What Are Nasojugal Fat Pads?

Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Nasojugal fat pads, more commonly known as under-eye bags, sit in the soft hollow between the lower lid and the upper cheek — the so-called nasojugal groove. They form when the orbital septum weakens with age or fatigue, letting a small pocket of fat herniate forward and bulge under the skin. The result is a puffy half-moon below each eye, often paired with a shadowed groove running from the inner corner toward the cheek.

Why Do Nasojugal Fat Pads Affect Facial Aesthetic?

Nasojugal fat pads make your face look puffier and more swollen, even if you are a skinny person. The condition worsens if you have dark circles around your eyes since they make the nasojugal fat pads look more prominent. Nasojugal fat pads make faces look tired all the time. It is cosmetic in the first place, but it may be a sign of a serious underlying health condition.

What Causes Nasojugal Fat Pads?

Ageing

As we age, the skin and muscles of our faces become weaker. Our skin loses its elasticity and strength due to the breakdown of elastin and collagen. The skin under the eyes is sensitive and delicate. The fat finds its way through weak muscles and saggy skin and occupies the area between the eyes and nose creating nasojugal fat pads. (1)

Sleep Problems

Prolonged lack of sleep weakens the skin and muscles of the face because it accelerates the breakdown of collagen and prevents the formation of new collagen. After a while, the fat and fluids accumulate under the eyes forming nasojugal fat pads. (2, 3)

Allergies

Allergies participate in the formation of nasojugal fat pads by stuffing up the nose and forming swelling in the sinus tissues. The fat can occupy the space formed between the nose and eyes making nasojugal fat pads. (4)

Smoking

Smoking damages the collagen in your face and breaks down elastin, which makes the skin loose. In addition, smoking leads to a lack of sleep. Heavy smokers have spaces between their nose and the eyes, which can be occupied with fat forming nasojugal fat pads. (5)

Alcohol

Alcohol dehydrates the body and makes the skin under the eyes dry and weak. Chronic alcohol intake is associated with prominent eye bags. (6, 7)

Heavy Makeup

Heavy makeup can irritate the delicate, sensitive skin under the eyes leading to its swelling. Not removing heavy makeup completely may lead to nasojugal fat pads in the long run. (8)

Genetics

Nasojugal fat pads run in some families. If your parents have fat pads or under-eye bags, you may develop them too. (9)

How to Prevent Nasojugal Fat Pads?

Neti Pot

People who use neti pots say that they are effective in removing nasojugal fat pads and improving dark circles. A neti pot is filled with a saltwater solution. All the mucus and debris in your nose and sinuses will be removed, which prevents the formation of nasojugal fat pads. (10, 11)

Tea Bags

Caffeinated tea bags can be applied under the eyes to tighten the skin under the eyes and improve the blood circulation. This prevents the accumulation of fat in the nasojugal area. (12)

Cold Compresses

Applying cold compresses can be beneficial for the improvement of the overall appearance of the under-eye areas. Cold compresses are highly recommended for dark circles, under-eye bags, and red eyes since they can constrict the blood vessels, which causes some relief. Notice that you should use a soft cloth to wrap the compress before applying it to avoid getting the delicate skin under your eyes too cold. (13)

Drink More Water

Water makes about 60% of our bodies. Dehydration is one of the most significant causes of all facial problems including under-eye bags and nasojugal fat pads. Stay hydrated. It is recommended to drink 13 cups of water for men and 10 cups of water for women per day. (14)

Use a Sunscreen

Using sunscreen is essential for people who are exposed to sunlight for a long time per day. Sunscreen protects the sensitive skin under the eyes from the UV rays. Wear a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or more. Try to avoid the sunrays by walking in the shade and wearing sunglasses and hats. (15)

Remove Your Makeup Completely

After wearing your makeup for a long day, you should remove it completely. Wash your face and use makeup removal products to go to bed without any makeup. When you sleep with mascara or any other eye makeup, you irritate your eyes and their surrounding skin and may develop an infection. In addition, makeup accelerates the aging process and enhances oxidative stress. (16

Elevate Your Head During Sleeping

While sleeping, put an extra pillow under your head to keep it elevated. Some people even use special wedges. This prevents the fat and fluids from accumulating in the lower eyelids, which creates nasojugal fat pads. (17)

How To Treat Nasojugal Fat Pads?

Antihistamines

If your nasojugal fat pads or under-eye bags are formed due to allergies, antihistamines may be the solution. Some over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl, Zyrtec, or Claritin can be effective, but it is better to consult a doctor before taking any medications. (18)

Retinol Cream

Creams can hide the appearance of under-eye bags, but creams containing retinol is the key to solve under-eye skin issues. Retinol is essential to produce collagen. Some over-the-counter creams contain retinol, but if your nasojugal fat pads are advanced, you may need a higher concentration of retinol. Pregnant women should avoid retinol and vitamin A creams. (19)

Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is the best cosmetic procedure for nasojugal fat pads. The procedure lifts the lower eyelid and removes any excess tissues under the eyes and between the nose and the eyes. (20)

Microneedling

Microneedling depends on CIT or Collagen Induction Therapy to prevent the appearance of nasojugal fat pads or reduce their appearance. When more collagen and elastin are produced in your face, the skin tightens and the fat stays at its place. (21)

Injectable Fillers

Injectable fillers are a temporary solution for nasojugal fat pads. Fillers are injected around and under the eyes to make the transfer of fats from the nasojugal fat pads to the cheeks smoothly and softly. The procedure does not cause any pain. (22)