What is new in under eye bag treatment?

Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D.A novel structural approach to improving under eye bags is the use of a compressive material to improve the contour of the lower eyelid. Under eye bags result from a variety of factors including herniation of the 3 lower eyelid fat pads and weakening of dermal collagen. As these structures are pulled forward by gravity the undereye bags worsen.  A new approach involves the application of a shrinking polymer to create an invisible support, much like an under eye girdle, to compress the herniated tissues. This is accomplished with a siloxane derivative that shrinks as part of the polymerization process. The polymerization process involves first applying a cream polymer followed by a catalyst that crosslinks the polymer to create a non-sticky invisible flexible film. As the polymerization process occurs, the film shrinks pushing in the under eye bag temporarily. When desired, the film polymer can be removed and reapplied repeatedly as needed for appearance improvement.

CHECK OUT: What can be done for under eye lines?

During the polymerization process, it is best to keep a steady straightforward gaze for 10 minutes to allow the waterproof flexible compressive film to cure.  Eye movement during the polymerization process may cause the film to buckle and fold decreasing the smoothness and efficacy of the final result.  As the polymer cures, it shrinks providing support for the under eye tissues compressing the undereye bags.

Picking the proper patient for the technology is very important, as not all under eye bags will optimally correct.  Several criteria should be examined to determine if the under eye bags are due to fat herniation prior to considering use of the polymer.  If the patient gazes upward and the under eye bags become more prominent, this confirms fat pad herniation and the polymer is likely to produce improvement.  Or, if light pressure is applied to the upper eyelid of the patient’s closed eyes, and the under eye bags worsen, this also confirms under eye fat pad herniation and the polymer is appropriate.  Patient selection is important to achieve observable results.