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Sunken Eyes: Causes ,Remedies and Surgery for Youthful Eyes

Writer's picture: Saonanon ContentSaonanon Content

Key Takeaway


  • Sunken eyes are the symptom of having deep hollows or grooves underneath the eyes, making clear visibility of the lower eye socket bone.

  • Sunken eyes are caused by several factors such as genetics, aging, dehydration, allergies, and some of habits

  • Sunken eyes remedies without surgery include: sleep more, maintain hydration, using eye cream, under eyes filler, and fat grafting

  • Sunken eyes correction surgery can help fill the hollow by repositioning fat under eyes.

  • Sunken eyes correction at Saonanon Clinic is conducted by specialized and experienced doctors with high standard medical equipment.

Sunken eyes or hollow under-eyes can cause older appearance and more fatigue. Discover the underlying causes of sunken eyes and explore a range of treatment options, from at-home remedies to professional procedures. Find the answers you need in this informative article.

What Is Sunken Eyes

What Is Sunken Eyes

Sunken eyes are characterized by deep hollows or grooves underneath the eyes, making the lower eye socket bone more visible. It's normal to have some degree of natural hollowness under the eyes due to the ligaments connecting the skin under the eyes to the lower edge of the eye socket.

However, these hollow eyes become more noticeable when the fat pad under the eyes, specifically in the tear trough area, bulges out. Combined with a facial structure that has flat cheekbones, this can accentuate the appearance of these hollows, making the face look tired, haggard, or look older. As a result, individuals with sunken eyes may experience a lack of confidence and a negative impact on their overall appearance.

Causes of Sunken Eyes

Causes of Sunken Eyes

The reasons behind noticeable sunken eyes and hollow under eyes  are various. These can be attributed to both internal and external factors including:

1. Genetics

Sunken eyes are common in people of Middle Eastern or European descent, sunken eyes can be due to a naturally flat or small cheekbone structure, causing the eyes to appear more prominent and the under-eye area to be more pronounced.

In Thai people, sunken eyes and hollow under eyes is often seen in people with flat facial structures, underdeveloped inner cheekbones, or protruding eyes.

2. Aging

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, and the under-eye area is one of the first places to show signs of lacking collagen. The loss of collagen and elasticity leads to a deepening of the under-eye area and then the sunken eyes appear.

3. Lack of Sleep

Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can result in sunken eyes and hollow eyes. However, a good sleep involves maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, falling asleep within 30 minutes of going to bed, waking up no more than once during the night, and not taking more than 20 minutes to fall back asleep.

4. Dehydration

Dehydration is a common cause of sunken eyes. Thus, consuming caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee, and soda can exacerbate dehydration due to increased urination and result in hollow eyes as well.

5. Allergies

Allergies can cause dark circles under the eyes due to inflammation of the blood vessels from frequent eye rubbing. Moreover, nasal congestion caused by allergies can also contribute to sunken eyes appearance too.

6. Injury

Any accident that affects the face or bones around the eyes can cause the eyes to appear sunken with hollow eyes . This is especially true in cases where the bones under the eye are fractured or collapsed and not properly treated, resulting in deep under-eye hollows and sunken eyes appearance of the eyeball due to an increase in the length and width of the eyeball from the injury.

7. Smoking

Smoking causes the decrease of collagen and reduces skin elasticity. The lack of collagen leads to sagging and thinning of the skin under the eyes, resulting in sunken eyes. For some people, quitting smoking can be an effective way to cure hollow under eyes.

8. Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron can cause sunken eyes. Inadequate nutrition weakens the skin, making it more prone to bruising and causing dark circles and under-eye hollows.

5 Sunken Eyes Remedies

5 Sunken Eyes Remedies

Sunken eyes don't always require surgery. Some causes can be managed through self-care and minimally invasive procedures. Let's explore 5 hollow eyes and sunken eyes remedy to help brighten your eyes and improve dark under-eye circles.

1. Sleep More

Sunken eyes often indicate a lack of sleep or poor sleep quality. Getting enough rest can help alleviate this problem. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, while children and the elderly may need more. If you have sleep apnea, it's important to seek medical treatment.

2. Maintain Hydration around Eyes

Staying hydrated is another effective sunken eyes remedy. Drinking plenty of water and limiting caffeine intake can help. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water per day to keep your eyes looking refreshed.   

3. Using Eye Cream

Using an eye cream can help keep the under-eye area moisturized. This is especially beneficial for those who work long hours, get little sleep, or are frequently exposed to environmental stressors.   

4. Under Eyes Filler

Under-eye fillers involve injecting hyaluronic acid into the sunken eye areas to replace lost volume and restore a more youthful appearance. This treatment is suitable for individuals with hollow under-eyes, dark circles, or fine lines.

5. Fat Grafting

Fat grafting is a surgical procedure that involves harvesting fat from another part of the body and injecting it into the hollow under eyes area. This is a good option for those with deep-set eyes and pronounced wrinkles. It's considered a safe procedure as the body doesn't reject the fat, and it provides a natural-looking result.

Sunken Eye Correction

Sunken Eye Correction

Sunken eye surgery is ideal for those who have facial structural issues, such as flat cheekbones or protruding eyes, or those with deep under-eye hollows caused by bulging fat pads. This surgical procedure offers an effective solution to restore the brightness of the eyes.

The sunken eye correction primarily involves an internal incision. A ligament connecting the under-eye bone to the skin is cut, and fat from the under-eye area is repositioned to fill the hollow. This addresses the core cause of the problem.

There are no visible external scars, because the incision is made inside the eyelid. Thus, the sunken eye correction procedure is safe, requires minimal recovery time, and the use of autologous fat (fat from your own body) ensures long-lasting results, reducing the need for repeated treatments like fillers. 

Sunken Eye Correction Preparation

If you've decided to undergo sunken eye correction surgery, here's what you need to know about preparing for your procedure:

  • Inform your surgeon about any previous surgeries or medical procedures.

  • Give doctor details of any chronic illnesses, allergies, medications, supplements, and vitamins you are currently taking.

  • Avoid taking blood thinners or medications that affect blood clotting for at least 2-4 weeks before surgery.

  • Quit smoking and drinking alcohol at least 1-2 weeks prior to surgery.

  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep.

  • Arrange to take 1-2 days off work to recover after surgery.

  • Have a friend or family member accompany you on the day of surgery to assist with transportation.

Sunken Eye Correction After Care

Post sunken eye correction surgery care is crucial to prevent complications and ensure a successful outcome. Here's what you need to know:

  • Since the incision is internal, there is no need for external wound care. However, you'll need to apply antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed by your doctor for about a week.

  • Apply a cold compress to the under-eye area for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.

  • Avoid fermented foods, spicy foods, and alcohol.

  • Temporarily stop taking supplements and vitamins, as advised by your doctor.

Sunken Eye Correction at Saonanon Clinic: Techniques and Benefits

Sunken Eye Correction at Saonanon Clinic: Techniques and Benefits

Saonanon Clinic is a specialized clinic in Bangkok focusing on plastic surgery and ophthalmology, with particular expertise in Sunken Eye Correction surgery. Here, we prioritize the results and satisfaction of every client above all else. Choosing to have sunken eye correction at Saonanon Clinic is better than elsewhere for the following reasons:

  • Specialized doctors experienced in Sunken Eye Correction surgery. Every case is handled by Associate Professor Preamjit Saonanon, MD, an expert in oculoplastic surgery.

  • The clinic is clean and meets high standards.

  • Provide surgical reviews that allow you to compare the before and after results.

Sunken Eye Correction at Saonanon Clinic: Before and After

Sunken Eye Correction at Saonanon Clinic: Before and After

Summary

Sunken eyes, characterized by deep hollows beneath the eyes, can be caused by various factors such as genetics, aging, dehydration, allergies, and certain lifestyle habits. While non-surgical remedies like adequate sleep, hydration, eye creams, and fillers can help, surgical intervention may be necessary for more severe cases.

Sunken eye correction surgery, offered at Saonanon Clinic, involves repositioning fat tissue to fill the hollows and improve the overall appearance of the eyes. Performed by skilled surgeons using advanced techniques, this procedure can significantly enhance facial aesthetics and restore a youthful look.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sunken Eye Correction (FAQs)

Saonanon Clinic has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about sunken eye and hollow under eye correction to help you make an informed decision.

Will sunken eyes return after correction?

Generally, the results of sunken eye surgery are long-lasting. However, if there is significant skin sagging due to aging, the condition may recur.

Will the darkened skin under the eyes become lighter after sunken eye correction?

If the dark circles are caused by uneven skin texture, such as tear troughs or under-eye bags, the surgery will significantly improve the appearance.

Can sunken eye correction be done simultaneously with double eyelid surgery?

Combining eyelid surgery with sunken eye correction depends on the individual case and the surgeon's assessment. If the sunken eyes are severe, it may be beneficial to address both issues simultaneously to streamline the recovery process.

Can people with diabetes undergo sunken eye correction?

Individuals with diabetes should consult with their doctor and ensure their blood sugar levels are well-controlled (below 130) before undergoing sunken eye correction surgery to promote proper wound healing.

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