How to Fix Under-Eye Fat and Sagging at Home: No Need to Spend Money! Understand the Causes and Home Care Solutions
In Korea, where appearance and beauty are paramount, many people struggle with under-eye issues like hollows, sagging, dark circles, and puffiness. This is not only a common concern in Korea but also in other countries. If you’re struggling with these problems, this blog post will be an excellent guide to help you tackle them with effective home care tips!
What is Under-Eye Sagging?
The eyes are the first thing people notice when they meet you, and if your eyes appear dull, have shadows, or show signs of sagging, it can make you look older and impact your overall impression. Interestingly, people of Asian descent tend to have thinner skin under the eyes compared to Westerners. As a result, the fat under the eyes can become more pronounced or saggy as we age.
Why Does Under-Eye Fat and Sagging Happen?
As we age, our skin begins to lose elasticity, and the fat under the eyes starts to sag or protrude due to the loss of skin tone. The skin, which once held the fat in place, can no longer support it, causing it to “drop” downward with gravity. This is a natural process we see more prominently as we get older, much less so in babies or younger individuals.
Why Does This Happen to Thin Skin?
As we age, the skin loses collagen and elastin, which are responsible for its firmness and elasticity. This weakening causes fat to shift, leading to sagging or puffiness in areas like the under-eyes.
Why Does Under-Eye Sagging Get Worse?
- Aging – The primary cause of under-eye sagging and puffiness.
- Rapid Weight Loss – Dehydration and loss of skin elasticity can cause under-eye fat to protrude.
- Neglecting Skincare – Dryness and a lack of care can weaken the already-thin skin under the eyes, leading to sagging.
Treatment Methods: Pros and Cons
1. Home Care (Massage)
Prevention is key! By using simple massages, you can prevent or delay under-eye sagging without spending a dime. This method is highly recommended for younger individuals whose skin still has some elasticity. Regular facial exercises can help maintain the skin’s firmness and prevent early signs of sagging.
- Pros: No cost, prevents sagging, easy to do at home.
- Cons: Only preventive—won’t provide dramatic effects if sagging is already severe.
2. Professional Treatments
- Pros: Quick results with little to no downtime.
- Cons: Expensive, requires visits to a clinic, and results may not be permanent.
3. Surgical Options
- Pros: Dramatic, permanent results.
- Cons: Risk of bruising, swelling for 1-2 weeks, recovery time required.
Home Care Solutions to Prevent or Fix Under-Eye Sagging
1. Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Best for: People who tend to experience puffiness, those with good skin elasticity (young or anyone committed to consistent care).
If your under-eye puffiness is caused by fluid retention rather than fat buildup, lymphatic drainage massage can help. Even if you’re not sure if it’s puffiness or fat, this massage is a great starting point.
Lymphatic drainage can also help improve blood circulation, release tension, and alleviate fatigue.
How to Do It:
- Gently massage the inner corner of the eye with your fingers.
- Slowly move the massage downward under the eyes. Be gentle—don’t apply too much pressure as the skin is thin.
- Move towards the outer corner of the eyes, then massage from the ears to the neck.
- Repeat for about 3 minutes.
Tip: To avoid creating wrinkles, apply a moisturizing cream before massaging.
Massage Method Video Guide:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENkfkwQUgtU
For those who prefer to watch the massage technique in action, check out the video starting at 9:30. This will provide a step-by-step demonstration of how to perform the lymphatic drainage massage for the under-eye area.
2. Eye Exercises
Effect: Regular eye exercises can strengthen the muscles around the eyes and improve blood circulation. These exercises may help burn off under-eye fat while boosting the skin’s elasticity.
How to Do It:
- Close your eyes and move your eyes up and down, left and right, and in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
- Repeat 3-5 sets.
These two techniques can help improve under-eye puffiness and sagging. Additionally, for those who spend long hours in front of computers, these exercises can help relieve eye fatigue.
Do Under-Eye Massage Tools Work?
Many massage tools claim to improve under-eye puffiness and sagging, but in Dr. Lee’s experience, the results are often minimal and not worth the investment. Personal recommendation: Avoid these tools and focus on natural techniques like massage and exercise.
Professional Treatments to Prevent or Fix Under-Eye Sagging
First, identify whether the under-eye area is hollow or puffy. The treatment will depend on the type of issue you’re dealing with.
- For Puffiness: The goal is to flatten the puffiness.
- For Hollowness: The aim is to fill in the hollow areas.
Non-Surgical Options:
- Agnes Laser – A needle-based RF laser that targets under-eye fat and burns it away. It’s a great option for people with excessive fat but who want to avoid surgery. It’s effective but not a permanent solution.
- Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid) – Safe and effective for adding volume to hollow under-eyes.
- Ultra Collagen Boosters (UltraColl) – A mix of saline and collagen-stimulating injections that improve skin elasticity and create a plumping effect. While less effective than fillers, UltraColl is often preferred by people who want a natural feel with minimal discomfort.
Since under-eye skin is thin and sensitive, only a small amount of filler is used. In severe cases, a combination of both fillers and UltraColl may be used for better results.
Surgical Options:
- Under-Eye Fat Repositioning Surgery: The most dramatic and permanent solution. This surgery involves physically moving the fat under the eyes to correct puffiness or hollowing. However, if skin elasticity decreases over time, sagging may return.
- Lower Blepharoplasty: A surgical procedure for individuals with advanced sagging. It is mostly done on older patients who have significant loss of skin elasticity.
Conclusion
For under-eye sagging and puffiness, home care like lymphatic drainage massage and eye exercises can offer excellent preventive benefits. For more noticeable sagging or if these methods don’t work, surgical or minimally invasive procedures may be an option. Remember, maintaining your under-eye skin with regular care is key to keeping a youthful, vibrant appearance.
Practice these tips, and you’ll see a visible difference in your under-eye area! Stay consistent with your efforts, and you’ll achieve a smoother, more refreshed look.