Under-eye bags can typically result from sleep deprivation, stress, nutritional habits, and genetic factors. When they become noticeable during facial expressions, they may bother the individual aesthetically and also give a tired facial appearance. While often thought to be temporary, in some people, they may become permanent and affect quality of life.
Why Do Under-Eye Bags Form?
Genetic predisposition is one of the most decisive factors in the formation of under-eye bags. Individuals with family members who have under-eye bags may experience this issue at earlier ages. Apart from genetic predisposition, there are other effects:
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Aging
As age progresses, the skin gradually loses its elasticity. This leads to skin sagging and the loosening of fat tissue, causing bagging.
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Irregular sleep
Good sleep is necessary both for health and for skin beauty. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can affect the body's rest and renewal processes. This situation especially leads to edema formation around the sensitive eye area, causing under-eye bags.
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Nutritional habits
Nutritional habits also influence the formation of under-eye bags. Unhealthy lifestyle choices, like alcohol, excessive salt consumption, and smoking, can increase water retention, causing the skin to swell and consequently lead to under-eye bags.
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Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions can cause sensitivity and swelling around the eyes, paving the way for the appearance of under-eye bags.
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Lymphatic circulation disorders
The lymphatic system ensures the circulation of fluids in the body. If this system does not function properly, it can lead to fluid accumulation and edema formation, triggering the problem of bagging under the eyes.
Why Do Under-Eye Bags Become More Noticeable When Smiling?
The more noticeable presence of under-eye bags when making expressions is related to how facial muscles work and the skin structure. The muscles on our face allow us to form various expressions. During a smile, these muscles engage, causing compression and relaxation in some areas of the skin.
The thin and delicate skin around the eyes is affected by these changes occurring with smiles. If you have under-eye bags, this condition can become more noticeable when smiling.
As we age, the skin loses its elasticity and is unable to support the underlying fat tissue. During a smile, due to the movement of our facial muscles, these bags become more pronounced.
Additionally, factors like sleep deprivation and stress are known to increase the appearance of under-eye bags. If your under-eye bags become more noticeable when you smile, you can alleviate this effect with some lifestyle changes.
How to Treat Under-Eye Bags That Appear When Smiling?
If your under-eye bags only become noticeable when you change your facial expressions and disappear when resting, it can be attributed to the weakening of the skin's elasticity. The following methods can provide momentary relief and may help improve the appearance of under-eye bags in the long term:
Short-Term Solutions
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Applications with reduced temperature, such as ice packs or cold tea bags, can reduce swelling and provide rapid relief to the skin.
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Special eye creams containing caffeine, peptides, and vitamin C can stimulate blood circulation in the skin and thereby reduce swelling.
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Massage techniques with anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce tissue tightness under the eyes, providing relief.
Lifestyle Changes
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Regular and quality sleep every day ensures all body systems work efficiently, which can prevent the formation of under-eye bags.
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Limiting salt and alcohol consumption prevents water retention in the body, reducing the formation of under-eye bags.
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Drinking plenty of water keeps the skin hydrated. Additionally, using sunscreen slows skin aging and prevents the loss of elasticity.
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Rubbing the eyes can irritate the delicate skin under the eyes and lead to bagging.
Medical Aesthetic Applications
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Light fillers: This procedure corrects minor volume losses and can reduce the appearance of under-eye bags.
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Laser treatments: Increase collagen production under the skin, tightening and rejuvenating the under-eye tissue.
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Mesotherapy and PRP: These treatments support cell renewal, improve blood circulation, and thereby reduce under-eye bags.
When Is Under-Eye Bag Surgery Necessary?
Signs of aging around the eyes stand out with under-eye bags that start to show even when the facial expression is in a neutral position. This can bring about aesthetic concerns. Initially, medical methods can be sought to address this issue; however, if the results from such treatments are not satisfactory and under-eye bags become more pronounced, surgical intervention may be considered.
In medical terms, under-eye bag surgery is called lower blepharoplasty. This procedure is performed by carefully removing excess fat and skin tissue. Blepharoplasty is done under local anesthesia, ensuring the patient is not uncomfortable. Lower blepharoplasty is an operation aiming to achieve a permanent and natural appearance.
During the postoperative recovery process, patients can return to their daily life activities. They can continue routines like exercising, going to work, or participating in social activities. During this period, specifically adhering to the doctor's advice will accelerate the recovery process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do under-eye bags increase with age?
Yes. As the skin ages, it loses elasticity and muscle tissue weakens. This process can cause the fats under the eyes to push outward, increasing bagging.
Do under-eye bags that become more prominent when smiling become permanent?
Initially, bags that only appear during expressions may become permanent over time. Especially as skin elasticity decreases, this risk increases. Early intervention can greatly improve the appearance.
What can be done at home for under-eye bags?
Cold tea bags, cucumber slices, and caffeinated eye creams can provide short-term relief. However, for a permanent solution, regular sleep, healthy nutrition, and expert evaluation are important.
What vitamin deficiency causes under-eye bags?
Under-eye bags are not directly caused by a single vitamin deficiency, but inadequate intake of some vitamins can negatively affect eye area health. Deficiencies in vitamin C and vitamin B12 can increase the risk of under-eye bagging or darkening. Balanced nutrition and using supplements when necessary can help reduce complaints.