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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffBags under eyes can include:
- Mild swelling
- Saggy or loose skin
- Dark circles
When to see a doctor
You may not like the way they look, but bags under eyes are usually harmless and don't require medical care. However, see your doctor if the swelling:
- Is severe and persistent
- Is accompanied by redness, itching or pain
- Affects other parts of your body, such as your legs
Your doctor will want to rule out other possible causes that can contribute to the swelling, such as kidney or thyroid problems, infection, or an allergy.
References
- Tsai LM, et al. The eye and ocular adnexa. In: Doherty GM, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Surgery. 13th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=23. Accessed June 14, 2011.
- Ben Simon GJ, et al. Cosmetic eyelid and facial surgery. Survey of Ophthalmology. 2008;53:426.
- Understanding blepharoplasty. American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. http://www.aafprs.org/patient/procedures/shareable/s_blepharoplasty.html. Accessed June 30, 2011.
- Goldberg RA, et al. What causes eyelid bags? Analysis of 114 consecutive patients. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2005;115:1395.
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