Can I erase my under eye bags?

Anne Chapas, New York. For people bothered by their eye bags who don't want to go under the knife, I recommend trying Living Proof Neotensil, which provides a noninvasive, albeit temporary, fix.

This so-called shapewear for your eyes involves two steps, starting with the application of a thin layer of cream over the trouble spot, followed by a second, activating layer that creates a cellophane-thin film—an invisible second skin that fills in the
hollows and flattens sagging skin and bulging fat pads.

The effect lasts for about 15 hours, and the film can be easily removed. It isn't cheap—around $500 for seven weeks' worth of product—but for people with troubling eye bags, it's well worth the cost.
 

THE PLASTIC SURGEON
 

Haideh Hirmand, New York. In many cases, severe eye bags are genetic, but they can become more prominent with age.

And the truth is, to really correct the causes of the bags, surgery is your best bet [average cost: $US5,500].

During a lower-eyelid blepharoplasty, your doctor can remove the fat that's swelling any of the three compartments under the eyes. In some cases, redistributing that fat may be helpful.

In addition, to address crepey or sagging eye skin, we will remove extra skin to lift and tighten the area.

Finally, if after surgery there's some remaining hollowness, I like to inject a bit of a hyaluronic acid filler, such as Restylane or Belotero, under the eyes to further smooth out the area.
 

THE ACUPUNCTURIST
 

Shellie Goldstein, New York. The puffiness and sagging skin of many people's under-eye bags are often just a symptom of larger imbalances, and using acupuncture we can address those problems.

I've noticed that if someone has troublesome bags, they also have other issues—indigestion, headaches, or allergies.

During an AcuFacial Facelift [around $US400], we target areas involved in lymphatic drainage, and there are several important spots in the face; there's a place where the spine meets the skull, as well as ones on each side of the jaw.

I also suggest that patients cut down on salt, increase their water intake, and look at whether certain foods—including wheat, dairy, and alcohol—may be causing inflammation, particularly around the eyes.

For a quick fix before a special event, steep two tea bags for two minutes. Let cool, then squeeze them out and place over eyes. The tannins in the tea will remove excess fluid from the area and give temporary relief.