Under-eye hollows. Non-surgical solutions for sunken eyes
Our eyes are often the first place we notice signs of aging. Because the skin surrounding our eyes is the thinnest on the body and only gets thinner with age, maintaining healthy eyesight can be difficult, whether through smoking, smiling, or sun exposure. When the skin beneath the eyes seems black and hollow, the socket appears wider, and the eyes appear to be set deeply in the socket, it can result in hollow eyes, also known as sunken eyes, which are a common problem associated with aging. Some people naturally have sunken eyes due to genetics, but in others, they develop and worsen with age.
What are sunken eyes?
Sunken eyes, often referred to as tear-trough hollows or under-eye hollows, are characterized by a noticeable depression or hollowness around the eye area. This condition can lead to a tired and aged appearance, which can be a source of self-consciousness for many individuals. Sunken eyes are a common cosmetic concern that can be influenced by various factors, including aging, genetics, dehydration, and lifestyle choices. While they can be distressing, numerous treatments and lifestyle adjustments can help reduce their appearance.
Staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, some non-surgical treatments, and using appropriate skincare products are essential to managing and preventing sunken eyes. Understanding the causes and treatment options for sunken eyes can help you regain confidence and achieve a more refreshed look.
Symptoms of sunken eyes
Hollow appearance: The most noticeable symptom of sunken eyes is the hollow or depressed appearance around the eye area. This can create shadows that make you look tired or older than your actual age.
Dark circles: Sunken eyes are often accompanied by dark circles under the eyes. While dark circles have various causes, they can contribute to the overall appearance of sunken eyes, making them look more pronounced.
Thin skin: The skin under the eyes is naturally thinner than the skin on other parts of the face. This thinness can make the blood vessels and underlying structures more visible, leading to a dark or shadowed appearance.
Prominent bones: One of the key characteristics of sunken eyes is the prominence of the orbital bones around the eyes. This feature can make the eyes appear deeper set and contribute to a hollow or shadowed look.
Causes of sunken eyes
There are numerous reasons why eyes may be sunken. It’s not usually seen as a medical issue.
Aging
As we age, the skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining the skin’s firmness and elasticity. This loss leads to thinning skin and a more pronounced hollow appearance under the eyes. Aging also leads to the gradual loss of fat in the face, particularly in the under-eye area, contributing to the sunken look.
Genetics
Some individuals are genetically predisposed to having sunken eyes. If sunken eyes run in the family, there is a higher likelihood of inheriting this trait. The natural bone structure of the face, determined by genetics, can also make the eyes appear more sunken.
Weight loss
When you lose a lot of weight, the fat loss comes from all areas of your body, including your face. A dramatic loss of fat in the face can also make the blood vessels surrounding your eyes more visible and transparent.
Lack of sleep
Not getting enough quality sleep can lead to dark circles and a hollow appearance under the eyes. Sleep deprivation increases cortisol levels, which can break down skin collagen, exacerbating the sunken look. Frequently getting less than 7 hours of restful sleep can take a toll on your appearance.
Dehydration
Inadequate hydration can cause the skin to become dull and less plump, emphasizing the hollow areas under the eyes. Dehydration reduces skin elasticity, making it more prone to sagging and hollowing.
Sun exposure
Sun exposure causes our bodies to produce melanin, which darkens our skin. If you already have darker skin under your eyes because of your genetics, sun exposure can make the skin darker. Darkened circles under the eyes might look like shadows, which can cause the appearance of hollowed-out eyes.
Allergies
Allergies can cause chronic inflammation and swelling around the eyes, leading to a hollow look. Frequent rubbing of the eyes due to itching can damage the delicate skin and exacerbate the sunken appearance.
Poor nutrition
A diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals can affect skin health and contribute to the appearance of sunken eyes.
Medical conditions
Chronic sinus infections can cause swelling and dark circles under the eyes. Skin conditions that cause inflammation can also contribute to the appearance of sunken eyes.
Smoking
Smoking degrades collagen and causes your skin to lose elasticity. This can lead to sagging skin on your face and the appearance of an under-eye hollow.
Non-surgical treatments for sunken eyes
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are a popular non-surgical treatment for addressing sunken eyes. Dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid are a quick and highly effective way to restore lost volume under the eyes, often lifting and freshening the entire face as a result. These fillers can help restore volume, reduce shadows, and create a more youthful appearance.
Dermal fillers are injected into the under-eye area to add volume, and filling. The added volume helps smooth out the skin, reducing shadows and dark circles.
Microneedling For Sunken Eyes
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that can help improve the appearance of under-eye hollows by stimulating collagen production and enhancing skin texture. Microneedling involves the use of a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin.
These micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural healing response, leading to increased production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. By stimulating the skin’s natural healing processes, microneedling can help restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance to the under-eye area.
Platelet-Rich Plasma For Sunken Eyes
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative and natural treatment option for addressing sunken eyes. By using the patient’s blood plasma, which is rich in growth factors and healing properties, PRP can rejuvenate the under-eye area, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of hollows.
PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this platelet-rich plasma into the skin. The growth factors in PRP stimulate collagen and elastin production, promoting skin regeneration and healing. While multiple sessions may be required, the results are long-lasting and can significantly rejuvenate the under-eye area.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are a popular non-invasive cosmetic treatment that can help improve the appearance of under-eye hollows by enhancing skin texture, reducing pigmentation, and stimulating collagen production. During a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing the outermost layers to be removed and controlled exfoliation. This procedure can enhance the general texture and tone of the skin by promoting the formation of new skin cells and increasing the production of collagen.
