How to Fix Under Eye Hollows: Expert Tips and Techniques

Under eye hollows, also known as tear troughs, are a common concern for many people. They are the sunken areas that form under the eyes, and they can make you look tired, aged, and even sick.

Understanding the causes and anatomy of the eye area can help you better understand under eye hollows and how to fix them.

Causes of Under Eye Hollows

There are several factors that can contribute to the formation of under eye hollows. Some of the most common causes include:

Aging: As you age, the skin around your eyes becomes thinner and loses elasticity, which can cause the fat pads under your eyes to shift and create hollows.
Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to developing under eye hollows due to their genetics.
Lifestyle factors: Poor sleep, dehydration, and a diet high in salt can all contribute to the formation of under eye hollows.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as allergies and thyroid problems, can cause under eye hollows.

Anatomy of the Eye Area

To understand under eye hollows, it’s important to know the anatomy of the eye area. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on the body, and it is supported by a network of muscles, ligaments, and fat pads.

The fat pads are what give the area its plump and youthful appearance, but they can shift and create hollows over time.

The muscles and ligaments in the eye area also play a role in the formation of under eye hollows. As they weaken and lose elasticity, they can allow the fat pads to shift and create hollows.

Professional Treatments

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to fix under eye hollows, there are several professional treatments available. These treatments are performed by licensed professionals and can provide long-lasting results.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a popular treatment for under eye hollows. They work by injecting a filler substance, typically hyaluronic acid, into the hollow area to plump it up and create a more youthful appearance.

The results can last from six months to a year, depending on the type of filler used. Some common fillers used for under eye hollows include Restylane and Juvederm.

Fat Transfer

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is another option for fixing under eye hollows. This procedure involves taking fat from another part of your body, such as your thighs or abdomen, and injecting it into the hollow area under your eyes.

The results can be long-lasting, but there is a chance that the injected fat may be reabsorbed by your body over time.

Skin Resurfacing Techniques

Skin resurfacing techniques, such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels, can also be used to fix under eye hollows. These treatments work by removing the top layer of skin and stimulating the growth of new collagen, which can help plump up the area under your eyes.

However, these treatments can be more invasive and may require a longer recovery time than dermal fillers or fat transfer.

Skincare and Lifestyle Changes

If you’re looking to fix under eye hollows, there are a few skincare and lifestyle changes that can help. Here are some tips to get you started:

Hydration and Diet

One of the most important things you can do to improve the appearance of under eye hollows is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of hollowness.

Additionally, eating a healthy diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables can provide your skin with the nutrients it needs to look its best.

Targeted Eye Creams

Another way to address under eye hollows is to use a targeted eye cream. Look for products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can help plump up the skin, and caffeine, which can help reduce puffiness.

You may also want to consider using a retinol-based eye cream, which can help improve the texture and tone of the skin.

Sun Protection

Finally, it’s important to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Exposure to UV rays can cause the skin to thin and become more prone to hollowness.

Make sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, and consider wearing a hat or sunglasses to provide additional protection.

Surgical Options

If non-surgical treatments fail to deliver the desired result, surgical options may be considered to fix under eye hollows. Two surgical options are available for this purpose: Blepharoplasty and Midface Lift.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to remove excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids.

This procedure can help reduce the appearance of under eye hollows by removing or repositioning fat deposits and tightening the skin.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions along the natural creases of the eyelids to remove the excess tissue. The incisions are then closed with sutures.

The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia and usually takes about 2 hours.

Midface Lift

A midface lift, also known as a cheek lift, is a surgical procedure to lift and reposition the cheeks to create a more youthful appearance.

This procedure can help reduce the appearance of under eye hollows by lifting the cheeks and filling in the hollows.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the hairline or inside the mouth to access the cheekbones. The surgeon then lifts and repositions the cheeks and secures them in place with sutures.

The procedure can be performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about 2-3 hours.

Home Remedies and Exercises

If you’re looking for a non-invasive way to fix under-eye hollows, there are several home remedies and exercises you can try. Here are some options to consider:

Facial Exercises

Facial exercises can help tone the muscles around your eyes and reduce the appearance of under-eye hollows.

One exercise you can try is called the “eye squeeze.” Here’s how to do it:

Close your eyes and relax your face.
Squeeze your eyes shut as tightly as you can.
Hold for five seconds, then release.
Repeat 10 times.

Another exercise to try is called the “eyebrow lift.” Here’s how to do it:

Place your fingers at the outer corners of your eyebrows.
Gently lift your eyebrows up and towards each other.
Hold for five seconds, then release.
Repeat 10 times.

Natural Remedies

There are several natural remedies that can help reduce the appearance of under-eye hollows.

One option is to use cucumber slices. Cucumbers have a cooling effect that can help reduce puffiness and dark circles. Here’s how to use them:

Cut two slices of cucumber and place them in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Lie down and place the slices over your eyes.
Leave them on for 10 to 15 minutes.
Repeat daily.

Another natural remedy to try is almond oil. Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, which can help nourish the delicate skin around your eyes. Here’s how to use it:

Apply a small amount of almond oil to your under-eye area.
Gently massage the oil into your skin using your fingertips.
Leave it on overnight.
Repeat nightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are natural remedies for improving under eye hollows?

There are several natural remedies that can help improve the appearance of under eye hollows. One of the most effective is getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can cause the skin to appear dull and tired, which can make under eye hollows more noticeable.

You can also try using cold compresses or applying cucumber slices to the under eye area to reduce puffiness and inflammation.

Can you permanently correct sunken eyes without surgery?

While surgery is the most effective way to permanently correct sunken eyes, there are non-surgical options available that can help improve their appearance.

One of the most popular non-surgical options is dermal fillers. These fillers can help plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of under eye hollows. However, the results are temporary and will need to be repeated every few months.

Are there any effective home treatments for under eye hollows?

There are several effective home treatments that can help improve the appearance of under eye hollows. One of the most effective is using a retinol cream.

Retinol can help increase collagen production, which can help plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of under eye hollows. You can also try using a vitamin C serum, which can help brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

How does hyaluronic acid benefit sunken eyes?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body that helps keep the skin hydrated and plump. When injected into the under eye area, it can help plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of under eye hollows.

The results are temporary and will need to be repeated every few months.

Is it possible to reverse the appearance of sunken eyes?

While it is not possible to completely reverse the appearance of sunken eyes, there are several treatments available that can help improve their appearance.

Dermal fillers can help plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of under eye hollows, while laser treatments can help stimulate collagen production and improve the texture of the skin.

What are non-filler methods to address tear trough depression?

There are several non-filler methods to address tear trough depression. One of the most effective is using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This involves injecting your own blood plasma into the under eye area to stimulate collagen production. Microneedling and radiofrequency treatments can also help improve the appearance of under eye hollows without the use of fillers.