How to get rid of under eye hollows

If the area beneath your eyes has become sunken or hollow, there are several options to treat the problem.

What Causes Hollowness Beneath the Eyes?

Genetics can play a role in under-eye hollowness, as can aging. As you age, you lose bone density and soft tissue volume, resulting in a hollow appearance that makes your eyes appear sunken. However, your eyes haven’t changed their position in your face; the “frame” around them has changed. Further, as volume is lost beneath the eyes, the veins in that area become more apparent, causing dark circles.

Two Treatments for Under-Eye Hollows at our Northborough, MA Plastic Surgery Practice

The first and easiest treatment is the injection of dermal filler, such as Radiesse®, in the “tear trough” area of the eyes. Made of tiny, calcium-based microspheres suspended in gel, this product fills the hollow area and, over time, stimulates collagen production and tissue regeneration. This is important, as collagen tends to decrease with age. The results last up to a year, according to Merz Aesthetics, the manufacturer.

The best cosmetic surgery treatment for both eye bags and hollowness below the eyes is a blepharoplasty, also called an eyelid lift. I perform many of these here in Northborough. While a lower eyelift can treat the loose skin and hollowness beneath the eyes, many patients opt for both upper and lower eyelifts to open the eyes. Recovery is very simple and most patients find that the area heals well. Scars are invisible in the crease of the eyelid (upper eyelift) and in the lash line of a lower eyelid lift.

While nothing will halt the aging process, an eyelift can be a “reset” on your facial aging clock.

To your health & beauty,

Cynthia Poulos, MD Board Certified Northborough, MA Plastic Surgeon

What Do Sunken Eyes (Enophthalmos) Look Like?

Enophthalmos refers to the increased depth and hollowing of the eye sockets.5 It’s more commonly known as sunken eyes.

Scientifically, enophthalmos means “the posterior displacement of the globe in an anteroposterior plane within the orbit.”9 This translates to eyes that look hollow.

For example, there may be dark shadows or dark circles underneath the eyes, around the lower eyelid. This may make you look tired or sick even if you have had adequate rest and are healthy.

Sunken eyes are a common sign of aging due to tear trough deformity. This is when the lower eyelid bags become more prominent.

If related to aging changes, sunken eyes are not any cause for concern. However, some people may not like the look of sunken eyes and, therefore, take steps to reduce them.

Pictures of Sunken Eyes

Sunken eyes look different on different people for various reasons. Some people have faint sunken eyes, while others have more apparent sunken eyes.

Several factors affect the look of the skin around the eyes, including age, weight, diet, and more.

Here are some pictures of sunken eyes for your reference:

What are the Symptoms of Sunken Eyes?

Some common symptoms of sunken eyes include the following:

Dark circles under the eyes
Dark bags under the eyes
Dark shading under the eyes
Loose or thin skin under the eyes
Eyes that appear hollow
A lower eyelid that appears to sag
Puffiness of the lower eyelid

Depending on the cause of sunken eyes, other symptoms may accompany them.

6 Causes of Sunken Eyes

There are several causes of sunken eyes.

Here are six common causes:

1. Age

Aging causes sunken eyes. As you get older, your skin loses some of its elasticity. As a result, the sensitive skin around your eyes may begin to droop. This can make your eyes appear sunken.

2. Lack of Sleep

A lack of sleep can cause dark circles and bags to appear under the eyes.

3. Dehydration

Dehydration can take a toll on your health and your skin. Dehydration could cause the appearance of sunken eyes.

4. Eye Injury

If you have an eye injury or fracture the bones around your eyes, this could cause sunken eyes.2

You may also have inflammation and swelling from eye trauma that can make your eyes look sunken.3

5. Poor Diet

What you eat can affect your health. That’s why it is essential to eat foods that boost collagen. Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein.

It’s important for your skin and your overall health, including your vision.6

But our bodies make less collagen as we grow older.4 If you eat a poor diet and do not get enough of your collagen-producing leafy greens, you may develop dark shadows under your eyes.

Excess alcohol in your diet can also hurt your collagen production.11

In fact, what you don’t and what you do put in your body can affect your skin. For example, smoking can drop your collagen count and, ultimately, the appearance of your eyes, too.4

Significant weight loss can also cause the look of sunken eyes.

6. Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain underlying medical conditions can cause sunken eyes. A sickness as simple as a sinus infection can make your eyes appear sunken and hollow.

On the other hand, more severe health conditions like thyroid disease can cause sunken eyes.1

Certain types of cancer may also be the culprit.

Can Sunken Eyes Cause Complications?

Sunken eyes are usually not anything to worry about. They typically happen with age and bad habits like poor-quality sleep and nutrition.

However, sunken eyes can be a sign of a bigger health concern.

When to See a Doctor for Sunken Eyes

You should see a doctor for sunken eyes if you have experienced an eye injury. You may have a fracture.

You should also seek medical advice for sunken eyes if you are concerned that they indicate a more significant health concern.

You may have an infection if you are experiencing other symptoms with sunken eyes, such as:

Itchiness
Redness
Excess eye crust

Vision problems may be a sign of a bigger concern like an eye disease.

10 Tips for Preventing & Treating Sunken Eyes

There are various treatment options to get rid of sunken eyes:

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Drink enough water and plenty of fluids to help collagen production.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet with a lot of green vegetables can also help to produce collagen. This promotes stronger, healthier, more elastic skin—especially for the delicate skin around the eyes.

3. Get all Your Vitamins

Getting your vitamins, like vitamin C, is important. This can be found in citrus fruits. You may also consider taking daily vitamins or collagen supplements.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Exercise and consistently get enough sleep. Adults need at least eight hours of sleep per night, on average. Anything less than that can cause a domino effect of physical and mental health issues.

5. Establish a Skin Care Routine

Practicing a regular skin care routine can reduce the appearance of sunken eyes.

6. Almond Oil

Almond oil may be used to treat dry skin, smooth and rejuvenate the skin, and improve skin complexion and tone over time.12

7. Other Home Remedies

Other home remedies include placing tea bags, cucumbers, or cold compresses under the eyes.11

8. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are another option to fill in sunken and hollow eyes. But dermal fillers are temporary.10

9. Facelifts

Facelifts can also help by tightening up the skin.7 Unfortunately, unlike beauty sleep, cosmetic surgeries are not free. They can be costly, depending on how severe your case is.

10. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

For a more permanent solution, cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is available. It can reduce the look of sunken eyes by removing fat deposits that cause puffiness of the lids.8

What Do Sunken Eyes (Enophthalmos) Look Like?
What are the Symptoms of Sunken Eyes?
6 Causes of Sunken Eyes
Can Sunken Eyes Cause Complications?
10 Tips for Preventing & Treating Sunken Eyes

How do you fix under eye hollowness?

The most common treatment for under eye hollowness is the use of a cosmetic hyaluronic acid filler such as Restylane or Juvederm to restore volume under the eyes. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body, so these fillers are generally hypoallergenic.

What causes under eye hollowness?

Causes of Under Eye Hollows This is a condition that may happen because of trauma to your eye bone or as a part of bone loss from aging. Other causes of enophthalmos include: Loss of facial weight. Inflammatory autoimmune disease called linear scleroderma.

Can hollow eyes be cured naturally?

Lifestyle changes and home remedies To help ease sunken eyes, try the following: Keep a fixed sleep schedule and get enough sleep to make you feel refreshed the next morning. Invest in a quality moisturizer with sunscreen. Apply almond oil, which a 2022 study suggests might improve complexion and skin tone.

How can I plump my under eyes?

To plump up the skin under your eyes, you want to gently apply products that will intensely moisturize this sensitive area. Look for products that contain ultra-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalene, and avocado oil.