows is immediate, creating a beautiful under-eye area.

That quick turnaround really increases self-esteem because you can start noticing the results immediately. Given the significant visual contrast between pre-and post-treatment, that’s not surprising—fillers are highly effective! 

They’re great because they’re a very effective non-surgical solution to dark circles and volume loss, two very common complaints.

2. Long-Term Benefits

What’s great about fillers for under-eye bags are the long-term benefits that come along with the immediate results. These fillers work by stimulating collagen production, which over time improves skin tone and elasticity. 

Beyond the benefits of looking younger with repeated treatments, fillers improve skin texture and hydration, which can contribute to your youthful look.

Unlike fillers for topical treatments, the results from fillers are not temporary, typically lasting 6 months to 1 year. This gives you the chance to truly enjoy the long-term results of your undereye filler treatment. Fillers are the better option for anyone looking for long-term results.

3. Comparison with Surgery

4. Comparison with Topical Treatments

• Fillers provide immediate volume enhancement.
• Topical creams have gradual, less noticeable effects.
• Fillers offer convenience over daily cream application.
• Topical treatments lack the volume correction capability of fillers.

Creams, for example, can only penetrate so far and thus would be incapable of creating more volume. 

Fillers provide instant results and ease of use, which is why many people gravitate toward them as a solution of choice. Though creams need to be applied daily, fillers only need to be injected once for a period of several months.

Risks and Side Effects

Common Side Effects

You can expect some redness, swelling, and small bruising where you were injected. These are common and usually short-lived, going away within a few days.

Swelling can last for weeks, particularly with improper placement of fillers. At times, this results in the Tyndall effect. Light scatters under the skin, which leads to a bluish color. These side effects can be decreased by following post-treatment care instructions.

Rare Complications

While serious complications are rare, they can happen with filler procedures. Vascular occlusion is one of these serious complications, where blood vessels become blocked, resulting in tissue necrosis.

Check for early warning signs such as increasing or diffuse bruising or progressive worsening of pain. If you have any of these, call your doctor right away.

Malar edema is another serious but rare side effect. It develops when lymphatic drainage becomes obstructed. This accumulation of fluid may occur after the injection of hyaluronic acid fillers.

Precautions to Take

Here’s what you need to do before getting your filler injections to minimize risk and ensure you’re well prepared. To make sure treatment is safe and as effective as possible, disclose your medical history and any known allergies during consultations.

Avoiding blood-thinning drugs and certain other medications in advance of the procedure can help prevent bruising. Allow any current infections or skin conditions to heal before the administration of fillers.

Don’t use fillers such as poly-l-lactic acid and calcium hydroxyl-apatite for this sensitive area. 

Considerations Before Choosing Fillers

Choosing under-eye fillers is not a decision to take lightly. 

Here are key factors to consider:

• Be specific about what you want fillers to accomplish. Are you looking to eliminate the appearance of undereye bags or just want to look more awake and rejuvenated? 
• Get to know the filler production process. This includes knowledge of the purpose of the procedure, possible risks, and likely results. Understand potential side effects, including swelling or bruising, and understand that the results will differ from person to person.
• Fillers can last anywhere from 6 months to a year or more. As with any cosmetic procedure, results vary from person to person and multiple treatments may be required over time to achieve and keep optimal results.
• Have an in-person consultation with a qualified professional. Their knowledge makes sure that the process is in line with your aesthetic desires and that all issues are covered.

Consultation with Professionals

An in-person consultation with a board-certified injector is very important to ensure successful filler treatments. From the very first meeting, you should look forward to a thorough evaluation of your facial anatomy and tailored suggestions.

This is equally your opportunity to pose questions and raise any concerns. Open dialogue regarding your expected results and treatment objectives is essential to ensuring you achieve the best results possible.

Cost and Budget

Most under-eye filler treatments cost between $800 and $1,000. These all depend on your location. 

Plan and budget for follow-up treatments, as keeping up with results usually involves maintenance treatments every one to two years. 

Maintenance and Follow-Up

Maintenance treatments prolong the results of fillers so you can enjoy a more youthful look over the long term.

Keep a close eye on the progression of the under-eye area and have ongoing conversations with your injector if you have concerns at any point in time. 

It’s important to know the dangers of filler injections in the eye area. Refrain from alcohol and NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) in the days leading up to your treatment.

After the procedure, ice the areas and avoid activities that promote blood circulation. In fact, some swelling is expected in the weeks following the injection.

Almost all patients see a dramatic difference in their dark under-eye circles and usually report looking less fatigued even after a good night’s sleep.

Alternative Treatments for Under-Eye Bags

If you’re looking for alternatives to fillers for under-eye bags, be sure to research multiple treatment options. 

Each approach has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. What’s important is matching the treatment to your unique combination of needs and goals.

Surgical Options

Surgical interventions such as blepharoplasty provide long-term benefits. If you have severe under-eye bags, eyelid surgery is a proven and effective solution, removing excess skin and fat and leaving you looking more awake and rejuvenated.

These results are lasting, frequently rendering surgery the best option for individuals with more severe issues. Surgery requires more extensive downtime as well as specialized postoperative care. 

This step helps make sure your surgery is tailored just right for your specific aesthetic goals and health needs.

Topical Creams

Topical creams can help support the overall management of minor puffiness and dark circles. Ingredients like caffeine and peptides can help tighten and brighten the skin. Though creams are non-invasive and convenient to apply, they don’t deliver noticeable volume restoration on their own.

Their real magic is in being an adjunct to other treatments, such as fillers—increasing the effect and overall improvement. Regular use is important to get the most effective results. 

Lifestyle Changes

Incorporating lifestyle changes can help reduce the appearance of under-eye bags.

• Maintain hydration to reduce fluid retention.
• Follow a balanced diet rich in antioxidants.
• Ensure adequate sleep and manage stress.
• Use sun protection to prevent skin damage.

The result of these changes is healthier skin that maximizes the efficacy of other treatments. Good habits can improve your skin’s natural resistance, resulting in longer-lasting outcomes.

Additional Considerations

Patients frequently have both hollowness and fat herniation, adding to the under-eye bag appearance. Reaching these goals needs a comprehensive effort.

Novel treatments such as nanofat and stem cells are making their way into aesthetics. Combined with microneedling, exosomes can greatly improve skin tone and texture, while PRF promotes collagen and elastin production in the skin.

Fat transfer, although successful, can require several surgeries due to absorption rates. Non-permanent dermal fillers such as Restylane-L or Belotero provide temporary volume, with most patients choosing to “top up” results periodically.

Results are dependent on skin type and sun exposure, with possible longevity lasting up to several years.

Learn More About Under-Eye Bags

Have more questions about under-eye bags vs. fillers? Call us at the Sadeghi Center for Plastic Surgery.