To get rid of bags under the eyes, several effective methods can be tried, ranging from simple home remedies to medical procedures. These include applying cold compresses like chilled tea bags or cucumber slices, staying well-hydrated, getting enough sleep with your head slightly elevated, and maintaining a skincare routine that involves cleansing before bed. Reducing salt intake, avoiding smoking and alcohol, protecting skin from sun exposure, and managing allergies also help reduce puffiness. For more persistent or severe bags, non-surgical options like topical retinol creams, fillers, laser resurfacing, microneedling, or radiofrequency treatments can be effective. Surgical options, including lower eyelid blepharoplasty, provide a longer-term or permanent solution by removing or repositioning excess fat and tightening skin and muscles in the lower eyelid area. Here is a summary of ways to reduce or get rid of bags under the eyes:
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes
- Apply cold compresses (chilled tea bags, cucumber slices, ice wrapped in cloth) for a few minutes to reduce swelling.
- Stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water daily.
- Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly and sleep with your head elevated using extra pillows.
- Limit salt intake to reduce fluid retention.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Protect your eyes and skin from sun exposure using sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Maintain a nightly routine to cleanse skin, especially removing makeup.
- Manage allergies to reduce puffiness.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Use eye creams with ingredients like retinol to improve skin texture and reduce bags.
- Consider cosmetic procedures like microneedling, laser resurfacing, radiofrequency, or under-eye fillers that stimulate collagen and tighten skin.
- Use polynucleotide injections or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments to improve skin health.
Surgical Options
- Lower eyelid blepharoplasty (eye bag removal surgery) is a procedure that removes or repositions fat and tightens muscle and skin to provide a smoother, youthful appearance with results lasting about 10 years or more.
These approaches vary in cost, effectiveness, and duration of results, so a consultation with a dermatologist or oculoplastic surgeon can help tailor the best treatment plan.
