Sunken Eyes – Causes and Solutions

20 Dec Sunken Eyes – Causes and Solutions

What Are and How to Treat Sunken Eyes

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed that your eyes appear sunken or hollow? If so, you’re not alone. Sunken eyes, also known as tear trough hollows or under-eye hollows, are a common concern for many people. They can make you look tired even when you’re feeling your best.

Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr. Guy Watts will explore what sunken eyes are, what causes them, and most importantly, what you can do to improve their appearance.

Take our quiz, and find out if you are you ready for surgery?

What Are Sunken Eyes?

To understand sunken eyes, it’s essential to know a bit about the anatomy of the eye area. The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of your face. Beneath this thin skin lies a complex network of muscles, fat pads, and blood vessels. These underlying structures provide support and volume to the eye area, keeping it looking youthful and refreshed.

When these structures change or deteriorate, the result can be sunken eyes. The hollows or shadows that appear beneath your eyes can give your face a tired or aged appearance, even if you’re well-rested and in good health. Sunken eyes can also make you look different, affecting your overall facial expression.

Causes of Sunken Eyes

Many factors can contribute to the development of sunken eyes. One of the most common causes is the natural ageing process. As you age, your skin loses collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that keep your skin firm and elastic. This loss of collagen and elastin can cause the skin around your eyes to become thinner and less resilient, leading to the formation of hollows or shadows.

In addition to ageing, significant weight loss can also cause sunken eyes. When you lose weight, you may also lose fat from your face, including the fat pads beneath your eyes. This loss of volume can cause your eyes to appear sunken or hollow.

Certain medical conditions can also contribute to sunken eyes. For example, dehydration, allergies, and sinus infections can cause the skin around your eyes to appear sunken or dark. In some cases, sunken eyes may be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as thyroid problems or nutritional deficiencies.

Finally, lifestyle factors can play a role in their development. Lack of sleep, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to the appearance of hollow or sunken eyes. Sun damage can also break down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to premature ageing and the formation of sunken eyes.

Download the Blepharoplasty Guide

Ultimate Guide To Blepharoplasty

• Name*
  First Last
• Phone Number*
• Email*
• Message
• Would you like us to contact you?
  • Yes - please contact me
  • No - Not ready just yet!
• Best time to call
  No preference9:00 AM - 10:00AM10:00 AM - 11:00 AM11:00 AM - 12:00 PM12:00 PM - 1:00 PM1:00 PM - 2:00 PM2:00 PM - 3:00 PM3:00 PM - 4:00 PM4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Phone
  This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

Solutions for Sunken Eyes

If you’re concerned about the appearance of sunken eyes, there are treatment options available. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your sunken eyes, your age, and your overall health.

One of the most popular non-surgical options for treating sunken eyes is dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that can add volume to the hollow areas beneath your eyes, creating a smoother, more youthful appearance. Fillers are typically made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in your skin and helps to keep it hydrated and plump.

Another non-surgical option for treating sunken eyes is topical products. Eye creams and serums that contain ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides can help to stimulate collagen production and improve the overall appearance of the skin around your eyes. While topical products may not provide the same dramatic results as dermal fillers, they can be a good option for those with mild to moderate sunken eyes.

If you have more severe sunken eyes, or if you’re looking for a more long-lasting solution, surgical procedures may be an option. One common surgical procedure for treating sunken eyes is fat transfer. During a fat transfer procedure, fat is taken from another area of your body (such as your thighs or abdomen) and injected into the hollow areas beneath your eyes. This can provide a more permanent solution for sunken eyes, as the transplanted fat can integrate with your body’s own tissues.

Another surgical option for treating sunken eyes is blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery. During a blepharoplasty, excess skin and fat are removed from the upper and/or lower eyelids, creating a more youthful and refreshed appearance. While blepharoplasty is typically performed to address sagging or drooping eyelids, it can also help to improve the appearance of sunken eyes by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining skin.

When choosing a treatment for sunken eyes, it’s important to consider several factors. You’ll want to think about your budget and the amount of downtime you can afford. Non-surgical options like dermal fillers and topical products typically require little to no downtime, while surgical procedures may require several weeks of recovery.

You’ll also want to consider your overall health and any medical conditions you may have. Some treatments, such as dermal fillers, may not be appropriate for those with certain health conditions or allergies. It’s important to discuss your medical history and any concerns you may have with Dr. Watts before undergoing any treatment.

Common Misconceptions about Treating Sunken Eyes

There are some common misconceptions surrounding the treatment of sunken eyes that can prevent people from seeking the help they need. It’s important to address these misconceptions to ensure that you have accurate information when considering your treatment options.

1. Misconception: All treatments for sunken eyes are painful or invasive.
   • Reality: While some surgical procedures, such as fat transfer and blepharoplasty, do require incisions and a recovery period, there are many non-surgical options that are minimally invasive and relatively painless.
     • Dermal fillers, for example, are injectable treatments that can be administered in a matter of minutes with not so much discomfort.
     • Topical products, such as eye creams and serums, are another non-invasive option that can be applied at home with no pain or downtime. These products work gradually to improve the appearance of sunken eyes over time.
2. Misconception: Treating sunken eyes is only for older people or those with significant signs of ageing.
   • Reality: Sunken eyes can affect people of all ages, and early intervention can be beneficial in preventing the development of more severe hollows or shadows over time.
     • While it’s true that the natural ageing process can contribute to the development of sunken eyes, other factors such as genetics, weight loss, and certain medical conditions can cause sunken eyes in younger people as well.
     • Treating sunken eyes early on can help to maintain a refreshed appearance for longer.
3. Misconception: Treating sunken eyes is purely a cosmetic concern and not a medical one.
   • Reality: While sunken eyes are often considered a cosmetic issue, they can also be a sign of underlying health problems that require medical attention.
     • Dehydration, for example, can cause the skin around the eyes to appear sunken or dark. Ensuring that you’re drinking enough water and staying properly hydrated can help to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of sunken eyes.
     • Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin K or iron, can also contribute to the development of sunken eyes. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help to support healthy skin and prevent the formation of hollows or shadows.
     • In some cases, sunken eyes may be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as thyroid disease or sleep apnoea. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your sunken eyes and have other symptoms as well, it’s important to speak with a qualified medical professional who can help you determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
4. Misconception: Treating sunken eyes is a one-time fix.
   • Reality: While some treatments for sunken eyes, such as dermal fillers, can provide immediate results, maintaining those results often requires ongoing treatment.
     • Dermal fillers, for example, typically last for several months to a year before the body naturally absorbs them. To maintain the results, you’ll need to schedule regular follow-up treatments.
     • Topical products, such as eye creams and serums, need to be used consistently over time to see the best results. Incorporating these products into your daily skincare routine can help to prevent the development of sunken eyes.

FAQs about Causes and Treatment

How can I tell if my sunken eyes are a cosmetic concern or a sign of an underlying health issue?

• If you notice that your eyes appear  hollow, it’s important to pay attention to any other symptoms you may be experiencing. If this is accompanied by fatigue, dry skin, thinning hair, or unexplained weight changes, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue such as thyroid disease or a nutritional deficiency. On the other hand, if you don’t experience any other symptoms and they seem to be primarily a cosmetic concern, it’s likely that they are the result of factors such as ageing, genetics, or lifestyle habits. It’s always best to speak with a qualified healthcare professional who can help you determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Can sunken eyes be prevented?

• While some factors that contribute to sunken eyes, such as genetics and the natural ageing process, cannot be prevented, there are steps you can take to minimise the appearance of sunken eyes. One of the most important things you can do is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. Protecting your skin from sun damage by wearing sunscreen and sunglasses can also help to prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which can contribute to the development of sunken eyes. If you smoke or drink alcohol excessively, quitting or reducing your intake can also help to improve the appearance of your skin and prevent premature ageing.

Are there any home remedies for treating sunken eyes?

• There is no substitute for professional treatment when it comes to addressing sunken eyes, but there are some home remedies that may help to temporarily reduce their appearance. One simple remedy is to apply cold compresses or tea bags to the eye area, which can help to reduce puffiness and dark circles. Gently massaging the eye area can also help to stimulate blood flow and reduce the appearance of hollows or shadows. Incorporating eye creams or serums that contain ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, or hyaluronic acid into your daily skincare routine can also help to improve the overall appearance of the skin around your eyes. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these home remedies are not a substitute for professional treatment, and if you’re concerned about the appearance of your sunken eyes, it’s always best to speak with your plastic surgeon.

How long does it take to see results from sunken eye treatments?

• The amount of time it takes to see results from sunken eye treatments can vary depending on the type of treatment you receive. Non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers can provide immediate results, with most patients seeing a noticeable change in the appearance of their sunken eyes within a few days of treatment. Topical products such as eye creams and serums may take several weeks or even months of consistent use before you start to see noticeable results. Surgical procedures such as fat transfer or blepharoplasty typically require a longer recovery period, with most patients seeing the final results of their treatment within several weeks to several months.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with these treatments?

• As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with the treatments. Non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers may cause temporary side effects such as bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site. In rare cases, more serious complications such as infection or allergic reactions may occur. Surgical procedures such as fat transfer or blepharoplasty carry a higher risk of complications, including bleeding, infection, scarring, or changes in sensation. It’s important to discuss the potential risks and side effects of any treatment with your plastic surgeon before undergoing the procedure, and to follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications.

Further Reading about Plastic Surgery with Dr. Guy Watts

• Read Dr. Watts’ Blog about What Is Facial Asymmetry
• Read Dr. Watts’ Blog about 7 Tips to Reduce Bruising after Facelift Surgery
• Read Dr. Watts’ Blog about Swelling and Bruising after Blepharoplasty
• Read Dr. Watts’ Blog about What Is the Difference between a Forehead Lift and Blepharoplasty
• Read Dr. Watts’ Blog about Does It Hurt to Get the Blepharoplasty Stitches Removed?

Medical References

• Refined technique for non-surgical correction of sunken eyes and simplified treatment-oriented classification
• Changes in Sunken Eyes Combined with Blepharoptosis after Levator Resection
• Sunken eyes: Causes, pictures, and treatment
• What to Know About Under Eye Hollows
• (PDF) How to Get Rid of Sunken Eyes?