FAQ & Answers

What’s the difference between puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles–and can lower eyelid blepharoplasty treat all of them?

• These are very common concerns for patients who are seeking to address their lower eyelids. Puffiness usually refers to swelling under the eyes and can be caused by fluid retention, lack of sleep, allergies, or temporary inflammation. The severity of the puffiness often fluctuates. Eye bags are typically the result of prolapsed fat pads under the eyes, which causes the fat to permanently bulge outward. Dark circles can be caused by genetics, thin skin, shadowing, or hyperpigmentation.  
• Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is not a suitable treatment for temporary puffiness. The underlying cause of the puffiness must be resolved in order to address this issue. For eye bags, however, lower eyelid blepharoplasty is the most effective treatment. During the procedure, the fat pads are removed and/or repositioned to restore a smoother contour between the lower eyelid and the cheek. 
• Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can significantly reduce the appearance of dark circles that are the result of shadowing from bulging eye bags. For pigmentation-based dark circles, lower eyelid surgery can be combined with microneedling, chemical peel, or laser therapy to brighten and tighten the skin. Other nonsurgical options like EZ Gel and PRF injections can also help improve skin quality and thickness by stimulating collagen production.