How to Eliminate Under-Eye Fat Pads and Achieve a Refreshed Look
When the skin beneath your eyes loses its flexibility, it forms a hollow space under your eyes, resulting in the presence of fat pads known as nasojugal fat pads. These fat pads cause the formation of under-eye bags. Imagine them as raised waves of soft tissue located just below the lower eyelid region. Despite being well-rested and maintaining a healthy weight, your face may appear swollen and puffy.
If you also suffer from dark circles, this condition can further worsen your facial appearance. Dark circles accentuate the visibility of nasojugal fat pads, making them the focal point when people look at you.
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Having a perpetually tired-looking face is far from desirable. Fortunately, there are numerous cosmetic options available at Centre for Surgery to address this issue and provide you with a rejuvenated appearance.
Centre for Surgery is a specialised plastic surgery clinic that has assisted countless patients in London and throughout the UK in attaining their aesthetic aspirations through various facial and body contouring procedures.
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What Causes Nasojugal Fat Pads?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the potential causes of nasojugal fat pad formation. While it’s not always possible to prevent them, it’s good to be aware of what contributes to their development:
- Genetics – Sometimes, you can attribute the presence of nasojugal fat pads to your genetic makeup. If your parents have under-eye bags, there’s a good chance you may develop fat pads as well. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do in terms of prevention in this case.
- Smoking – It is well-known that smoking is detrimental to overall health and skin condition. Smoking breaks down collagen and elastin in the face, causing the skin to become loose and saggy. Smokers often experience difficulty sleeping, which can contribute to prominent nasojugal fat pads.
- Alcohol – Alcohol dehydrates the body and causes the skin under the eyes to appear dry and saggy. Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with noticeable under-eye bags. Cutting back on alcohol may lead to an improvement in your facial appearance.
- Ageing – As we age, the skin and muscles on our face and body naturally weaken. The loss of elasticity and tone in the skin, along with decreased production of elastin and collagen, becomes more pronounced. The skin under the eyes is particularly delicate and thin compared to the rest of the face. Consequently, weakened muscles and skin allow fat to accumulate in the area between the eyes and nose, resulting in nasojugal fat pads.
- Sleep – Problems In today’s modern lifestyle, many of us struggle to get adequate sleep and rest. Prolonged periods of insufficient sleep can weaken the skin and muscles, accelerate collagen breakdown, and impede the formation of new collagen. Over time, fat and fluids can accumulate under the eyes, leading to the formation of nasojugal fat pads.
- Allergies – Allergies can contribute to the development of nasojugal fat pads. Most allergies cause nasal congestion and swelling of the sinus tissues. As a consequence, fat can accumulate in the space between the eyes and nose, resulting in nasojugal fat pads.
- Heavy Makeup – If you regularly wear heavy makeup, particularly around the eyes, it can damage the delicate skin in that area. Failing to thoroughly remove makeup exacerbates the problem. Over time, this can contribute to the formation of nasojugal fat pads.
Prevention of Nasojugal Fat Pads
There are instances where you cannot prevent nasojugal fat pads, especially if they are genetically determined. However, prevention can be effective in certain cases. Let’s explore some of the best preventative measures to consider:
Sunscreen Protection – Excessive sun exposure can damage your skin, leading to the formation of under-eye bags, dark circles, and nasojugal fat pads. Invest in good quality sunscreen and apply it regularly, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Remember to reapply sunscreen as needed. Additionally, wearing a hat and sunglasses can provide further protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Stay Hydrated – Maintaining proper hydration is crucial, as nearly 70% of your body is made up of water. Dehydration is a major factor contributing to various beauty problems, including under-eye bags and the formation of nasojugal fat pads. Drink a minimum of 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to keep yourself hydrated.
Nasal Saline Irrigation – Using a neti pot has been reported to significantly improve the appearance of dark circles and under-eye puffiness. A neti pot is filled with a saltwater solution that helps remove mucus and debris, thereby preventing the formation of nasojugal fat pads.
Tea Bags – Placing caffeinated tea bags under the eyes can tighten the skin and improve blood circulation. This can help prevent fat accumulation in the nasojugal area.
Proper Makeup Removal – Ensure that you thoroughly cleanse and wash your face before going to bed, especially if you wear makeup. Sleeping with waterproof mascara can cause eye irritation and infection. Leaving makeup on overnight can also accelerate the ageing process of your skin and contribute to oxidative stress.
Elevated Head Position – When sleeping, try to lie on your back and use an extra pillow or wedge to keep your head elevated. This prevents fat and fluids from accumulating in the lower eyelids, which can contribute to the formation of nasojugal fat pads.
Cold Compresses – Using a cold compress is a well-known method to prevent under-eye puffiness. You can use a cold spoon, wrap ice in a soft cloth, place under eye rollers in the refrigerator, or any other cold object of your choice. The cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels and provides relief to tired eyes while minimising under-eye puffiness. Although it may not prevent the long-term formation of nasojugal fat pads, it can be quite relaxing.
Treating Nasojugal Fat Pads
Treating nasojugal fat pads can be a complex process, as what works for one person may not work for another. Here are some of the popular treatment options for addressing nasojugal fat pads:
In-Clinic Treatments for Nasojugal Fat Pads
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 is a highly effective treatment option for addressing nasojugal fat pads. It is a non-surgical procedure that combines microneedling with radiofrequency technology to tighten the skin and contour the face. During the treatment, a handheld device with tiny needles is used to create micro-punctures in the skin. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered through these micro-punctures, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin tightening.
Morpheus8 is particularly beneficial for reducing the appearance of nasojugal fat pads because it targets the underlying tissues and stimulates the production of collagen, which can help improve skin elasticity and firmness. The treatment is usually well-tolerated, and a topical anaesthetic is applied to ensure comfort during the procedure. The downtime is minimal, with some redness and swelling expected for a few days.
Injectable Fillers
Another popular and temporary solution for addressing nasojugal fat pads is the use of injectable facial fillers. During this non-invasive procedure, fillers are strategically injected under the eyes to smooth the transition between the fat pads and the cheeks, creating a more harmonious appearance.
The treatment is relatively quick, typically taking about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and it can be done during a lunch break. Injectable fillers provide immediate results, and the effects can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of filler used. There is no significant recovery time involved, and most individuals can resume their daily activities right after the treatment.
At-home treatments for Fat Pads Under the Eyes
Antihistamines
In some cases, treating the underlying allergy that contributes to under-eye bags can help. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines to manage allergy symptoms. There are various over-the-counter options available in the UK, but it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication. Identifying the allergen is crucial, and medical tests can help determine the specific allergen. Based on the results, your doctor may recommend short-term or long-term treatment plans, such as pills, yearly shots, or immune therapy.
Retinol Cream
Retinol is a highly effective ingredient for addressing various skin issues. You can try using under-eye creams that contain retinol as the main ingredient. Retinol promotes collagen production, which can help improve the appearance of nasojugal fat pads. Start with an over-the-counter product of your choice, but if the fat pads are more advanced, you may require a prescription-based retinol cream for noticeable results.
It’s important to note that retinol-based products should not be used during pregnancy or while lactating. Some individuals may experience dryness and skin flaking when using retinol. If you’re using a retinol cream for the first time, choose a product with a low concentration and apply it every other day initially. In the morning, apply sunscreen and use a rich moisturiser to prevent flaking.
Keep in mind that results may take time to become visible, and not everyone will be able to eliminate under-eye bags solely with the help of a cream. However, it’s worth giving it a try as part of your treatment approach.
Eliminating Nasojugal Fat Pads through Blepharoplasty
When it comes to surgical solutions, lower eyelid blepharoplasty is considered the most effective option for removing lower nasojugal fat pads. This procedure involves lifting the lower eyelid area and removing excess tissues under the eyes. Different techniques are utilised to address the progressive fat atrophy in the lower lid and nasojugal groove area.
How is Blepharoplasty Performed?
Preparing the Face – Even if you arrive with a clean face, our medical staff will ensure that your face is thoroughly cleansed and sanitised before the procedure to remove any dirt or makeup.
Anaesthesia – The first step is administering anaesthesia to ensure you don’t experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Most patients at Centre for Surgery are given the choice between local anaesthesia and general anaesthesia.
Making the Incision – Next comes the crucial part of the surgery – making the incision. The surgeon will carefully place the incisions to ensure they are concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid area. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision is typically made just below the lower lash line. Through this incision, the surgeon will reposition and tighten the muscles beneath the skin and remove excess skin. In some cases, a transconjunctival incision may be performed.
Closing the Incisions – Once everything is in place, the surgeon will close the incisions using sutures or skin glue. Absorbable sutures are usually used, but if not, the stitches will be removed within a week. In certain situations, your surgeon may recommend laser treatment or a peel to minimise any discolouration on the lower eyelid once you have fully healed.
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Results of the Procedure – Immediate results won’t be visible after the surgery. It’s important to allow time for the swelling and bruising to subside before you can appreciate the final results. Ultimately, your nasojugal fat pads will be eliminated, giving you a more alert, refreshed, and rejuvenated appearance.
About Centre for Surgery – specialist plastic surgery clinic
Centre for Surgery is a specialist plastic surgery clinic located in London. Our clinic specialises in a range of plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face, and nose surgeries.
The surgeons at Centre for Surgery are esteemed members of professional organisations such as the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). With over 50 years of combined experience in the field, our surgeons are highly skilled and knowledgeable in providing cosmetic and plastic surgery services in London.
We prioritise careful, considerate, and honest care for our patients. Our surgeons work closely with you to understand your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle, ensuring that the solutions we recommend are tailored to your specific body and goals. We believe that every patient is unique, and through our guidance and expertise, we aim to help you achieve optimal results.
With our surgeons’ personalised, one-on-one service and meticulous attention to detail, we have successfully delivered desired aesthetic outcomes for numerous women and men in London and across the UK at our Baker Street clinic. We are dedicated to providing exceptional care and helping our patients achieve the aesthetic results they desire.
