Under eye bags

Under-eye bags can be caused by various factors. Often they are the result of volume loss and tissue descent from the eye area, which can leave a hollowed appearance and make the patient look tired – even when they are not. Skin laxity in the delicate lower-lid area can also contribute to the appearance of under-eye bags. However, in certain cases, we can also attribute this condition to the herniation of fat – in other words, when the fat that pads out the orbital area spills over the bone and onto the upper cheek, resulting in a puffy or swollen appearance. The latter is frequently best addressed with a lower-lid blepharoplasty, and our surgical team can advise if this is something that you might be suitable for.

Under-eye bags can be caused by various factors. Often they are the result of volume loss and tissue descent from the eye area, which can leave a hollowed appearance and make the patient look tired – even when they are not. Skin laxity in the delicate lower-lid area can also contribute to the appearance of under-eye bags. However, in certain cases, we can also attribute this condition to the herniation of fat – in other words, when the fat that pads out the orbital area spills over the bone and onto the upper cheek, resulting in a puffy or swollen appearance. The latter is frequently best addressed with a lower-lid blepharoplasty, and our surgical team can advise if this is something that you might be suitable for.

What can help? 

As we age, it is not only the skin that changes – there is also significant loss of bone and fat, especially around the eye area – therefore supporting these tissues with volume restoration can help to diminish the appearance of the bags. Carefully administered filler to the mid-face is often an effective, non-invasive solution to bags and also helps to illuminate the under-eye area.

In Action

Take a closer look at how this restoration was achieved

Laser eye lift

In some cases, in addition to volume lose, there is also some loose skin or fine lines and wrinkles below the eye area. In this case, we can combine volume restoring injections with laser resurfacing to the lower eyelid. This allows us to tighten the skin and reduce the wrinkles, as well as the hollows – treating many of the signs of lower eyelid ageing, without the need for surgery.

Treatments

Laser eye lift

Treatment Options

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs and the results you are looking to achieve.

Tear Trough Filler

Cheek filler

Laser eye lift

Are you ready to start your consultation?

Finding the right treatment for you is the most important factor in ensuring that you are on the correct path to achieve the results you desire. Our pre-consultation enquiry helps us to identify your needs and, ultimately, gets you on the right path to achieving your optimal results.

Patient Reviews

Hear from our patients about their experience at McKeown Medical.

Common Questions

What are the benefits?

Tear trough filler can replace volume lost from the under-eye area quickly and effectively. By restoring natural volume, and blending the junction between the eye and the cheek, we can create a more energised appearance while reducing tiredness. Meanwhile, radiofrequency is a non-surgical solution for skin that has lost its spring, and can also help to reduce laxity.

Is the laser eye lift the correct treatment for me?

If your main issue is loose skin with fine lines, wrinkles and crepey skin under the eye then the laser eye lift is a good option to address these concerns. If you also have hollowing and volume loss, then we would usually recommend combining it with volume restoring injections. If you have prominent fat pads below the eyes, then a surgical blepharoplasty might be the best option for you.

Wouldn't I be better just having lower eye lid surgery?

Lower eyelid surgery is a tricky operation – and it doesn’t fix all of the concerns that people have with the appearance of their lower eyelids. If you have crepe skin or fine lines, then it is likely that your surgeon will recommend laser eye lift in addition to surgery to achieve the best result. Likewise, unless you have some sort of volume restoration (for example fat transfer or filler injections), then a lower blepharoplasty won’t address the hollows under the eye. That’s why it’s not as simple as surgery vs laser being better than each other. The best solution for your lower eyelids will depend a lot on your own anatomy and the precise things you want to improve.

Which anaesthetic is used?

We use dermal fillers which contain a local anaesthetic known as lidocaine, to reduce discomfort. Topical numbing cream is also an option for anxious patients undergoing dermal fillers.

For laser treatments, the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, meaning you are awake throughout and free to go home immediately after.

What's the downtime?

Following mid-face filler, the under-eye area may feel sore and look slightly swollen; however this has normally disappeared by the next morning. You will be able to resume your normal activities by the following day. If bruising does occur, it is normally easily covered with post-procedure makeup – though this cannot be applied until 24 hours following treatment. The final results of dermal filler can be appreciated in approximately two weeks.

For the laser eye lift, most people are healed in around 7-10 days. During this time the skin on your lower eyelids will be red and swollen and oozing and you will not want to go outside. However, you will usually feel well within yourself otherwise and most patients are quite happy to work from home during the healing period.

When will I see results?

The effect of the mid-face filler is instant: the under-eye area is smooth and bright, and the upper face looks noticeably more rested.

For the laser eye lift, you will see initial results in around one week, although it takes several months to appreciate the full, final outcome. The improvement in your skin will be permanent, in that your skin will always be better than if you hadn’t had the treatment. However, the procedure doesn’t stop you from ageing in the future and so it is likely that you will want additional procedures in the future.

Your Expert Team

Founder

Dr Darren McKeown

Our founder, Dr Darren McKeown, is renowned for his expertise and artistry with dermal fillers. As a peer-reviewed medical author, he is passionate about treatments that stand up to scientific scrutiny. Above all, Dr McKeown believes in a global approach; delivering flawless results – and rejuvenation that lasts.

Medical Director

Dr Rhona Cameron

Dr Rhona Cameron is a skilled injector who has been extensively trained in Dr McKeown’s signature intuitive technique. Her treatments blend advanced facial optimisation with powerful, energy-based devices – such as lasers, BBL and radio frequency – energising the appearance and enhancing skin health. approach; delivering flawless results – and rejuvenation that lasts.

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest news from McKeown Medical and get access to expert insights, our latest before and afters and exclusive offers.

Terms and Conditions(Required)