Weight Loss Can Worsen Under-Eye Bags

Experts explain why facial volume loss from weight loss can make eye bags more noticeable and how to address the issue.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Significant weight loss can lead to facial volume loss, especially in the midface and cheek area. This loss of volume can make under-eye bags appear more prominent, as the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek becomes more exaggerated. Experts recommend restoring volume in the cheek area through fillers or fat grafting to help blend the transitions and soften the appearance of under-eye bags. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to improve lower eyelid tone.

Why it matters

Many people who successfully lose weight may be surprised to find that their under-eye bags have become more noticeable. This is an important issue to address, as under-eye bags can be a source of self-consciousness and can make people appear older or more tired than they are. Understanding the underlying causes and having access to effective treatment options is crucial for those dealing with this side effect of weight loss.

The details

Weight loss can significantly affect facial laxity and alter the volume and position of facial fat compartments. However, the fat in the lower eyelids is generally not affected by weight loss. The issue is that the loss of volume in the midface and cheek area, which normally helps soften the transition between the lower eyelid and the face, can make under-eye bags appear more prominent. This loss of padding exaggerates the transition between the eyelid and the cheek, causing the bags to stand out more.

  • Weight loss related to GLP-1 medications is a common cause of significant facial volume loss.

The players

Mokhtar Asaadi, MD

A board-certified plastic surgeon in New York.

Elbert E. Vaca, MD

A board-certified plastic surgeon in Boca Raton, Florida.

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What they’re saying

“Weight loss can significantly affect facial laxity and alter the volume and position of facial fat compartments.”

— Mokhtar Asaadi, MD, Plastic Surgeon (newbeauty.com)

“With significant weight loss related to GLP-1 medications, one of the main things I notice is overall facial volume loss.”

— Elbert E. Vaca, MD, Plastic Surgeon (newbeauty.com)

“When patients lose fat, especially in the midface and cheek region, which normally helps blend the junction between the lower eyelid and the cheek, it makes under-eye bags appear more prominent.”

— Elbert E. Vaca, MD, Plastic Surgeon (newbeauty.com)

What’s next

For patients who have lost significant facial volume due to weight loss, surgical intervention to improve lower eyelid tone may be recommended. Restoring volume through fillers or fat grafting in the cheek area can also help blend the transitions and soften the appearance of under-eye bags.

The takeaway

Weight loss can have unexpected effects on facial appearance, and under-eye bags are a common side effect. Understanding the underlying causes and having access to effective treatment options, such as volume restoration and surgical interventions, is crucial for those dealing with this issue.