When you experience constant undereye puffiness, you might feel that your eyes betray your age—or even add a few years to it.
Skincare products containing active ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, or peptides can tighten the skin under the eyes; however, these topical treatments bring temporary relief.
At Faulkner Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, our leading surgeon, Dr. Faulkner, can help tailor your undereye treatments to minimize the look of bothersome bags for lasting rejuvenation.
Continue exploring our solutions for bags around eyes near Rockville, or schedule your consultation to discuss nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for aging undereyes.
Understanding the Source of Your Eye Bags
As you work with Dr. Faulkner to discuss solutions for bags around eyes near Rockville, he can talk through the possible causes of your concerns. For many patients, a variety of factors can contribute to swollen-looking or drooping undereyes.
Genetics
Your genetics play a role in your bone structure, musculature, and fat distribution, so you might be more prone to undereye protrusion if your parents also have bags under their eyes. Though frustrating, inherited attributes do not have to be inevitable with a skilled surgeon in your corner.
Facial Aging
For some patients, new or worsening undereye bags are a natural side effect of aging.
As we get older, our bones lose density, our muscles weaken, and the skin loses elasticity. So when our naturally plump fat pads above and below the eyes start to sag, there is less supportive structure or skin strength to hold these deposits in place, leading to a drooping or tired appearance.
Fluid Retention
Some patients notice their undereyes are especially puffy upon waking up, following a meal high in sodium, or after consuming alcohol.
When you are lying down, the blood vessels under the eyes can leak fluid into the tissue. A high-salt diet and alcohol consumption dehydrate the body, prompting your systems to retain water wherever possible. This fluid can accumulate in the space below your eyes, contributing to a swollen or bloated look.
Unbalanced Sleep
Lack of sleep sends your body into overdrive, producing cortisol, a stress hormone that keeps you alert when your body is deprived of fuel and energy. Elevated cortisol circulation sends your body into survival mode, inducing fluid retention and thus, undereye puffiness that reflects your fatigue.
Treating Sagging Undereyes
At Faulkner Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, our board-certified surgeon and injector, Dr. Brent Faulkner, routinely treats patients with undereye concerns. Depending on the extent of your skin concerns, along with your unique facial anatomy and treatment goals, Dr. Faulkner might recommend one of the following solutions for bags around eyes near Rockville.
Dermal Filler
For patients interested in evening out the skin under their eyes without surgical intervention, Dr. Faulkner can use dermal filler to create a smoother transition between the eye socket and cheek. During treatment, he expertly administers tiny increments of Juvéderm Volbella XC around the undereyes to achieve your vision with precision.
The hydrating hyaluronic acid gel formula immediately lifts the treated skin, restoring harmony to your features and smoothing the skin beneath the eyes for a more awake appearance.
This widely trusted formula is also one of Juvéderm’s smoothest, mimicking the natural texture of your tissue to flex with your movements for a natural-looking finish.
Morpheus8 Microneedling
Dr. Faulkner also often recommends Morpheus8 microneedling treatments for patients struggling with unwanted skin laxity under the eyes. The dual microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) technologies harness your body’s restorative power.
As Dr. Faulkner passes the Morpheus8 device over the treatment area, the microneedles create microscopic puncture wounds in the skin. Along with stimulating your body’s healing response, these tiny channels enable the RF energy to penetrate deep into the dermis. This thermal energy triggers skin renewal, provoking essential collagen and elastin production.
As collagen and elastin fibers repair your skin, it becomes stronger and firmer. Many patients enjoy tighter undereye skin and reduced undereye bags after a series of treatments.
AccuTite
Patients with drooping undereye skin and unwanted fatty deposits can also benefit from minimally invasive surgical support with AccuTite. The AccuTite device uses radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to precisely tighten and lift the treated area.
During the procedure, Dr. Faulkner uses two cannulas. He inserts one beneath the skin while the other remains at the surface. The two cannulas transmit controlled RF energy to gently heat the tissue, melting unwanted fat cells and restoring the skin’s collagen production. Dr. Faulkner uses the small cannula beneath the skin to remove the broken-down fat cells.
Our advanced RFAL technology gently smooths your contours for a more youthful undereye.
Blepharoplasty
Of our many diverse solutions for bags around eyes near Rockville, a lower blepharoplasty offers the most enduring results. This lower eyelid surgery addresses excess skin and sagging fat pads in a single procedure to reveal a more alert, refreshed appearance.
Prior to scheduling surgery, you will meet with Dr. Faulkner to discuss your medical history and goals for treatment. At this time, he also evaluates your eyelids and skin quality to craft a personalized treatment plan. Then, he outlines your pre- and post-care instructions to foster a seamless recovery.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Leading up to surgery, Dr. Faulkner’s pre-care instructions typically include:
- Cessation of prescription medications, blood thinners, and nutritional supplements as directed
- Completion of any recommended lab tests to confirm surgical candidacy
- Arranging a ride home from your procedure, as you cannot drive home after receiving anesthesia
Post-Surgery Care
After your lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Faulkner often recommends the following care steps:
- Use a cold compress to manage swelling during the first 48 to 72 hours
- Keep your head elevated, especially during sleep, for at least 1 week
- Minimize excessive exertion for the following 3 weeks
- Use the prescribed ophthalmic ointment to keep the treatment area moisturized
- Protect your healing skin from harmful sun exposure
Rejuvenating Your Eyes, Your Way
With Faulkner Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, you can reclaim control of your skin aging concerns and find a treatment that works for you. Customize your solutions for bags around eyes near Rockville and enjoy lasting rejuvenation.
Learn more about how Dr. Faulkner expertly places undereye filler to relieve hollows and dark circles.
