Can You Really Get Rid of Under-Eye Bags? Here’s What Experts Say (2024)

Social media might tell us that our under-eye concerns are "trending," but those with under-eye bags know it takes a toll on confidence and self-esteem. Just ask Oprah Daily market director Rae Ann Herman, who recently underwent surgery to remove her under-eye bags after years of lymphatic massages, facials, and topical treatments. Depending on the severity of under-eye bags, surgery may be the only way to permanently remove the look of puffiness. However, there are skincare products and tools that can help. Ahead, we're getting into the causes, treatments (both temporary and permanent), skincare devices, and products that can help with under-eye bags.

What causes eye bags?

There are many causes for undereye bags, such as "genetics, fluid retention, lack of sleep, and allergies," explains Ira Savetsky, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon. "Then, skin elasticity and fat volume diminish with age, contributing to the baggy appearance."

How to get rid of under-eye bags

To reduce the appearance of under-eye bags, you can consider professional treatments and over-the-counter options:

Radio frequency (RF) therapy

RF therapy is a professional treatment that utilizes radio frequency energy to tighten skin and reduce puffiness. There's minimal downtime, says Savetsky. One popular version is Morpheus8, says Nava Greenfield, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. Vivace RF is another option. These devices use microneedles to deliver the radio frequency energy into the skin to stimulate collagen production and lessen fluid accumulation, she says.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

"Platelet-rich plasma is extracted from your blood and injected into the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production," explains Savetsky. This helps to thicken the skin, making under-eye bags less noticeable. Temporary swelling or bruising may happen after this treatment, but the downtime is minimal.

Laser therapy

Laser treatments, like Fraxel, resurface the skin and stimulate collagen production to make skin look firmer, says Greenfield. Depending on the laser treatment you get, downtime can last a week. It's important to note that laser resurfacing can cause hyperpigmentation on deeper skin tones; always consult a doctor who has ample experience treating your skin tone.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)

"To remove pockets of fat or excess skin, you will need surgery," says Greenfield. This is the most drastic—but also most permanent—way to remove under-eye bags. Expect at least a week (but often more) to recover from the swelling and bruising, Savetsky says.

Home remedies for under-eye bags

When at home, cold compresses and quality skincare can help reduce the appearance of eye bags. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid to promote plumpness, retinol to stimulate collagen, and peptides to help improve skin firmness and elasticity, says Savetsky. Ahead, shop topical treatments that can help.

Savetsky says this eye mask "immediately revitalizes fatigued, dark, and puffy under eyes." It has seaweed extract, which helps reduce inflammation, peptides to soften the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and wrinkles, and moisturizing vitamin E. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant, so it protects the delicate eye area from harsh environmental aggressors. For best results, apply, then leave on for 20 minutes.

This splurge-worthy formula targets dull and aging skin around the eyes. It contains growth factors that support collagen and hyaluronic acid production as well as peptides, vitamin C, and caffeine. "Caffeine can vasoconstrict (close) the vessels around the eyelids and reduce swelling," says Greenfield.

This viral formula broke the internet for its ability to transform under-eye bags in minutes. The TikTok video, with over 40 million views, shows how it tightens, firms, and smooths the look of under-eye bags, fine lines, and wrinkles with a blend of silicates and seaweed that tighten the skin. It's a temporary effect but a great option for a quick fix.

If you're on a budget, you can't go wrong with this depuffing eye serum. It contains caffeine and green tea extract, which is rich in antioxidants that help soothe and protect the delicate under-eye skin, says Savetsky. It also helps fade the look of dark circles over time.

Consider this a small but mighty pot of eye cream. The formula is a blend of blueberry extract, a potent antioxidant that fortifies skin and helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and peptides that diminish the look of under-eye bags while reinforcing firm and smooth skin. It also contains optical diffusers that help disperse light and minimize the look of dark and dull eyes.

Retinol stimulates collagen production, promoting skin firmness and elasticity, so it's the gold standard when it comes to aging skin concerns. This formula combines retinol and peptides to provide smooth, even, and brighter skin underneath the eyes.

If retinol is too irritating for you, consider this gentler plant-based retinol alternative made with a sea fennel extract that visibly brightens, firms, and smooths skin. It also has avocado extract to help with puffiness, caffeine, and peptides. The rollerball applicator feels great and soothing.

Under-eye bags and dark circles often go hand in hand. Tackle two concerns with one formula with this pick. Soy peptides, rice bran extract, arnica, and hydrating oils help to plump, brighten, smooth, and moisturize under the eyes.

The name says it all. This firming eye gel quickly tightens the look of bags and puffiness underneath the eyes thanks to Filmatix, an invisible tightening film that smooths the eye contour. The formula also incorporates peptides to boost collagen.

"Rolling under the eyes helps reduce swelling and dark circles while draining fluids," says Savtesky. Mix the act of rolling with a cooling ice roller, and you have a recipe for an effective (and relaxing) facial massage that reduces the look of puffiness.