Causes of Baggy Eyes

January 16th, 2013 Posted in Blepharoplasty
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When it comes to maintaining a fresh, bright, youthful-looking face, baggy eyes are one of the most common challenges people face. Baggy eyes, characterized by puffiness and darkness around the upper and lower eyelids, occurs when the fat around the eyeball bulges past the rim of the eye socket bone, a phenomenon known as pseudoherniation of orbital fat. Baggy eyes are also the result of dermatocholasis in which excess skin accumulates on the eyelids. Several factors contribute to the appearance of baggy eyes.

Sleep deprivation

Baggy eyes are commonly seen in people who are not getting enough sleep. This is because sleep deprivation elevates a person’s blood pressure leading to constriction of the blood capillaries beneath the eyes. When the blood capillaries constrict they retain fluid which causes puffiness.

Allergies

Baggy eyes can be a symptom of an allergic reaction. Makeup, pollens, soaps, animals, hair products, or certain foods are just some of the allergens known to cause baggy eyes in susceptible individuals. Allergic reactions can cause the capillaries around the eyes to leak leading to fluid retention which manifests as puffiness.

Age

Baggy eyes are more common in older people who have thinner, less elastic skin. As the skin around the eyelids becomes more elastic it sags more. Also, more fat from around the eyeballs migrates to the area under the eyes causing puffiness.

Certain Illnesses

Baggy eyes can indicate the presence of a serious medical condition. Certain thyroid disorders and nephritic syndrome can cause fluid retention throughout the body, including around the eyes. Baggy eyes are also a symptom of periorbital cellulitis and chronic sinusitis.

Genetics

It has been observed that baggy eyes tend to run in families. Hyperpigmentation beneath the eyes or protruding orbital fat pads are often genetic traits that cause baggy eyes in individuals regardless of age, health status, or sleeping habits.

Depending on the source of the problem, baggy eyes can be treated effectively using seasonal allergy medication, anti-aging skin products, or by improving one’s sleeping habits. Blepharoplasty, or surgical removal of excess fat and skin around the eye, is also an option for improving or eliminating baggy eyes.

Post provided by Benjamin Stong MD

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Types of Scars

January 16th, 2013 Posted in Scar Revision
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One of the remarkable things about the human body is the skin’s ability to heal and repair itself.  The biological process by which the skin rebuilds itself after a burn, wound, or skin condition always results in some degree of scarring. Scars differ in appearance according to the severity of the damage, the composition of the scar tissue, the origin of the injury, and the amount of collagen produced.  Genetic and individual factors (e.g. diet, age) also influence the way different people scar. There are four main types of scars.

Depressed/atrophic

Depressed or atrophic scars are sunken and pit-like in appearance. They are caused when fat and muscle underlying the skin is lost.  Atrophic scars typically appear as small, round recesses in the skin and can cause the skin to have a wavy appearance. This type of scarring is commonly seen with chickenpox and acne. Treatment for atrophic scars involves using methods like punch grafting and punch elevation to raise or fill the scars.

Hypertrophic

With hypertrophic scars, the body produces too much collagen, resulting in a raised, red bump. These types of scars commonly result from traumatic skin injuries or wounds that become infected. Hypertrophic scars can be flattened using methods like scar revision or scar excision. Steroid injections and silicone sheets are also used to treat hypertrophic scars.

Keloid

Keloid scars are a type of hypertrophic scar since they are also raised in appearance; however, they are distinguishable from hypertrophic scars by the fact that they grow beyond the borders on the injury site and can continue spreading for years. Keliod scars are thus thick, widened, elevated scars. They can also be painful and itchy and are most commonly seen in dark-skinned people. Keloid scars are treated with the same methods used to treat hypertrophic scars.

Contracture

Contracture scars are characterized by skin tightening around the injury site which, if not treated, can lead to restricted movement. These scars form following a second or third degree burn and also occur with scars that stretch across joints. Contracture scars are best treated with skin flaps, skin grafts, and silicone scar treatments.

Post provided by Benjamin Stong MD

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