A lot of people worry about having those eye bags, which can make your face look worn out, old, or super stressed. While our genes and getting older are big factors, things like not getting enough sleep, feeling stressed, or eating badly can also make a difference Luckily, there are lots of ways to get rid of under-eye bags nowadays that can make your eyes look better
This article breaks down why eye bags pop up, the different kinds, and what you can do about them, helping you choose the best treatment option.
What Causes Eye Bags?
Eyebags form due to a combination of anatomical changes, lifestyle factors, and natural aging. Common causes include:
1. Fat Prolapse (Most Common Cause)
As we age, the supporting structures around the eyes weaken. The orbital fat that normally cushions the eyes begins to protrude forward, leading to visible bulging under the eyes.
2. Skin Laxity and Loss of Elasticity
Collagen and elastin levels drop progressively with age. The thin under-eye skin becomes looser and more crepey, making eyebags appear more pronounced.
3. Under-Eye Fluid Retention
Poor lymphatic drainage, high salt intake, allergies, crying, or hormonal changes can cause puffiness due to fluid buildup.
4. Loss of Volume in the Cheeks / Tear Trough Hollowing
When the mid-face loses volume, the junction between the lower eyelid and cheek becomes deeper. This shadowing can make eyebags look more obvious.
5. Genetics
Some individuals inherit weaker eye support tissues or more prominent under-eye fat pads, causing eyebags to appear earlier in life.
6. Lifestyle Factors
• Lack of sleep
• Chronic stress
• Smoking
• Alcohol intake
These factors accelerate collagen loss and worsen puffiness.
Types of Eye Bags
1. Fat-Type Eyebags
Caused by the forward protrusion of orbital fat due to weakened supporting structures around the lower eyelid.
Features:
- Visible bulging or puffiness
- Persistent throughout the day
- More noticeable under lighting or in photos
Suitable Treatments:
- Transconjunctival eyebag removal (scarless)
- Open lower blepharoplasty
- Optical fiber laser (Endolift) for mild cases
2. Tear-Trough Type
Not true bulging, but the hollowing between the lower eyelid and cheek creates a shadow that makes the under-eye area look tired.
Features:
- Depression or groove under the eye
- Shadowing effect especially under bright light
- Minimal fat bulge, appearance worsened by the contrast
Suitable Treatments:
- Under-eye fillers
- Collagen biostimulators
- Combination with skin tightening if needed
3. Laxity-Type Eyebags
Caused by thinning skin, collagen loss, and reduced elasticity around the lower eyelids.
Features:
- Loose, crepey, or wrinkled skin
- Mild bulging may be present
- Skin appears thin and lacks support
Suitable Treatments:
- Radiofrequency tightening
- Laser tightening
- Open lower blepharoplasty if excess skin is significant
4. Mixed-Type Eyebags
A combination of fat protrusion, hollowness, and skin laxity—very common in adults.
Features:
- Bulging + hollowness + loose skin
- Varies depending on age and genetics
- Requires multidimensional correction
Suitable Treatments:
- Combination approach
- Transconjunctival removal + filler
- RF or laser tightening combined with fat repositioning
Common Eye Bag Removal Treatments
1. Under-Eye Fillers or Biostimulators
Description:
Hyaluronic acid fillers or collagen-stimulating injectables (such as poly-L-lactic acid or Deusaderm) are placed strategically along the tear trough to smooth hollowness, blend the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek, and create a fresher appearance. They do not remove the eyebag fat but help camouflage mild bulges by lifting the surrounding tissue.
Suitable Candidates:
- Mild eyebags
- Prominent tear trough or under-eye hollowness
- Patients looking for a quick, non-surgical solution
2. Under-Eye Radiofrequency Tightening
Description:
Radiofrequency (RF) delivers controlled heat to the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production and tighten lax tissue. This firming effect helps reduce the appearance of bulging fat and softens fine lines under the eyes.
Suitable Candidates:
- Mild eyebags associated with skin laxity
- Patients with crepey under-eye skin who prefer non-invasive options
3. Optical Fiber Laser (e.g., Endolift)
Description:
A micro-optical fiber laser is inserted beneath the skin to deliver targeted thermal energy. This melts small amounts of fat and contracts the surrounding connective tissue, resulting in tightening and contouring of the under-eye area without incisions.
Suitable Candidates:
- Mild to moderate eyebags
- Patients who prefer a minimally invasive treatment without surgical downtime
4. Transconjunctival Eyebag Removal (Recommended)
Description:
A scarless surgical technique where excess fat is removed through a tiny incision inside the lower eyelid. No external cuts are made on the skin. This approach preserves the natural eyelid structure, minimizes downtime, and produces a very natural, refreshed look.
Suitable Candidates:
- Moderate eyebags
- Patients without significant skin laxity
- Those seeking definitive, long-lasting results with no external scar
5. Open Lower Blepharoplasty
Description:
A traditional surgical approach involving an external incision just below the lash line. This allows removal or repositioning of fat pads and trimming of excess skin. Stitches are required, and recovery is slightly longer compared to transconjunctival surgery.
Suitable Candidates:
- Moderate to severe eyebags
- Significant skin looseness or wrinkles
- Patients who need fat removal combined with skin tightening
Factors to Consider Before Eye Bag Removal
Choosing the right treatment involves assessing several factors:
- The underlying cause of the eye bags (fat, fluid, pigmentation, or volume loss)
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Facial structure and symmetry
- Desired results and recovery time
A consultation with a good doc can help figure out the best and safest treatment for what you need
Eye Bag Removal Costs in Malaysia
Costs can differ depending on the kind of treatment, how serious it is, and the clinic you go to. For accurate pricing, feel free to contact us at A.M clinic or book a consultation.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most non-surgical procedures typically require very little time off. After treatment, you’ll usually need to do some basic care, like
- Avoid rubbing the eyes
- Reduce salt and alcohol intake
- Sleep with head slightly elevated
- Follow clinic-specific aftercare instructions
- Proper care ensures optimal and natural-looking results.
Conclusion
Eye bags are just part of getting older, your genes, and how you live your life, but there are plenty of tricks to make them less noticeable. Treatment options range from non-surgical stuff like fillers and lasers to surgical procedures like blepharoplasty, all customizable to fit what you need and how bad the issue is
If you’re thinking about getting rid of your under-eye bags, do check out some safe and customized eye bag removal options at a medical aesthetic clinic, like A.M clinic.