You know that moment when you catch your reflection and think, Ugh, where did those bags come from? Maybe they popped up after a night of salty takeout and too little sleep. Or maybe they’ve been slowly settling in over the years—like an unwanted guest who overstayed their welcome.
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize: not all under-eye bags are the same. Some come and go. Some are here to stay. Figuring out which kind you’re dealing with can change everything—especially when it comes to choosing the right treatment.
So let’s break it down in plain English.
First—What Are Under-Eye Bags Actually Made Of?
They may all look similar, but under-eye puffiness has several root causes. Common culprits include:
- Fluid retention — caused by allergies, hormones, salty food, alcohol, or sleeping flat on your back
- Fat pads — age-related structural changes where fat bulges outward
- Muscle laxity — tissue weakening over time
- Sinus pressure or inflammation — especially if you have congestion or chronic sinus issues
- Genetics — yes, sometimes you can thank your family for those under-eye bags
The important thing is this: some under-eye bags are caused by fluid, and others by fat. And while both are totally normal, they respond very differently to treatments like lymphatic drainage massage.
The Two Types: One Moves, One Doesn’t
1. Fluid Retention (Lymph Stagnation)
This is the type of under-eye puffiness that’s soft, squishy, and often worse in the morning. It might come and go depending on your diet, hormones, sleep, or allergies. Sometimes it feels like water under the skin—because it kind of is. Here’s what’s going on:
The lymphatic system, which is supposed to flush out excess fluid, can get sluggish—especially around the eyes. Since there are no direct lymph nodes under the eyes, this area is particularly prone to fluid buildup. So fluid collects, and voilà… bags.
The good news? There are simple ways to support lymph flow and reduce puffiness. That’s where lymphatic drainage comes in (we’ll get to that in a sec).
2. Fat Pads (a.k.a. Herniated Orbital Fat)
Now, if your under-eye bags are always there—no matter how clean you eat, how well you sleep, or how many cucumber slices you try—you may be dealing with something more structural: fat pad herniation.
With age, the muscles and connective tissues around the eyes start to weaken. That allows the natural fat in the eye socket to bulge forward, creating a firm, consistent under-eye bag that doesn’t change much from day to day.
Important to know:
Lymphatic drainage won’t remove fat pads.
But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Many of our clients still choose facial massage for under-eye puffiness, even when fat pads are present. Why? Because it can:
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve circulation
- Tone the surrounding tissue
- Soften the overall appearance
Especially if there’s fluid sitting on top of the fat pad—which is super common. Some people explore options like fillers or blepharoplasty for longer-lasting results. But if you’re hoping to keep things natural, non-surgical treatments are a great first step to consider.
What Lymphatic Drainage Can Do (And Why It Works So Well)
At our skincare clinic, facial lymphatic drainage is one of our go-to treatments for so many concerns—not just under-eye bags. It really works wonders when:
✔ You wake up puffy and tired-looking
✔ You feel sinus pressure or tension in your face
✔ You’ve had surgery and want to speed up healing
✔ You’re craving a more sculpted, rested appearance—without needles or downtime
We always say—your face holds more than just expression. It holds fluid. Stress. Stagnation. When you gently release it, everything shifts.
After just one session, the under-eye area can look noticeably less swollen. Clients tell us their faces feel lighter. Their eyes open up. Some even say they sleep better that night—go figure.
Gentle, targeted massage helps re-activate those drainage pathways. We’ve seen eyes de-puff before a client even gets off the table. It’s relaxing and surprisingly effective.
Many clients say their eyes look brighter and more awake, and their whole face feels lighter.
If you’re new to this technique, here’s our full guide on facial lymphatic drainage massage to help you understand what to expect.
How to Tell Which Type You Have
Here’s a simple test you can try at home:
- Gently press on the area under your eye.
- If the puffiness shifts or flattens slightly, it’s likely fluid-based.
- If it stays firm and unchanged, you’re probably dealing with fat pads.
You might even have both! We’ve seen clients with fluid retention sitting on top of mild fat herniation—and that’s totally okay. We always work with what you’ve got, no judgment, no pressure.
Want to Know What’s Causing Your Under-Eye Bags?
If you’re struggling with under-eye bags, puffiness, or tired-looking skin, let’s figure it out together. We offer in-person consultations at our Los Angeles studio, where we can assess what’s really going on and create a personalized plan—whether it’s lymphatic drainage, facial sculpting, or simply tweaking your routine.
If it’s fluid, we’ll move it out.
If it’s more structural, we’ll guide you on what’s next.
Either way, you’ll leave feeling more confident—and more comfortable in your skin.
Curious about how lymphatic massage benefits the whole body and not just the face? Explore the full breakdown of MLD here.
Book a session today, and let’s refresh your face, naturally.
FAQ: Under-eye Bags & Lymphatic Drainage
Q: How do I know if my under-eye bags are caused by fluid or fat?
A: Press gently on the puffiness. If it moves or flattens a bit, that’s likely fluid. If it stays firm and doesn’t shift, you’re probably dealing with fat pads. This quick assessment can give you a clearer answer—we do this all the time in the studio!
Q: Can lymphatic drainage get rid of under-eye bags completely?
A: If your puffiness is caused by fluid retention, lymphatic drainage can make a big difference—even after just one session. But if the puffiness is from fat pads, it won’t remove them. However, it can still help with puffiness and improve overall tone and appearance, since fat tends to collect fluid.
Q: How long do results from facial lymphatic drainage last?
A: Results vary, but many clients see reduced puffiness for several days. With regular treatments, results become more long-lasting. Think of it like working out—you get better results with consistency.
Q: Is there anything I can do at home to support lymphatic drainage?
A: Yes! Staying hydrated, avoiding salty foods, sleeping with your head slightly elevated, and doing gentle facial massage can all help. We also teach clients easy self-massage techniques to keep results going between visits and even tighten the face.
Q: Will under-eye creams help with puffiness?
A: Some can help reduce inflammation or hydrate the area, but they won’t move stagnant fluid or shift fat pads. If you want to see real change, combining skincare with hands-on techniques like lymphatic drainage is usually your best bet.
Q: Do you offer a consultation to figure out what’s going on under my eyes?
A: Definitely! You can book a consultation here, and we’ll take a look at your skin, ask a few questions, and create a custom plan that actually works with your unique face—not just a one-size-fits-all treatment.
