3 Effective Treatments for Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Dark circles under the eyes are a common concern that can make you look tired or older than you feel. But what causes them, and how can you fix them? Whether they’re the result of genetics, aging, or lifestyle factors, there are effective treatments to help you regain a refreshed appearance. Here’s Dr. Hooman Khorasani’s quick guide to the top treatments for dark circles.

What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?

Dark circles can occur due to several factors:

• Genetics: If your family has a history of dark circles, you may be more likely to have them too. It’s often due to thinner skin under the eyes, which makes blood vessels more visible.
• Age: As we get older, the areas around our eyes, including the bones and ligaments, can lose some of their volume. This can cause the fat under the eyes to push forward bringing blood vessels closer to the eyelid skin, creating shadows and making dark circles more noticeable.
• Sun Exposure: Too much sun can increase melanin production, leading to pigmentation around the eyes.
• Volume Loss: Both aging and natural factors cause us to lose volume under the eyes, making the skin thinner and more prone to shadows.

3 Ways to Treat Dark Circles

1. Tear Trough Filler: Add Volume to Reduce Shadows

If you have hollow areas under your eyes, tear trough filler can help restore volume and smooth out the skin. By injecting hyaluronic acid-based filler, your doctor can plump up the area, essentially creating a space between skin and blood vessels, reducing the appearance of dark circles.

Pros:

• Instant results that reduce the appearance of dark circles
• Adds volume and rejuvenates the under-eye area
• Quick, non-surgical procedure with minimal downtime

Cons:

• Always choose a skilled professional to avoid lumps, bruising, or uneven results. Using a cannula (blunt needle) can reduce the risk of vascular complications.

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2. Pigmentation Laser Treatment: Target the Dark Spots

If dark circles are caused by pigmentation, laser treatments can help lighten the area. Fractional CO2, Fraxel, and Clear and Brilliant lasers break down excess pigment, making the skin under your eyes look brighter. They can also produce collagen, reducing fine lines around the eyes. Think of it as erasing dark marks from your under-eye area.

Pros:

• Effective for reducing pigmentation caused by sun damage, reducing fine lines around the eyes, increasing skin thickness by promoting collagen production (reducing visibility of blood vessels)
• Non-invasive with no needles
• Minimal downtime

Cons:

• Laser treatments may not target volume loss or fat pads, so they might not fully resolve your dark circles if other factors are involved.

3. Lower Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Address Fat Pads and Lower Eyelid Contours

For those whose dark circles are caused by protruding fat pads, lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is the preferred approach. This procedure removes and reshapes the fat under the eyes, helping to reduce shadows and improve the overall contour and appearance.

Pros:

• Long-lasting, permanent solution
• Addresses both puffiness and dark circles caused by fat pads
• Can be combined with other treatments like lasers for better results

Cons:

• It’s a surgical option with longer recovery time compared to non-invasive treatments
• Swelling and bruising are common in the initial recovery period

Why Choose Dr. Hooman Khorasani for Your Dark Circle Treatment?

When it comes to delicate under-eye treatments, you want an expert. Dr. Hooman Khorasani, a quadruple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, specializes in eyelid surgeries and non-surgical treatments. As the author of a Surgical Lifting Textbook, he is one of the leading experts on the eyelid area.

Request a Consultation Today

Ready to say goodbye to dark circles? Dr. Khorasani and his highly-specialized team look forward to working with you to transform your medical or aesthetic goals into reality. To request a consultation, message us securely, or contact Dr. Khorasani’s Manhattan office by phone at 212-230-3378. ‍

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