Overview | Symptoms and Causes | In-clinic Treatments | Lifestyle Changes | Future Skincare Tips
Many of my patients come to me with a complaints of sunken eyes. What are they? Well, they are the delicate skin under your eyes that turns hollow, sunken, or dark. While they can be an indication of a medical condition, they can also be a result of dehydration, aging, and not getting adequate sleep. However, with effective treatment, this skin issue can be resolved.
In this article, I will take you through this skin problem in greater detail and also cover some sunken eye treatments, remedies, and self-care for the future.
What are the symptoms of sunken eyes?
You may look into the mirror and probably first notice signs of sunken eyes, which are:
- An overall fatigued or tired look on your face
- Thin-looking skin under your eyes
- Dark circles underneath the eyes
- A dark shadow over the lower eyelid
- A hollowing under the eyes
Why do you get sunken eyes?
The main causes of sunken eyes are:
- Aging
- Genetics
- Dramatic weight loss
- Sun exposure
- Dehydration
- Sinus infection
- Allergies
- Smoking
Can sunken eyes cause any other problems?
Sunken eyes can also cause other problems, which include:
- Red, dry, or itchy eyes
- Ongoing fatigue
- Congestion of the nasal passages
- Headaches
When is it time to consult a dermatologist?
I recommend consulting a dermatologist the moment you notice the aforementioned symptoms. Sunken eyes are also called ‘under-eye hollows’ and ‘tear trough hollows’. Since dark circles are mostly due to aging, you may begin to notice dark and sunken eyes in your late 30s and early 40s. If home remedies like sleeping more and drinking enough water do not work, you must consult a dermatologist immediately.
What should you be aware of before going in for the treatment?
You should know that if your sunken eyes are a result of allergies or a sinus infection, then medications like antihistamines and antibiotics can help treat. it If these don’t work, a dermatologist will help recommend one of the following sunken eye treatments for you.
What are the treatments that will be recommended by a dermatologist?
The three main sunken eyes treatments are dermal fillers, cosmetic surgery, and PRP.
- Dermal fillers – This is a sunken eye treatment that can effectively help reduce the skin problem, as noted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Softer hyaluronic acid fillers can be used to add volume and improve the appearance of your skin problem. A softer filler will be used on the lower eyelid skin. The more malleable the filler, the more easily customized and molded it will be on a person’s unique space under the eyes. The procedure only takes a few minutes and you may feel a few pricks after the injections. My patients at The Bombay Skin Clinic have seen fantastic results from dermal fillers for sunken eyes. I personally perform this treatment at the clinic.
- Cosmetic surgery – This includes face-lifts, blepharoplasty (lower eyelid surgery), and brow-lifts to help lessen the appearance of sunken eyes. As compared to dermal fillers, cosmetic surgery is invasive and requires more recovery time. As the name suggests, the surgery will involve incisions, which may or may not leave scars. My patients at The Bombay Skin Clinic have praised cosmetic surgery as an effective sunken eyes treatment for years.
- Arthrex PRP for sunken eyes – PRP refers to platelet-rich plasma, which is derived from the patient’s own blood that is spun in a centrifuge. PRP has long been used for dental surgery and orthopedic surgery. It has many wound healing and regenerative factors that help improve skin luster, color, texture, and thickness. It can increase blood flow to the targeted area and make the skin healthier and thicker.
At The Bombay Skin Clinic, I use the Arthrex PRP treatment for sunken eyes. These are also called second generation PRP treatments as they are more superior and yield better results than traditional PRP. It can also help heal periorbital wrinkles with its high growth factors concentration. You can repeat this procedure as often as you need, as it is safe, effective, and non-invasive.
What results can you expect after the treatment?
Results will vary from patient to patient, depending on the unique skin type and needs. The results from dermal fillers will last up to a year. The results from cosmetic surgery are more long-lasting.
How many sessions will be required/frequency of the treatment?
I recommend getting dermal fillers at least once a year, as hyaluronic acid is eventually absorbed by the body, as noted by Harvard Health Publishing. A cosmetic surgery is more long-lasting, so most people do not require more than one session. In regards to Arthrex PRP, I recommend getting at 3 to 4 sessions done once a month.
What are the risks involved with in-clinic treatments?
A cosmetic surgery is generally invasive, and so it will have all the risks that such surgeries come with, like infection, bleeding, soreness, and the like. Dermal fillers only cause pricks, so there are no real risks involved unless you are allergic to the filler used. I make every effort to ensure that the treatment is suitable for your medical health and wellbeing. With PRP, since the plasma is derived from your own blood, there are no chances of side-effects or allergic reactions at all.
What lifestyle changes can reduce or avoid sunken changes naturally?
I recommend making some lifestyle changes to reduce or avoid sunken eyes naturally. You should stay hydrated and have a good amount of sleep. As per the National Sleep Foundation, adults may require at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night. You should also eat a nutritious diet of dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and Brussels sprouts to reduce sunken eyes. Avoid sleeping on the stomach with the face pressed into the pillow as it can increase chances of sunken eyes. Drinking lots of water at night with salty food increases chances of fluid accumulation below the eyes increases chances of eye bags. While trying to remove eye makeup use a gentle cleanser and avoid vigorously rubbing and stretching the eye area to remove makeup. Also, try to reduce stress as much as possible with techniques like yoga and meditation.
What are the immediate and future skin care tips/prevention steps to maintain healthy skin?
I recommend nourishing the skin under your eyes with almond oil. You can use tea bags, which contain flavonoids and antioxidants, to promote the circulation under the sunken eyes and alleviate them. Cucumber slices also provide a cooling effect. Do not irritate or agitate the skin under your eyes, and always use a mild sunscreen when stepping out in the sun to protect your skin.
Closing thoughts
Let me reassure you that your sunken eyes can be treated effectively with a range of treatment options. Whether it is dermal fillers, cosmetic surgery, or Arthrex PRP, you can be well on your way to a healthier and thicker skin under your eyes. Book an appointment with me today and let’s get you started on the journey of rejuvenating those beautiful eyes!
References
- National Sleep Foundation: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/press-release/national-sleep-foundation-recommends-new-sleep-times
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560162/
- Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/aging/want-to-take-years-off-your-face-these-treatments-can-rejuvenate-your-skin
Dr. Batul Patel is a celebrity dermatologist and the medical director of The Bombay Skin Clinic an award winning clinic located in South Mumbai & Bandra. She is a passionate and dedicated dermatologist with expertise in all fields of dermatology, trichology and aesthetic dermatology. She has been practicing for more than a decade. Her range of expertise include emsculpt NEO, coolsculpting, fillers, acne treatment, lasers, skin rejuvenation, hair loss, hair transplant, PRP & pigmentation treatments.