Restylane For Under Eye Bags Explained – How Does Restylane Help

Eye bags—also known as periorbital puffiness—is the abnormal swelling of tissues under the eyes. Although the under-eye area is usually affected by puffiness, the entire eye region can swell up too.

What are the causes of eye bags?

A major cause of eye bags is the accumulation of fluid in the tissues surrounding the eyes. This condition is very common among people who consume food and beverages rich in salt. A high sodium intake will cause an imbalance of fluid in the cells and retention of water in the tissues around the eyes. Even normal physiological changes caused by menstruation and pregnancy can lead to the accumulation of fluid under the eyes.

Eye bags can also be caused by existing health conditions like thyroid problems, nephrotic syndrome, and Chagas disease. Patients who are easily affected by allergic attacks may also develop eye bags frequently. The release of histamine during an allergy attack results in leaks in the subcutaneous capillary beds, which will ultimately manifest as swollen eye bags.

In addition, fatigue and intense crying can also cause periorbital puffiness. However, a majority group of patients develop eye bags as they age. The drastic depletion of the suborbicularis oculi fat pads and thinning of the skin contribute to the apparent distention of the lower eyelids.

What is the best way to correct eye bags?

Some cultures consider eye bags as beautiful—this trend is known as Aegyo Sal in South Korea—but many Western patients strictly see eye bags as haggard and unattractive. Eye creams that can help to shrink the puffiness, albeit temporarily, are a popular at-home treatment. Patients also have the option to correct eye bags via dermal filler injections. Blepharoplasty surgery is usually recommended for severe eye bags, as it removes the excessive bulging tissues.

How does Restylane filler help to correct eye bags?

Restylane is a brand of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) implants. The hyaluronic acid molecules in the filler are sourced and purified from fermenting bacterial cultures. The particles are then cross-linked with each other using the chemical reticulating agent, BDDE, resulting in a biphasic injectable gel with a smooth consistency. Once injected and blended into the under-eye groove, the severity of under eye puffiness is reduced successfully.

How is Restylane filler injected to correct eye bags?

This aesthetic procedure can only be done by certified medical practitioners who are familiar with using dermal fillers to correct eye bags. Restylane is injected into the indentations above the orbital rim and under the eyes to seamlessly blend the comparatively hollow under eye regions with the adjacent volume. A certified and experienced medical practitioner will avoid overcorrecting eye bags as it could exacerbate the puffiness instead of rectifying it.

How long will the results last?

The residence time varies depending on the patient’s age, health condition, skin status, and lifestyle. The injection technique and amount of filler used can drastically alter the duration of results. That being said, the filler can last for about 6 to 9 months.

What are the side effects of Restylane filler injections?

Patients commonly develop temporary inflammatory side effects like bruising, bleeding, pain, tenderness, swelling, redness, and itchiness. These reactions subside within a few days. Patients should discuss all possible side effects, contraindications, and precautions with their injector prior to treatment.