Under-Eye Puffiness

Modern cosmetology offers an effective alternative to surgery that helps eliminate under-eye puffiness without pain or visible signs of intervention.

Causes of Under-Eye Puffiness

The skin under the eyes is delicate and sensitive. The epidermal layer in this area is thin, and the muscles are weak. Because of this, the skin loses its firmness and elasticity and tends to retain excess fluid. Under-eye puffiness can be temporary or chronic. It gives the face a tired, unhealthy appearance and often causes psychological discomfort.

Puffiness appears as soft, watery swelling that easily changes shape when pressed. Its intensity can vary throughout the day and depends on external factors such as sleep, nutrition, and overall health. Before getting rid of under-eye puffiness, it’s important to understand the causes behind it. For example, fat pads or hernias of the lower eyelids have distinct symptoms — these are firm formations caused by the protrusion of subcutaneous fat tissue. They don’t decrease during the day and don’t respond to lifestyle changes or external factors. Puffiness, on the other hand, consists of temporary, soft bags around the eyes that can be reduced without surgical intervention.

Chronic puffiness refers to persistent swelling that appears regularly due to:

• impaired lymphatic or venous drainage;
• kidney, thyroid, or cardiovascular diseases;
• allergies — swelling and redness under the eyes can be a reaction to cosmetics, pollen, or food;
• genetic predisposition — structural features of tissues and blood vessels.

Morning puffiness under the eyes appears right after waking up and usually goes away during the day. The main causes of this condition include:

• excessive salt or fluid intake before bedtime;
• poor or insufficient sleep, uncomfortable head position;
• acute respiratory infections or a runny nose;
• alcohol consumption before sleep;
• hormonal changes.

How to Reduce Under-Eye Puffiness

When bags and puffiness around the eyes become a constant problem that doesn’t go away even after rest or lifestyle adjustments, hardware and laser treatments can help. Cosmetologists name the most effective among them — the Endolift laser procedure and SMAS lifting using Ulthera System or Ultraformer MPT devices.

Endolift Facial Lifting

Endolift is an innovative, minimally invasive laser technique that works with the deep layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The procedure is performed without incisions or stitches — the laser fiber is inserted under the skin through a microcannula as thin as a hair.

How Endolift helps reduce under-eye puffiness:

• stimulates lymphatic drainage — improves fluid outflow, reducing stagnation;
• tightens the tissues of the lower eyelids;
• activates skin regeneration and collagen synthesis;
• reduces sagging in the periorbital area.

Benefits of Endolift:

• painless and quick recovery;
• visible results after just one session;
• combined effect — both drainage and lifting

SMAS Lifting: Ulthera System and Ultraformer MPT

SMAS lifting is an ultrasound-based tightening method that targets the deep musculoaponeurotic layer (SMAS), which is responsible for facial tone. Two devices can be used to perform the procedure and reduce under-eye puffiness:

1. Ulthera System — the world’s first ultrasound platform for non-invasive SMAS lifting, approved by the FDA. It works on the principle of focused ultrasound, which penetrates deep beneath the skin, stimulating contraction of the musculoaponeurotic layer and activating collagen production. The procedure requires no downtime, and the results gradually improve over 2–3 months, lasting up to 18 months.
2. Ultraformer MPT — a new-generation HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) device designed for maximum effectiveness and comfort. The device delivers precise, multi-level action on different tissue layers, including the eye area, providing a visible lifting effect without pain or damage. Thanks to MPT (Micro Pulsed Technology), the procedure is faster and gentler, making it suitable even for patients with sensitive skin.

How SMAS Lifting Helps with Puffiness:

• stimulates the tone of deep muscles that support the skin around the eyes;
• improves microcirculation and lymphatic drainage in the lower eyelid area;
• tightens the skin and reduces sagging, which can enhance the appearance of under-eye puffiness;
• promotes the synthesis of collagen and elastin.

Benefits of SMAS Lifting:

• non-invasive — no punctures or downtime;
• long-lasting effect — up to 1.5 years after the procedure.

When choosing between these two procedures, the cosmetologist considers each patient’s individual characteristics and the nature of the puffiness:

• if puffiness is related to loss of tone, age-related changes, and fluid retention — Endolift is the ideal option;
• if there are signs of gravitational ptosis, skin laxity, and weakness of deep tissues — SMAS lifting is recommended.

Stop looking in the mirror with dissatisfaction and trying to find the answer to the question: “How can I get rid of under-eye puffiness?” All you need to do is book a consultation at the LeoDerm Clinic in Lviv and trust the cosmetologists. They will find the perfect personalized approach for your case and help you eliminate under-eye puffiness quickly and for a long time.