Sunken Eyes – Detailed Guide on How to Fix Them

…How do these eyes in the picture make you feel?

Some people might call them “deep eyes,” while others might refer to them as “hollow eyes.” Certainly, it’s not the type of eyes that everyone desires. This condition is known medically as ” Sunken eye”.

For those with this issue, KOA Clinic is here to introduce the causes and recommend ways to fix sunken eyes, whether it’s through fat injections to treat sunken eyes or the surgical procedure to re-arrange the under-eye fat, helping you regain a refreshed look for your eyes!

What is Sunken Eyes?

Sunken eyes or hollow eyes refer to the appearance of the skin around the eyes sinking into the eye sockets. This usually occurs in the upper eyelid area but can also occur in the lower eyelids.

Is Sunken Eyes Dangerous?

Sunken eyes aren’t dangerous to your health, but they can make your face appear tired, less vibrant, and older than your actual age. If sunken eyes are combined with weak eye muscles, it can lead to droopy and narrowed eyes, affecting your vision.

Sunken eyes caused by fat tissue reduction in the eye socket (orbit)

A key characteristic of beautiful and youthful eyes is that the upper eyelid skin appears full and voluminous. This fullness is achieved through the presence of a substantial amount of fat in the eye socket. Therefore, any condition that leads to the loss of fat in the eye socket ultimately results in the appearance of sunken eyes. The causes include:

1. Ptosis (Weak of Eyelid-lifting Muscle)

Ptosis or weakness of eyelid-lifting muscle can cause the upper eyelid fat to retract into the deep eye socket, resulting in sunken eyes. This type of sunken eye is often accompanied by droopy eyelids.

2. Loss of Facial Fat in the Eye Socket:

This can occur for various reasons, such as aging, rapid weight loss, or side effects of certain medications used to treat diseases like glaucoma.

3. Genetics or Ethnicity:

People of Western descent tend to have larger and deeper eye sockets, making them more prone to sunken eyes compared to individuals of Asian descent.

4. Eyelid Surgery Complication:

Excessive removal of fat during eyelid surgery can lead to inadequate fat support, causing the skin around the eyes to appear sunken.

5. Other Factors:

Dehydration or prolonged lack of sleep can also contribute to the development of sunken eyes.

How to Fix Sunken Eyes:

For those who have concerns about their sunken or hollow eyes and wish to achieve a fuller and more vibrant appearance around the eyes, several approaches are available. Consultation with a doctor at KOA Clinic is recommended prior to making any decisions. The methods to fix sunken eyes include:

1. Address the Root Causes:

One common underlying cause is “Ptosis or weakness of eyelid-lifting muscle.” It’s advisable to address weak eyelid muscles through “Ptosis correction Surgery”. Additionally, due to rapid weight loss, individuals with sunken eyes might need to regain weight to restore the lost fat around the eyes. This could require a significant amount of time, though.

2. Injectable Treatments for Eyelid Rejuvenation:

In some cases where addressing the root cause is not feasible, such as due to increasing age or having large and deep eye sockets, considering injectable treatments for the eyelid area might be a suitable option. These treatments can be divided into two main groups:

2.1. Dermal Fillers

Temporary fillers can be injected into the hollow area using hyaluronic acid (HA) to replace lost fat, resulting in a fuller appearance. HA fillers are generally safe and can naturally dissolve within 6-12 months, requiring occasional reapplication.

2.2. Autologous Fat Grafting

Fat grafting involves using the individual’s own fat harvested from other areas of the body, such as the thighs or belly, and process it to obtain purified fat. This purified fat can then be used for injection after undergoing a filtration process. The fat is injected into the sunken areas around the eyes to restore volume and improve the appearance. Additionally, the purified fat can be used to enhance other areas of the face as well.

Fat injection to address sunken eyes is generally considered safe because the fat used is autologous (obtained from the individual’s own body). This minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or the body’s immune response to foreign substances. This makes the procedure a natural and harmonious option for restoring a youthful and rejuvenated appearance to the eyes.

3. Under-Eye Fat Repositioning Surgery

This surgical procedure involves rearranging the fat under the eyes to achieve a fuller and more youthful appearance. Individuals with deep under-eye hollows often opt for this option. In some cases, it can also be combined with upper eyelid surgery for a comprehensive result. However, it’s important to have a thorough evaluation by a medical professional before undergoing this procedure.

To Sum Up:

Adequate fat in the under-eye area contributes to a youthful and full appearance.
Factors that lead to loss of under-eye fat include weak eyelid muscle, aging, genetics, and rapid weight loss.
The first step in addressing sunken eyes is identifying the root causes. Medical professionals may recommend treatments such as fat grafting or under-eye fat repositioning surgery if necessary.

Individuals seeking solutions for sunken eyes can consult with a qualified doctor at KOA Clinic or via LINE Account @koaclinic

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sunken Eyes Treatment:

The duration depends on whether the transplanted fat establishes itself. Generally, it can last around 2-3 years or possibly longer if the fat reestablishes itself well.
The advantages of filler injections include no need for surgery, faster recovery, and the ability to enhance the area around the eyes. However, the results may last only about 6 months to 1 year. On the other hand, fat injections have the advantage of providing natural and long-lasting results, as they use your body’s own fat. However, the recovery period may be slightly longer than filler injections.
Sunken eyes can improve over time, but it may take several years for fat to naturally regenerate.
It depends on the depth of the hollows. If they aren’t too deep, only fat repositioning may suffice. However, if it is severe, fat injections may be necessary to achieve good results.
Yes, it’s possible. However, it’s advisable to have your medical professional evaluate your situation once more.
Yes, it’s possible, as the amount of harvested fat taken from your body for correcting sunken eyes isn’t extensive.
The doctors at KOA Clinic are very friendly and dedicated. If you’re dealing with sunken eyes, you can consult with the doctors at KOA Clinic or reach out through LINE at @koaclinic. The doctors will help evaluate the underlying causes, provide solutions, and recommend personalized treatment options, which may not always involve fat injections or under-eye fat transfer surgery for everyone.