Under-Eye Rejuvenation: Treating Puffiness, Hollowness & Discoloration Without Looking Overdone

The eyes are the focal point of the face—but with age, they’re often the first area to show signs of fatigue. At Maia Plastic Surgery, we specialize in restoring the delicate lower eyelid region through a refined, combination-based approach that targets fat pockets, volume loss, skin laxity, and pigment irregularities.

In this blog, we’ll share Dr. Munique Maia’s trusted approach to treating the under-eye area—drawing on her advanced techniques in surgery, fat grafting, and laser resurfacing. Whether you’re struggling with puffiness, dark circles, or a sunken appearance, Dr. Maia’s method focuses on creating natural, rested results without looking overdone.

She typically addresses four key concerns:

1. Under-eye puffiness (fat pockets)
2. Hollowing beneath the eyes
3. Lack of cheek support
4. Skin discoloration or excess skin

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1. Scarless Lower Blepharoplasty

If your primary concern is puffiness or fat pads, and you have good skin tone, a scarless blepharoplasty may be ideal. This technique uses a transconjunctival incision placed inside the eyelid, allowing Dr. Maia to remove or reposition fat without visible scars.

Best For:

• Younger patients with no significant skin laxity
• Mild to moderate fat pockets
• Minimal to no discoloration

Downtime: 2–3 weeks of swelling and bruising

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2. Fat Grafting & Nanofat for Hollowness

Most patients don’t just have puffiness—they also experience hollowness beneath the fat pads, where the eyelid meets the cheek. This “tear trough” or orbital hollowing creates a tired, sunken look.

Dr. Maia frequently recommends fat grafting and nanofat injections to restore natural volume in this region:

• Fat grafting builds cheek support
• Nanofat smooths fine lines and subtly rejuvenates skin tone with regenerative benefits

This approach not only fills—but blends the transition from lower eyelid to midface, offering a rested and harmonious result.

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3. Skin Treatments: CO2 Laser, Peels, or Pinch Excision

For patients with laxity, crepiness, or pigmentation, Dr. Maia may recommend:

• CO2 laser resurfacing for texture, tone, and collagen stimulation
• Chemical peels for pigmentation and light tightening
• Skin pinch blepharoplasty to precisely remove excess skin if present

These techniques are often combined with blepharoplasty and fat grafting for a complete transformation.

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Tailored Treatment, Timeless Results

Most patients require a blend of treatments to address all four anatomical issues. The artistry lies in customizing a protocol that enhances—not alters—your natural eye shape and facial proportions.

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Your Consultation with Dr. Maia

Whether you’re local to Washington D.C. or considering a visit from out of town, we offer both virtual and in-office consultations to help you explore the best treatments for your goals. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your anatomy, review photographs, and create a tailored plan to restore brightness, balance, and confidence to your eyes.

📍 Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward looking refreshed—without looking “done.”