The skin around the eyes differs greatly from the rest of the face: it has almost no subcutaneous fat, is very thin, and remains exceptionally delicate. This area often reflects not only normal aging but also health issues and even minor lifestyle or dietary choices. A range of factors can blur the look: swelling, dark circles, hernias. In many cases these can be reduced or eliminated by lifestyle changes such as balanced nutrition, a consistent sleep-wake schedule, proper work-rest balance, and regular exercise. Yet there are times when immediate results are desired, and a visit to a cosmetologist or surgeon becomes the fastest path to improvement.
Edema
The eye region can swell for many reasons, from simple fatigue to serious illness. Why does the eye area react so quickly to disruptions in the body’s balance? As Svetlana Studenikina, a dermatocosmetologist with the Likato Professional line, explains, swelling in the periorbital zone arises from excess fluid buildup — a consequence of many blood vessels in this area, loose subcutaneous fat that readily accumulates moisture, and skin that is thin and easily stretched. [источник: Сергей Студеникина, дерматокосметолог, Likato Professional]
“This condition should not be left unchecked, since it can signal health problems such as kidney issues, endocrine or lymphatic disturbances, cardiovascular concerns, and skin or vascular diseases,” she cautioned. [источник: Светлана Студеникина]
Studenikina also noted that physiological factors like fatigue, stress, insufficient sleep, or imbalanced fluid intake can lead to edema.
“Under-eye puffiness can stem from improper nutrition; highly salty, fried, or spicy foods, and alcohol. In addition, the wrong choice of skincare or makeup products can contribute,” she added. [источник: Kristina Kozhina, Premierpharm]
Premierpharm injection medicine specialist Kristina Kozhina regards mesotherapy as one of the most effective approaches for reducing puffiness and dark circles.
“This treatment works best when combined with peptide products that boost lymphatic drainage and shrink swelling within hours,” she noted. [источник: Kristina Kozhina]
Dark Circles
Dark circles are not a single issue and require understanding their cause to find an appropriate remedy. According to Kristina Kozhina, gray-blue circles most often arise from fatigue, lack of sleep, or frequent air travel. [источник: Kristina Kozhina]
“To counter these effects, rest is essential, and a peptide complex injection can restore microcirculation. If the circles are brownish, pigment buildup is usually the reason, and a preparation containing substances from algae helps neutralize it. Blue-purple circles may indicate thinning skin, for which peptide injections improve visibility and thicken the area,” explained the doctor. [источник: Kristina Kozhina]
Irina Yakimenko, a dermatocosmetologist at Juvi Clinic, added that dark circles frequently signal health issues:
“Blue-purple bruising can result from poor circulation in the midface, for example due to a deviated nasal septum or cervical spine issues, or chronic sinusitis. Brown circles may appear with hormonal changes during pregnancy or when taking oral contraceptives.” [источник: Irina Yakimenko]
If blue-purple circles are present, Yakimenko advised focusing on strengthening the vascular network and tightening the skin. Among salon procedures, RF lifting, laser rejuvenation, and fillers based on stabilized hyaluronic acid are recommended. [источник: Irina Yakimenko]
For home care, creams and serums containing toning ingredients such as vitamin K or C, caffeine, arnica, ginkgo biloba, or horse chestnut are advised. A day cream with reflective particles can also help disperse light and reduce the appearance of bruising. [источник: Irina Yakimenko]
Meiramgul Strazhnikova, a beautician and trichologist at Atlas clinics, added that blue-red circles caused by impaired blood flow can also be addressed with lymphatic drainage techniques.
“Microcurrent treatments, specialized masks, or massage stimulate local circulation and promote venous drainage, giving the eyes a fresher, more rested look.” [источник: Meiramgul Strazhnikova]
Bags and Droopy Eyelids
Dealing with bags under the eyes and excess skin or fat that disrupts a wide-open look is often more challenging. Strazhnikova explained that these issues stem from facial structure rather than age alone. Modern hardware techniques can help remove excess skin in the eye area.
“If a tightening effect is needed to reduce sagging skin, fractional laser resurfacing can be used. Recovery typically requires five to seven days afterward,” she noted. [источник: Meiramgul Strazhnikova]
Tatyana Makarova, a beautician and instructor at the A1 Aesthetics Group Training Center, echoed the potential benefits of hardware RF lifting for this concern.
“RF lifting relies on thin gold-plated microneedle electrodes that trigger skin regeneration by delivering radiofrequency pulses to deep layers of the skin. The DeAge device from South Korea is used in practice, which allows nearly painless procedures even in this delicate area,” she added. [источник: Tatyana Makarova]
In some cases, plastic surgery offers a more permanent solution for bags and hernias. Dr. Vladimir Zlenko, a plastic surgeon, notes that hernias and under-eye bags can appear as early as ages 18–20 due to anatomy or lifestyle. [источник: Vladimir Zlenko]
“Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is preferred in younger patients because it removes fatty hernias without tightening the skin, preserving a natural look. It is typically done on the lower lids,” he said. [источник: Владимир Зленко]
When aging contributes to a tired appearance, traditional blepharoplasty is commonly used after about age 35. It targets both lower and upper lids, removing fat hernias and excess skin. Stitches are usually removed by the fifth day, and most patients return to work within seven days, with bruising and swelling resolving. [источник: Владимир Зленко]
Before pursuing any of these procedures, a professional consultation is essential to assess suitability and expectations. [источник: клиника]