Do you see tired-looking eyes every time you look in the mirror, even though you’re not feeling tired? Dark circles and puffiness under the eyes are a common issue that many men and women inquire about here at Triangle Facial Plastic Surgery in Raleigh, NC. We are most often asked about what causes them and how to get rid of them. While this condition may be quite challenging to treat, Dr. Adam Becker, Facial Plastic Surgeon, and Yelena Migirova, Licensed Medical Esthetician, are here to shed some light (pun intended) and address some options that may help improve and brighten the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
Periorbital dark circles are a condition that appears on the lower eyelids and under the eyes. The condition may be due to a variety of factors, such as:
- Fatty tissue loss or muscle loss in the eyelid or around the eye (tear trough) as a result of aging or genetic factors
- Bulging puffy eyelids caused by allergies or other systemic conditions
- Increased pigmentation from sun exposure
- Thinning skin due to aging and/or genetic factors
- Shadowing under the eyes that’s exaggerated from fatigue or lack of sleep
- Poor diet and/or inadequate hydration
What are my treatment options for dark circles under the eyes?
Like any aesthetic condition, treatments are recommended as a result of a complete in-person consultation where Dr. Becker and/or Yelena provide a full examination of the patient’s condition and discuss their history and the most desirable outcome possible. Individual results may vary.
A variety of approaches may be used to help improve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes including topical treatments, minimally invasive treatments, or surgical procedures. While these treatments may not mitigate the issue 100%, they can be effective in reducing dark circles, bags, and puffiness and brightening up the periorbital area.
Topical treatments and a good concealer may be used alone or in combination with other treatments mentioned below to help reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles. For patients with mild dark circles and puffiness under the eyes or not quite ready to explore more invasive options, Yelena will work with you to recommend the right combination of products that may help improve your condition. iS Clinical C Eye Advance and ZO SKIN HEALTH Eye Brightening Creme are both high-quality, medical-grade products that help lighten dark circles, support skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines. While topical treatments do not deliver immediate results, they may significantly improve the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines when used consistently over time. Individual results may vary.
Dermal filler injections into the tear-troughs offer a minimally invasive option for addressing hollowness under the eye(s). Dr. Becker may inject dermal fillers to camouflage hollowness under the eyes and smooth the affected area(s). Tear-trough filler treatments do not address pigmentation issues. Individual results may vary.
Another minimally invasive approach is EmbraceRF and Accutite, where Dr. Becker applies focal radio-frequency energy to melt fat and tighten the skin under the eyes. Accutite is performed under local anesthesia with or without light sedation and results are noticeable after 6 weeks and continue to show improvement up to 12 months. Individual results may vary.
In cases where the patient is experiencing hollowness under the eye(s), Dr. Becker may suggest a surgical approach to remove fat pads under the affected eye(s) and reposition the fat to fill in any hollow area(s). Individual results may vary.
If you’re experiencing dark circles under the eyes or under-eye puffiness and wondering which options will address your goals and deliver the results you’re looking for, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Becker and his expert team will provide a complete assessment of your condition, discuss your history and recommend the best solution to help brighten your eyes and spirits!
