Eye bags or puffy eyes is a common condition experienced by adults after a certain age. In most cases, such eye bags are not bothersome and don’t necessarily increase the risk of vision problems. However, visible bulging lower eyelids can make a person conscious about their appearance. Improving visual appearance is one of the main reasons for eye bag removal treatments. Here are the known causes, symptoms, and treatment options for eye bags.

Causes
Multiple factors ranging from lack of sleep to underlying medical conditions can cause the under eyelids to become puffy.

Lack of sleep
Not getting enough rest at night increases stress levels in the body. This elevated stress leads to inflammation in the lower part of the eyes and causes eye bags to form temporarily.

Aging
The skin loses texture and structural integrity with advancing age. It may not remain firm due to a lack of collagen and elastin, causing the area under the eyes to sag. This is one of the long-term causes of puffy eyes.

Genetic history
Some people might develop bags under the eyes as a physical characteristic unrelated to any direct or indirect health complication. For example, it could be a physical trait that mainly runs in the family affecting the eye appearance of men and women.

Fluid retention
Consuming extremely salty foods can trigger water retention under the eyes. As a result, the area swells and bulges under the weight of fluids. This fluid retention is also noticeable for a few minutes immediately after waking up.

Allergies and health complications
Swelling under the eyes could also be a sign of an allergic reaction. Inflammation is one of the primary triggers of eye puffiness. Sometimes, underlying health complications like thyroid problems can change hormones. For example, a hormonal imbalance may trigger eye puffiness, with symptoms more noticeable as the person ages.

Known symptoms
The main symptoms of puffy eye bags include visible swelling, saggy skin, loss of muscle tone, and dark circles. In most cases, eye bags can be reversed with simple home remedies and lifestyle changes.

Treatment options
Eye bag removal is quite possible with long-lasting results. Here are some simple home remedies, topical treatments, and outpatient procedures to check out today.

Using a cold compress
Cold slows down blood circulation, and a cold compress directly over the eye bags can help soothe the inflammation and swelling. Ice packs, a bag of frozen peas, or even slices of chilled cucumber can help provide relief and quick results.

Topical creams
Several topical creams soothe severe swelling, as instructed by a skin care specialist. Phenylephrine, one of the active ingredients used in these formulas, helps constrict blood vessels and prevent further swelling. Some creams even contain caffeine as one of the natural ingredients that helps constrict the blood vessels and reduce puffiness. Even tea contains caffeine, so doctors suggest using tea bags to relieve inflammation.

Changes in lifestyle
Eliminating excess intake of salts, sleeping at a reasonable hour, and drinking plenty of water can help reverse mild to moderate symptoms. Eliminating salt prevents water retention, a good night’s sleep lowers stress and drinking adequate water counters dehydration, ultimately reducing the inflammation under the eyes.

Clinical procedures
For severe eye bags syndrome, specialists suggest many clinical procedures. For example, filler treatments can be done under the local anesthetic. Doctors insert a jelly-like substance under the eyes and over the cheeks to hold the skin in place. The results usually last about 6 to 12 months, depending on the extent of the procedure. Chemical peels are another alternative treatment that removes extra layers of the skin by dissolving old cells to make room for healthy skin. In some cases, doctors may suggest laser resurfacing to treat wrinkly skin growth.

Surgical treatment
For some people, ophthalmologists may also suggest blepharoplasty, a surgical procedure that can help remove eye bags. This outpatient procedure requires the surgeon to cut in and remove excess fat and skin using a small incision. The incision is stitched up, and the wound heals in a couple of weeks. The skin around the area also becomes less puffy and smoother over time. This procedure is commonly referred to as eyelift surgery. The average cost of blepharoplasty is capped at approximately $4,000.

Conclusion
Note that the treatment or remedy will mainly vary depending on the severity of the condition. For example, some people can overcome puffy eye bags with simple lifestyle changes and no significant medical intervention. Age, overall health, and personal preferences also contribute to the decision-making for the treatment.