What Are Nasojugal Fat Pads?

What Are Nasojugal Fat Pads?

How to Get Rid of Fat Pads under the Eyes

When the skin under your eyes loses its elasticity, it creates a groove under the eyes and you end up with nasojugal fat pads. The fat pads give you under-eye bags.  Think of them as raised ripples of soft tissue just below the lower eyelid area. Your face can start looking puffier and swollen despite being rested and having a normal weight.

The condition can make your face look worse if you have dark circles. This is due to the fact that dark circles enhance the appearance of nasojugal fat pads and they become the first thing people see when they look at you.

Your face looks tired 24/7 and that is not a very pleasant look. Luckily, there are multiple cosmetic options available to correct the condition and give you a refreshed appearance.

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeons helping hundreds of patients to achieve their aesthetic goals with the help of face or body contouring procedures.

Causes of Nasojugal Fat Pads

Let’s have a closer look at a few of the possible causes of nasojugal fat pad formation. While you can’t always prevent them, it is good to be aware of what causes them:

·       Ageing

With age, the skin and muscles on our face and body tend to become weaker and weaker. As the skin loses its elasticity and tonus, the elastin and collagen production is also decreased. The skin under your eyes is very sensitive and thin as compared to the rest of your face. Hence, the fat finds its way through weaker muscles as well as skin and ends accumulating in the area between your eyes and nose. This results in the formation of nasojugal fat pads.

·       Sleep Problems

With modern-day lifestyles, some of us find it difficult to properly sleep and rest. Prolonged lack of rest or sleep can weaken the skin and muscles while accelerating the breakdown of collagen and preventing the formation of new collagen. After a while, the fat and fluids tend to accumulate under the eyes which leads to the formation of nasojugal fat pads.

·       Allergies

Allergies do play a role when it comes to nasojugal fat pads. Most allergies will lead to a stuffy nose and swelling in the sinus tissues. As a result, the fat can accumulate in the space between your eyes and nose, resulting in nasojugal fat pads.

·       Smoking

We all know that smoking is harmful to your overall health and your skin. It breaks down the collagen and elastin in your face, making your skin loose and saggy. Smokers generally have a difficult time sleeping, leading to prominent nasojugal fat pads.

·       Alcohol

Alcohol dehydrates your body and makes the skin under your eyes appear dry and saggy. Chronic alcohol consumption is linked with prominent under-eye bags. Try cutting out alcohol and you might notice a difference in how your face looks.

·       Heavy Makeup

If you are a fan of wearing heavy makeup every single day, it can damage the delicate skin under your eyes. A lot of people do not completely remove the makeup from their faces which worsens the problem.  In the long run, it can lead to the formation of Nasojugal fat pads.

·       Genetics

Sometimes you have just your genes to blame. If your parents have under-eye bags, chances are you will have fat pads too. There is nothing much you can do in this regard.

 

Preventing Nasojugal Fat Pads

There are times when you can’t do anything to prevent nasojugal fat pads especially if they are caused by genetics. However, sometimes prevention is effective. Let’s discuss some of the best preventative measures to try:

·       Neti Pot

Individuals who use neti pots report that they see a huge improvement in the appearance of their dark circles and under eye puffiness. For those of you who aren’t familiar with neti pot, it is essentially filled with a saltwater solution which helps with the removal of mucus and debris and prevents the formation of nasojugal fat pads.

·       Tea Bags

You can try placing caffeinated tea bags under the eyes to tighten the skin and improve blood circulation. This can prevent the accumulation of fat in the nasojugal area.

·       Cold Compresses

I am sure you have all heard of using a cold compress to prevent puffiness under the eyes. You can use a cold spoon, ice wrapped in a soft cloth, under eye rollers placed in the refrigerator or any cold object of your choice. The cold temperature helps constrict the blood vessels and brings immense relief to the tired eyes while minimising under eye puffiness. This is also quite relaxing even if it doesn’t prevent the formation of nasojugal fat in the long run.

·       Keep Yourself Hydrated

Nearly 70% of your body is made up of water. Dehydration is one of the major causes of all beauty problems including under-eye bags and the formation of nasojugal fat pads. Keep yourself hydrated and drink a minimum of 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.

·       Sunscreen to the Rescue

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, this can damage your skin which eventually leads to the formation of under-eye bags, dark circles, and nasojugal fat pads. Hence, invest in good quality sunscreen and apply it religiously. Make sure to reapply it if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. While we are on the subject of sun protection, wear a hat and sunglasses whenever possible.

·       Remove Your Makeup Properly

Some women really enjoy the process of doing makeup but aren’t fans of removing it. Make sure to cleanse and wash your face thoroughly before going to bed. Sleeping with waterproof mascara on can lead to irritation of the eyes and infection. Moreover, makeup can accelerate the ageing process of your skin while enhancing oxidative stress.

·       Keep Your Head Elevated

While sleeping, try to lie down on your back and use an extra pillow to keep your head elevated. Some people also use wedges to stay more comfortable. It also prevents fat and fluids from accumulating in the lower lids which results in the formation of nasojugal fat pads.

Treating Nasojugal Fat Pads

Treating Nasojugal fat pads isn’t simple. What might work for one person might not work for another and vice versa. Here are some of the most popular options for treating nasojugal fat pads:

1.     Antihistamines

Sometimes a simple treatment does the job. If your under-eye bags are formed as a result of allergies, your doctor might prescribe you Antihistamines to treat the underlying condition. Some OTC drugs used for the treatment include Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin. However, it is better to consult a healthcare professional prior to taking any of these medications.

These medications are meant to be taken whenever you experience allergy symptoms. The first step is to spot your allergen. Some people are allergic to certain types of foods, others to dust, pollen, paints, you name it. It is important to visit a healthcare professional and get the necessary tests done to identify the allergen. Based on the test results, your doctor might recommend a short-term or a long-term treatment plan. The treatment plan varies from pills, yearly shots, or immune therapy.

2.     Retinol Cream

Retinol is one of the best ingredients that can correct your skin problems. Use under eye creams that have retinol as their main ingredient. Retinol is essential for the production of collagen. You can start with any drugstore product of your choice. If your nasojugal fat pads are advanced, you might need a prescription-based retinol cream to make a difference.

This is definitely the easiest thing to try out of the list. It is important to note that you cannot use retinol-based products while you are pregnant or lactating. For some people, retinol can cause dryness and skin flaking. If it is your first time using a retinol-based cream, try choosing one with a low concentration of retinol. Use it on every alternate day in the beginning. In the morning, make sure to apply sunscreen and use a rich moisturiser to prevent flaking.

Please note that it will take some time for you to see results and not all people will be able to get rid of under eye bags with a help of a cream. However, it is worth giving a shot.

3.     Blepharoplasty

When it comes to surgical procedures, lower eyelid blepharoplasty is probably the best option to eliminate lower nasojugal fat pads. The procedure involves lifting the lower eyelid area and eliminating excess tissues under the eyes. Many techniques are used for the correction of progressive fat atrophy in the lower lid and nasojugal groove area.

How is Blepharoplasty performed?

  • Clean Up

Even when you come to the appointment with a clean face, the staff will clean and sanitise your face one last time to ensure it is free from dirt and makeup.

  • Anaesthesia

The first step is the administration of anaesthesia so you won’t experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Most patients are given a choice between local and general anaesthesia.

  • The Incision

Then comes the most important part of the surgery -the incision. Dr Hunt will try to make the incisions in a way that they are concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid area. The incision for lower eyelid surgery is typically made just below the lower lash line. With this incision, Dr Hunt will reposition and tighten muscles underneath the skin and remove excess skin. In some cases, a trans conjunctival incision is performed.

  • Closing Up the Incisions

Once everything is in place, Dr Hunt will close the incisions with the help of sutures or skin glue. Typically, absorbable sutures are used. If not, the stitches will be removed within a week. In certain cases, Dr Hunt recommends opting for a laser or a peel to minimise the discolouration on the lower eyelid once you are fully healed.

  • Results of the Procedure

You won’t be able to see the results immediately after the surgery. It is important to wait for the swelling and bruising to fade away before you see the results. All in all, your nasojugal fat pads will disappear and you will have a more alert, refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.

4.     Microneedling

Microneedling, commonly known as collagen induction therapy can work wonders in preventing the appearance of nasojugal fat pads. The skin tightens as a result of increased collagen production. As a result, the fat stays in place.

Microneedling involves creating microscopic injuries in the skin with the help of a micro-needling device. It triggers the natural production of collagen and makes your skin appear tighter and plumper. You might need a couple of treatments to see a major improvement. The best part about micro-needling treatment is that the results will continue to improve for up to a year after the last treatment.

5.     Injectable Fillers

This is more of a temporary yet still a very popular solution for the elimination of nasojugal fat pads. Fillers are injected under the eyes to make the transition from fat pads to cheek smooth and soft. The procedure is quick, non-invasive and very comfortable. The results last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. You can get this procedure done during your lunch break as it will only take around 10 to 15 minutes and there is no recovery time involved.

Further Reading about Non-Surgical Procedures

Medical References about Nasojugal Fat Pads

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Plastic Surgeon

Dr Jeremy Hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery.

He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing cosmetic and plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

If Eyelid Rejuvenation is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

How to Get Rid of Hooded Eyelids

How to Get Rid of Hooded Eyelids

Solutions to Correct Droopy Eyes and Hooded Eyelids

Your eyelids do more than protect your eyes from dust, wind, and sunlight. They give your eyes their shape and appearance and can affect how your face looks. Droopy upper eyelids can give your eyes a hooded appearance and make you look worn out, sleepy, and older than you really are. Hooded Eyelids can be saggy from birth, or they can droop as a result of ageing, eye injury, or an underlying medical condition.

There are several ways to improve the aesthetic appearance of hooded eyelids. Injectables, upper blepharoplasty, or a brow lift surgery can help lift your upper eyelids and help make your eyes look bigger and brighter.

If your hooded eyelid restricts your vision you may be able to claim a Medicare subsidy for eyelid surgery if you meet the strict criteria.

Dr Hunt and Dr Maryam perform surgical and non-surgical eyelid lifting procedures in Sydney NSW. They aim to bring out the eyes, make you look less tired and restore your appearance.

What Are Hooded Eyelids?

Hooded eyelids, or ptotic eyelids, are eyelids that have extra folds of skin sagging on the eyes. This can give the eyes a droopy appearance and makes them look sleepy and tired. As a result, your entire face can look exhausted and older than it really is. Droopy upper eyelids can also obscure your eyesight. If your eyelid skin sags all the way down and covers the pupils, it can make your eyes narrower and block your peripheral vision.

What Causes Hooded Eyelids?

The cause of hooded upper eyelids can include:

  • Ageing: this is the most common cause of eyelid ptosis and hooded eyelid appearance. Your eyelids are constantly exposed to the effects of gravity, sun rays, and the constant movement of the eye blinking. That’s why, as you age, your eyelid skin starts to stretch and the muscles supporting it become weaker
  • Congenital (since birth): babies can be born with one or two droopy eyelids. This happens when the levator muscle that’s supposed to hold the eyelid up doesn’t develop properly
  • Eye injury: the nerves in the eye can become damaged if you get hit in the eye or if you wear eye contact for a long time
  • Eye surgery: you may get hooded eyelids after LASIK, cataract, or glaucoma eye surgery. But it’s usually temporary
  • Anti-wrinkle injections: it’s possible to get droopy eyelids as a consequence of anti-wrinkle injections if some of it affects the muscles that control your upper eyelids  – a temporary complication called “Dropped Brow”
  • Underlying medical conditions: some of the common medical conditions that can cause droopy eyelids are: Myasthenia Gravis, eyelid tumour, eye infection, stroke, or a brain tumour

 

When Should Hooded Eyelids Be Treated?

Some people find the sagginess of their eyelids barely noticeable and it is not bothering them.

For other people, saggy upper eyelids can become troublesome when they cause the following problems:

  • Aesthetic problems: drooping eyelids can make your eyes look puffy and uneven. Also, squinting too much makes your eyes look smaller and more wrinkled. Moreover, a lot of people with hooded eyelids tilt their heads back while they’re speaking so they can see better. They do this even when having a conversation, which can make the face look weird and off-putting
  • Vision problems: if the eyelid drops too much, it can obstruct the pupils, block the vision, and make things look blurry
  • Dry eyes: saggy eyelids can’t keep your eyes as moist as they should be. This can make the eyes become dry and irritated
  • Headaches: eyelids that obstruct your vision can make you squint to see better. Squinting for a long period of time can strain the muscles around your eyes which can lead to headaches

Your surgeon will investigate if your sleepy eyes have an underlying problem especially if you noticed other symptoms like migraines and headaches since the drooping started.

How Do You Fix Hooded Eyelids?

Fixing Hooded Eyelids Before and After Dr Hunt Sydney

Sometimes, the droopiness of hooded eyelids resolves naturally on its own. Other times, it may need intervention.

There are surgical and non-surgical options to treat the undesirable look of the eyes depending on how severe the eye drooping is. Dr Hunt and Dr Maryam will assess the optimal treatment option that will give you good results.

Surgical Options for Hooded Eyelids

The surgical treatments for hooded eyelids can offer a more permanent solution for the sagging skin and weary look of the upper eyelid. Surgical eye lifting is considered the standard treatment for hooded eyelids. It offers more durable results. The options include:

1. Upper Blepharoplasty surgery

To fix the sleepy eye appearance caused by droopy upper lids, Dr Hunt and Dr Maryam perform a plastic surgery called upper blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty is an efficient and durable solution for hooded eyelids. It provides more permanent results and an improvement in appearance and vision.

During an upper eyelid lift, the levator muscle controlling the upper lid is tightened and the eyelid is lifted into a more desirable position. You surgeon also can remove excess skin and fat from your upper eyelid to make your eyes look bigger and wider. As a result, your eyes regain their energetic appearance.

Lifting the saggy skin of the eyes can also improve your vision and restore your eyesight. Blepharoplasty surgery can also be done in children with droopy eyelids to prevent lazy eyes.

2. Brow Lift surgery

An upper facelift, also called a forehead lift or brow lift, is another surgical treatment that can lift droopy eyelids. Similar to an upper blepharoplasty, a brow lift makes your eyes look more alert.

A brow lift involves lifting the deep forehead muscles and overlying skin to bring the whole upper face up. It can be done alone or in combination with a blepharoplasty to lift the eyelids and forehead together. This is usually done using an endoscopic technique through the same small incision above the eyelids. By lifting the forehead muscles, your surgeon can pull the eyelids up making your eyes appear larger. A brow lift can also get rid of eye wrinkles and smoothen the skin around your eyes.

The eyes are very delicate organs and the skin around them is one of the thinnest skin areas in your body. Dr Maryam and Dr Hunt have the training and experience in eyelid surgery that enables them to fix your hooded eyelid problems.

Non-Surgical Methods to help fix Hooded Eyelids

If the eye sagginess is minimal, non-surgical treatments can give you good results by smoothing eye wrinkles and tightening the eyelids. Treating saggy upper eyelids without surgery can be done using:

1. Injectables – Anti-wrinkle Injections

An anti-wrinkle injections brow lift can be done by injecting products containing botulinum toxin into the skin surrounding your eyes. The substance relaxes the muscle that’s pulling your eyelids down. This relieves the heaviness from the eyes and allows your upper eyelid to lift back up. Anti-wrinkle injections can lift some of the sagging skin and flatten wrinkles around your eyes giving your face a different look especially when you smile.

2. Injectables – Dermal Fillers

Eyelid fillers are another droopy eyelids non-surgical treatment that can give you fast results. It involves small injections of dermal fillers, like Hyaluronic acid, into the upper eyelids or brow. The fillers will give your eyelids more volume and plump up their appearance. Hyaluronic acid and other eye fillers can help rejuvenate your eyes. However, their results aren’t permanent and you might need repeated injections to maintain the desired results.

3. Special Eye Glasses

Your doctor may recommend that you wear glasses with special crutches to deal with eyelid ptosis. The crutches can lift your eyelids to help you see and read better if you want to avoid eyelid surgery. Eyelid crutches are effective for temporary hooded eyelids that don’t droop too much.

4. Home remedies for Hooded Eyes

There are a few temporary home remedies you can try such as:

  • Teabags: chamomile tea bags are suggested as a common hooded eyelid natural remedy. The chamomile can reduce the inflammation around the eyes giving them a brighter appearance
  • Chilled cucumbers: the cooling effect of the cucumber can make your eyes look refreshed and energetic. Cucumbers also contain vitamin C and folic acid that can stimulate cell growth and help get rid of puffy and tired eyes naturally.
  • Iced water: the cold temperature can tighten the skin and effortlessly treat mild eyelid sagging

eyelid surgery before and after - patient 006 - front view

What’s the Optimal Solution for Hooded Eyelids?

There isn’t one standard treatment for hooded eyelids. The best treatment for saggy eyelids will depend on how droopy your upper eyelids are, if they’re causing you any vision problems, and what aesthetic goal you hope to achieve. If your upper eyelids sag only a little, anti-wrinkle injections or hyaluronic acid injections may be the best option for you. For minor drooping, these injections can deliver quick and natural-looking results. Although, their results aren’t durable in the long run.

You’ll benefit more from an upper eyelid lift if you want a more permanent fix for the significant droopiness and puffiness in your upper eyelids. On the other hand, a brow lift may be more suitable for you if you have truly droopy eyebrows that you’d like to lift. An upper facelift can significantly enhance the appearance of your eyebrows and also improve how your eyelids look.

To get even more from your eyelid surgery, you can get an upper blepharoplasty and a brow lift at the same time. During your consultation, Dr Maryam and Dr Hunt will give your eyes a thorough evaluation and plan an effective eyelid treatment option that promises to give you the results you want.

Is It Possible to Prevent Hooded Eyelids?

Eyelid drooping is a natural process that happens with age. And although you cannot prevent it, you can still slow it down. Avoid things that make your eyes age faster like smoking, too much sun exposure, and staying up too late.

Getting early treatment for your hooded eyelids can help you prevent further drooping and serious vision problems. If you feel like you’re unsatisfied with how your eyelids look, you should consult with a plastic surgeon. A plastic surgery procedure can make your eyes look bright in no time.

FAQs about Hooded Eyelids

Correct Droopy Eyes & Hooded Eyelids Frequently Asked Questions

Can you lift the eyelids without surgery?

  • Only surgery can get rid of the excess flaps of skin and fat above the eyes. Although you could add volume to the eyelids and plump them up without surgery using fillers or injectables to make them look perkier. Many aesthetic injectors recommend a plastic surgeon perform a Blepharoplasty when they can no longer use filler or anti-wrinkle injections to lift the upper eye.

Can hooded eyes cause headaches?

  • Hooded eyelids can drop down to the pupils and obscure your eyesight. As a result, you may have to constantly squint in order to see better. The constant squinting constricts the muscles around your eyes and forehead which can cause headaches.

Does weight gain cause hooded eyes?

  • As you gain weight, fat accumulates in different parts of your body. One of those parts can be your eyelids. Fat deposits may accumulate under the skin of your upper eyelids weighing them down. Consequently, the eyelids become heavy and droop over the eyes.

Are hooded eyelids uncomfortable?

  • The extra layers of skin that droop down can be heavy on the eyes and cause them discomfort. They can also and make it harder for you to see making you constantly tilt your head backwards even during a conversation. Moreover, saggy eyelids can make your eyes dry which can cause irritation and discomfort.

Further Reading about Surgical Solutions for Hooded Eyelids

Medical References about Correction of Hooded Eyelids

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia.

He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

If Eyelid Rejuvenation is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.