Sagging lower eyelids non-surgical remedies?

by JP
(Wisconsin)

My wife found your website, and I'm wondering if you have any suggestions for sagging lower eyelids.

I don't really have puffy bags under my eyes. It's more like loose pockets of skin hanging beneath them, almost like empty handbags.

People sometimes ask if I'm tired, even when I feel fine.

Are there any non-surgical remedies that might help improve the appearance of this loose skin? I'm not ready to consider surgery.

Thanks,
JP

Editor's Answer:

Hi JP!

Thanks for writing! And I'm glad your wife found my site.

Your description of the skin under your eyes looking like "empty handbags" really caught my attention. It's a helpful way of explaining what you're seeing, because not all under-eye bags are caused by puffiness.

If the skin is loose directly beneath your lower eyelids, it could be related to the skin becoming thinner and less firm with age.

But if those loose folds sit farther down, over your upper cheekbones, you might be looking at something different, such as malar bags or festoons.

I put together a guide to malar bags and festoons with pictures that may help you compare what you're seeing.

Of course, I can't tell what's causing yours just from a description.

What can you try without surgery?

Well, it depends on whether you're dealing with dry, crepey skin, actual loose skin, or puffiness.

Here are a few options worth looking into:

• Moisturizing eye creams: If the skin looks dry or crinkly, a good moisturizer may help it look smoother. I've shared more ideas on my crepey skin under the eyes page. Just remember, creams won't remove hanging skin.



• Instant eye tighteners: I've tried quite a few of these over the years. Some can temporarily smooth the under-eye area, although results vary. You can read more about instant under-eye tighteners and what to expect.



• Professional treatments: Certain laser or resurfacing treatments may help with mild skin looseness or crepey texture. But they won't necessarily correct larger folds of hanging skin. That's something I'd ask an experienced eye specialist about before spending money.

One thing I've learned from trying so many eye products is that it's easy to spend a small fortune hoping the next cream or serum will give you a lift.

And while I've found products that make my own under-eye area look smoother temporarily, I wouldn't expect a cream to get rid of a lot of extra skin.

One more thing: If your lower eyelid is pulling away from your eye, or you're experiencing watering, redness, or irritation, I'd have an eye doctor check it. That's different from ordinary loose skin.

JP, I can understand how frustrating it must be when people keep asking if you're tired, especially when you feel perfectly fine!

My suggestion would be to start by looking at the pictures in my malar bags and festoons guide. And if it really is loose skin directly beneath your eyelids, an eye specialist who works with eyelids can help you understand which nonsurgical options, if any, might make a noticeable difference.

Hope this helps!

Linda