How to restore fullness to sunken eyes

Under normal circumstances, sunken eyes may be caused by aging, lack of sleep, malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and other reasons. Treatments such as eyelid surgery, autologous fat grafting, hyaluronic acid fillers, or medication can be used under medical guidance to restore a fuller appearance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Aging

With age, collagen and elastic fibers around the eyes decrease, potentially leading to loose, sunken skin beneath the eyes. Proper eye care is important—using gentle, mild eye creams and massaging the skin around the eyes can help slow down skin aging. Alternatively, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be performed under medical supervision. This surgical procedure reshapes and repairs the eye area. The typical reference cost for eyelid surgery ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 yuan per session. Improvement is usually visible within 1–2 weeks after surgery, although potential side effects may include infection, bleeding, or scar hypertrophy.

2. Sleep Deprivation

Chronic lack of sleep can cause dryness and dehydration in the periorbital skin, possibly resulting in sunken eyes. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and ensuring sufficient rest is essential. Autologous fat grafting, performed under medical advice, involves extracting fat from another part of the body, processing it, and injecting purified fat particles into the under-eye area to create a fuller appearance. The typical reference cost for autologous fat grafting ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 yuan per session. Noticeable improvement generally appears within 2–3 weeks, though possible adverse reactions include bleeding and infection.

3. Malnutrition

Prolonged unbalanced diet or poor digestive absorption may lead to malnutrition. Inadequate nutrient intake, especially of fats and proteins, may result in hollowing under the eyes. This condition may be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and weight loss. Under medical guidance, treatment may include medications such as vitamin B complex tablets, vitamin C effervescent tablets, and oral zinc sulfate solution. Hyaluronic acid fillers may also be administered under a doctor’s recommendation—injecting hyaluronic acid beneath the eyes to replenish lost moisture and volume, restoring a plumper eye contour. The typical reference price for hyaluronic acid fillers ranges from 1,000 to 10,000 yuan per injection. Improvement is typically seen within 1–2 weeks, although temporary side effects such as redness and swelling may occur.

4. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is primarily associated with genetic factors, improper diet, and immune system abnormalities. The condition places the body in a high metabolic state, which may lead to weight loss and sunken eyes. It is commonly accompanied by symptoms such as excessive sweating and palpitations. Under medical supervision, medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and levothyroxine sodium tablets may be prescribed for treatment.

5. Diabetes

Diabetes may arise from insufficient insulin secretion or impaired insulin utilization. The disease deprives tissue cells of energy, potentially reducing periorbital fat and causing the aforementioned symptoms. Symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss. As directed by a physician, treatment may involve medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, glipizide tablets, and acarbose tablets.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including adequate sleep and a diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins—can help support the health of the skin around the eyes.