Bags under the eyes are exceedingly common – and exceedingly bothersome for many. They can make you look older than your years, sadder than your mood and more tired and run down than your actual energy level. Fortunately, facial plastic surgeons can help you “manage your way out of” these bags, effectively treating them at a fraction of the cost and downtime of a facelift. But is this really necessary?
Starting personal and professional relationships “behind the 8-ball”
Bags under your eyes can cause problems that go beyond aesthetics. Research outlined in “Could an Aging Face Actually Cost You Money?” (in this site’s Lifestyle section) showed that the first impressions we make when we meet people can be substantially affected by our facial appearance. Studies conducted by psychology professors Leslie Zebrowitz, PhD and Joann Montepare, PhD revealed:
Impressions of older faces also parallel impressions of less attractive faces, with older faces often perceived as less healthy, cognitively competent [mentally capable], socially powerful, sociable and warm than younger ones.
People seeing us can instantly get a wrong first impression just because age and gravity have taken their inevitable toll on our faces. And while our friendliness, intelligence and capability can ultimately shine through, noticeable bags under our eyes can make us start new relationships “behind the 8-ball.”
What causes bags under the eyes?
While bags under the eyes can make us look tired, lack of sleep is not a major cause. Large muscles under our eyes can sometimes be responsible, but time and gravity are often the real culprits. Over the years, facial muscles under our eyes relax and sag. Fat deposits under the eyes, once held back by these muscles, now protrude, causing a baggy appearance. Loose skin contributes to the problem. Chronic allergies that cause swelling can make this look even worse.
Managing your way out of these bags
Dermal filler injections can help young patients with milder under-eye protrusions. But for most patients, there are currently no good nonsurgical treatments for bags under the eyes. A good facial plastic surgeon can remove the fat deposits, or transfer them to fill depressions under your eyes.
Usually, there is no visible scarring. Incisions are hidden under the lash line or just inside your lower eyelids. After recovery in about a week, this procedure provides long-lasting results. The cost is a mere fraction of a facelift.
Could you benefit from getting rid of the bags under your eyes?
Many patients find that getting a new, younger look lifts their spirits and improves their confidence levels (see the LookYounger.News article “Looking Younger Allowed Me to Be Confident in a Way I Never Had Before”). Getting rid of the bags under your eyes can provide that lift on its own. Or it can be an important step towards enhancing your overall appearance.
Either way, it can improve your results when meeting new people who could become friends or clients. A relatively simple, less-expensive procedure is better than starting off “behind the 8-ball.” Why not consult with an experienced facial plastic surgeon who can give you good advice on how to make this easy improvement that can make a real difference for you.
