Dark circles under the eyes can make you look tired and older than you are. In many cases, they appear as a result of poor sleep or stress. These causes are relatively easy to address, as there are tangible steps one can take to increase rest and improve mental health. However, treating dark circles becomes more complicated when they appear as a result of genetic or aging factors. This often leads people to wonder how to get rid of dark circles under the eyes. Fortunately, there are several options for removing dark circles, including both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Below, we discuss treatment options for dark circles so you can determine which would be best for you.
How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under the Eyes
Natural aging is a common cause of under-eye circles. However, poor lifestyle habits can accelerate the process. This is because the skin around the eyes is thinner and much more delicate. Additionally, the supportive structures under the eyes weaken over time. This leads to volume loss and fat protrusion under the eyes. Both contribute to the appearance of dark circles.
Several treatment options effectively address dark circles under the eyes. Dark circle removal encompasses a range of surgical to non-surgical cosmetic treatment options. The type of treatment that is right for you depends on the cause and severity of your dark circles. A skilled oculoplastic surgeon can assess your under-eyes. From there, they can determine the right treatment option.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty is a highly effective treatment option for dark circles. There are several causes of dark circles that require surgical intervention. These causes include dark circles caused by under-eye bags, hollowness, or fat protrusion. These are often caused by natural aging or poor lifestyle habits.
Lower eyelid surgery is effective in addressing the under-eye area. The surgery removes or repositions the excess fat under the eyes. The skin is also tightened to reveal smoother under-eyes. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lower eyelid surgery can take years off your face. The results leave your eyes looking youthful and rejuvenated. Lower eyelid surgery can be combined with laser treatments to optimize your results.
Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers are an effective non-surgical treatment option for reducing the appearance of dark circles. Injectable fillers can treat dark circles caused by several factors. Common factors include thinning skin, hollowness, or mild eye bags. Thin skin under the eyes reveals the underlying blood vessels, leaving the under-eye area darker. Hollow under-eye areas and under-eye bags also cast shadows, resulting in dark circles.
Injectable fillers are most often made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the body. When injected under the eyes, it fills and smooths the area, helping to reflect light more efficiently, reducing the appearance of dark circles. One of the major benefits of injectable fillers is that the results are immediate. There is also no recovery period, so you can return to your routine right away. Follow-up appointments are necessary to maintain the results. Discuss with your oculoplastic surgeon the timing and frequency of touch-up procedures.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is effective if your dark circles are caused by thin skin under the eyes, surface-level pigmentation, or wrinkles that deepen the under-eye shadows. Laser skin resurfacing removes damaged skin and boosts collagen production. This improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of dark circles. Laser skin resurfacing also tightens skin and creates a more youthful appearance under the eyes.
There are two highly effective laser skin resurfacing options, including CO2 and Erbium lasers. The type of treatment that is right for you depends on your unique needs. CO2 lasers are effective in addressing under-eye wrinkles that create dark circles under the eyes. Erbium lasers are beneficial for sun spots, age spots, or under-eye wrinkles. Consult with a skilled oculoplastic surgeon to ensure you get the treatment that is right for you.
IPL Treatment
Dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation or dilated blood vessels can be effectively treated by intense pulsed light (IPL). Lumecca is a top IPL treatment to address dark circles. It targets brown pigmentation and vascular discoloration by delivering high-intensity light. The treatment penetrates the skin by breaking up the melanin and rejuvenating the skin. The results even out skin tone and reduce under-eye shadows.
Treatment is fast, as it takes roughly 30 minutes to complete. It is a smooth treatment that is pain-free. Some patients may experience slight discomfort, such as mild stinging when the laser is applied. However, the treatment is fast and is easily tolerated. There is no recovery period, as you can return to your normal activities immediately after treatment. IPL treatment can be combined with other skin treatments to maximize the results.
Causes of Dark Circles That Require Treatment
Dark circles occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, dark circles resolve on their own. If they are caused by poor sleep, stress, or allergies, they may subside. However, some dark circles require non-surgical or surgical intervention, as they are unlikely to disappear on their own.
Genetics
Your genetics play a part in the presence of dark circles. If you have family members with dark circles, your odds of having them are higher. Genetics impact the structure of the skin, blood vessels, and fat around the eyes. This can result in dark circles that require cosmetic intervention.
Natural Aging
The natural aging process causes the skin to thin. This is especially true around the eyes, as the skin in this area is much more delicate. Natural aging results in the loss of collagen and fat, which increases the appearance of dark circles. Poor lifestyle habits can exacerbate this. Things like chronic stress, sleep issues, and poor diet are common culprits. Cosmetic intervention can effectively address dark circles. Reducing their appearance can significantly impact your overall facial aesthetic.
Hyperpigmentation
Excess pigment in the skin can cause the under-eye area to appear darker. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by genetics, sun exposure, or inflammation from rubbing the eyes. Topical creams can address hyperpigmentation to a degree. However, laser treatments are often the most effective long-term solution to dark circles.
Dark Circle Removal
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your under-eye area, contact the team at Revive Eye and Face today to schedule a consultation.
