Eye bags and dark circles

As we age, the tissue around our eyes can weaken and eye bags can form. We look at what causes eye bags and treatments.

Eye bags – mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes — are common as you age. As we get older, the tissues and muscles around the eyes can weaken. Fat that normally helps to support your eyes can then move into the lower eyelids, making the lids to appear puffy.

Dark circles under the eyes (also called periorbital hyperpigmentation or POH) can also make you look tired, dull and older than your age.

Puffiness and dark circles are associated with a range of common factors. These may include ageing, lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, smoking, sinus problems, dehydration, and eating too much salt. Other factors may include allergies or dermatitis, if puffiness appears with redness and itchiness.

Genetics may also increase your risk of getting baggy eyes or puffiness and circles under your eyes. So, if your parents had these symptoms, you are more likely to inherit them.

There are various home remedies that you can use to help reduce these eye problems. The best way to treat them is to find out the underlying cause. Cosmetic eyelid surgery can also be used to reduce the appearance of these conditions.

We can arrange a private appointment for you to see a leading cosmetic or eyelid surgeon who specialises in this area. They can assess your individual situation, and advise you about suitable surgical treatment options for you.