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The eyes are the mirror of the face as they are the area where changes are most noticeable, and they reflect the beauty and radiance of your face. Therefore, it is important to maintain their health, but how? With the factors of aging, wrong lifestyle practices and many other mistakes that we make…
With aging, hyaluronic acid and collagen decrease gradually over time and with exposure to various oxidative factors, many health problems affect the eyes, such as droopy eyelids, the appearance of fine lines under or on the side of the eye, and under-eye hollows (sunken eyes) that can be localized or spread to reach half of the cheeks, in addition to dark circles and others issues that must be addressed effectively and quickly.
Under-eye hollows can cause a dark shadow and a change in skin color or a hollow appearance under the eye, often accompanied by dark circles. The appearance of these hollows can vary from one person to another due to various factors, which we will mention in this article. It’s important to identify these factors first to determine the most suitable treatment. Filler has also been proven to be effective for treating under-eye hollows,unlike other treatments, but is it as harmful as many people claim? Or is it effective when certain guidelines are followed to achieve remarkable results?
What is The Cause of Under-Eye Hollows?
The cause of under-eye hollows or sunken eyes, is attributed to various factors that may affect the health of the eyes and form hollows or ‘depressions’ underneath. The fatty pad surrounding the eye thins, causing these hollows to appear, which can significantly impact the face’s overall appearance, making a person look more tired and worn out. The specific causes vary from individual to individual and it’s crucial to identify them to determine the appropriate treatment for the case. Some of the most common causes of under-eye hollows include:
- Aging
The skin starts losing fat and bone density with age, as well as essential elements decreasing like collagen, elastin and natural hyaluronic acid. This leads to skin thinnes, loss of elasticity and thickness which consequently causes the formation of under-eye hollows.
- Genetic factors
Yes, genetic factors can also influence skin structure and the fatty tissue under the eyes, causing under-eye hollows. Hollow eyes can often be widespread in families. If your parents have under-eye hollows, you are more likely to develop them as you age.
- Fatigue & Lack of Sleep
General fatigue, lack of sleep, and exhaustion play a primary role in worsening under-eye hollows and dark circles. It is recommended to get sufficient sleep, around 7 hours everyday, and to maintain good mental health by avoiding stress and anxiety triggers.
- Diet
The nature of your diet and its content of complete nutrients affects overall skin health and contributes to the appearance of under-eye hollows. A deficiency in essential minerals and vitamins can significantly affect the health of the skin under the eyes.
- Sun exposure
Constant sunlight exposure promotes the body’s production of melanin, which affects the skin’s color, darkening it. This can make under-eye circles more visible, thus affecting the appearance of hollow eyes.
- Dehydration
Not drinking enough water can negatively impact skin hydration and various vital bodily functions, leading to various health problems such as the appearance of under-eye hollows.
- Sudden & significant weight loss
When losing weight in a short amount of time, the face is also affected like the body. The facial fat is affected, making the blood vessels surrounding the eyes more visible and therefore, the appearance of under-eye hollows.
- Smoking
Smoking is one of the most significant causes of under-eye hollows, as it reduces collagen levels in the skin and slows down cellular regeneration & healing which causes sagging in the skin and the appearance of under-eye hollows.
Symptoms of Under-Eye Hollows
Many issues impact the eyes, most of these issues whether health-related or organic or genetic, share the same symptoms with under-eye hollows, including:
- The appearance of a dark shadow on the lower eyelid.
- Skin thinning and hyperpigmentation under the eye.
- Dark circles.
- A visible look of fatigue & exhaustion
Tips to Reduce the Appearance of Under-Eye Hollows:
It is important to follow a healthy lifestyle, to reduce & prevent under-eye hollows. For example:
- Get enough sleep daily.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Use skincare products rich with hydrating ingredients to moisturize the area and keep it healthy.
- Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outdoors.
- Apply cold compresses.
- Wear sunglasses when going out.
- Avoid excessive caffeine consumption.
- Consume healthy food and eat more vegetables and fibers.
- Quit smoking.
How Do I Get Rid of Under-Eye Hollows?
This issue has always caused many people to feel frustrated, leading them to use makeup products to hide it as well as other cosmetic products or medical creams. Therefore, we will focus on one of the most effective treatments: under-eye fillers. However, it’s important to note that following healthy practices, consuming a balanced diet, and regularly using moisturizing creams or targeted under-eye creams can be beneficial, but may not be enough for cases where the skin has lost its luster & radiance and the under-eye area needs to be filled.
As the term ‘under-eye hollows’ implies an inward indentation of the area, it requires surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedures to restore its original appearance. Some treatment procedures for under-eye hollows are:
- Under-eye fillers
Under-eye hollows is a condition that requires treatment, not being covered or hidden by products.. Here comes the magical solution for this issue, Filler. It will fill in the under-eye area & hollows that cause dark circles and which may sometimes reach the middle of the cheeks. This treatment can revitalize the overall appearance.
Contrary to popular belief, under-eye fillers can last anywhere from 8 to 12 months or even longer. One or two sessions are sometimes enough to treat the condition due to the filler’s high efficacy. A healthy lifestyle can contribute to maximizing the longevity and effectiveness of the filler, such as drinking plenty of water, avoiding excessive touching or rubbing of the treated area, using anti-aging creams, and quitting smoking.
Type of filler used
Among the various types of filler, the most commonly used one to treat under-eye hollows is hyaluronic acid filler. Under-eye fillers have unique properties, they are considered more delicate and smooth compared to other fillers. They often contain ingredients that brighten the under-eye area and have a smooth consistency to prevent any lumps during injection.
Is it dangerous?
This treatment is generally safe & very effective, but many claim that it is harmful with a lot of complications. Yes, under-eye filler may cause harmful complications that could be permanent, however, choosing a qualified doctor who is up-to-date on the latest cosmetic techniques and can accurately determine the most suitable treatment for the condition, is essential to minimize risks and optimize outcomes.
Additionally, many dermatologists and aesthetic practitioners use cannulas for under-eye filler injections, which are long needles, that are particularly beneficial for the delicate under-eye area due to its sensitivity and intricate vascular network. By inserting the cannula at a distance from the eye and then guiding it to the treatment site, the risk of bruising and patient discomfort is significantly reduced while achieving visible results.
What about after the injection?
After the session, it is important to lie flat and avoid putting pressure on the injection site for at least 3 hours to minimize swelling and bruising. Sleeping on your back is recommended for the first night. Avoid strenuous activity for several days to reduce pain and swelling. Results are typically immediate, with the full effects becoming visible within a week.
Read also: Best Types of Facial Fillers | Their Uses & Applications.
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Eyelid surgery can effectively improve both upper and lower eyelid concerns, therefore improving under-eye hollows. This procedure requires a longer recovery period compared to under-eye fillers. Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery can correct sagging eyelids and improve the overall appearance of the eyes, addressing issues such as under-eye hollows or under-eye bags.
Read also: What is a Surgical Facelift? The Ultimate Guide & Most FAQs.
In conclusion, under-eye filler treatments are considered a double-edged sword since they treat such a delicate area. The risk of complications is significant but it may be prevented by choosing a skilled & experienced doctor who uses the most appropriate techniques and approaches patients with empathy and understanding.
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