Question:
What causes the swelling under my eyes?
Answer:
Great question, and it is one I get frequently.
Swelling under the eyes certainly can be due to acute or chronic sinus disease, systemic or contact allergies, and rare dermatologic conditions, such as blepharochalasis. Usually, history and examination by a specialty-trained physician, like an Facial Plastic Surgeon, can determine if any of these conditions are present and need to be evaluated further.
However, swelling under the eyes is often due to prolapsing of the fat pads under the eyes, which is a cosmetic condition, and can be addressed with lower lid blepharoplasty. This is often congenital, and can be seen in one’s parents. I am both a Board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and Otolaryngologist (ENT) and I’d be happy to see you and help you figure out the next steps.
Kind regards,
Corinne Horn, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Swelling under the eyes can be caused by acute or chronic sinus disease, systemic or contact allergies, and rare dermatologic conditions such as blepharochalasis. Often, it is due to prolapsing fat pads under the eyes, which is a cosmetic condition.
A specialty-trained physician, such as a Facial Plastic Surgeon, can evaluate your medical history and perform an examination to identify if sinus disease, allergies, dermatologic conditions, or fat pad prolapse are causing the swelling under your eyes.
Prolapsing fat pads under the eyes occur when the fat that normally cushions the eyes bulges forward, causing visible swelling or puffiness. This condition is often congenital and can be treated surgically with lower lid blepharoplasty for cosmetic improvement.
Not always. While swelling can be linked to medical issues like sinus disease or allergies, it is often a cosmetic issue caused by fat pad prolapse. A specialist can help determine if further medical evaluation is needed or if cosmetic treatment is appropriate.
Lower lid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to remove or reposition the prolapsing fat pads under the eyes. This surgery helps reduce puffiness and improve the cosmetic appearance of under-eye swelling caused by fat pad prolapse.
