Will Fraxel Laser Work on my Dark Circles? (photo)

Question

I've always had dark circles under my eyes. Despite living a healthy lifestyle (eating right, staying hydrated, exercising, and getting enough sleep), they don't go away. I've read that fraxel lasers can lighten dark pigmentation. Will this work for my dark circles as well? To be clear: I don't have bags under my eyes, so I don't believe a blepharoplasty would help, nor is the area hollow so I don't believe fillers would help (aside from which, I'm not pumping a synthetic filler into my face!)

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Dark circles can be caused by an inherited pigmentation issue and usually, the Fraxel laser, whether the Restore or Dual or Repair lasers, will not help. If the dark circles are more a purple or red color, then it might be a transparency that allows the underlyling blood vessel perfusion of the muscle "show through." This has not been worked out well. For this cause, I have not found that vascular lasers which deal with the red colors of unwanted superficial blood vessThe information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs. els, work well.

Misbah Khan MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

Fraxel (restore) will not be able to help you. I have treated enough dark circles (under eyes) that I can say that. I use a different laser for that.

Bruce K. Barach, MD (retired) · Answer

in my experience, fraxel has not been a reliable way to treat this vexing problem. will occasionally help, but not consistently. sorry......

Will Fraxel Laser Work on my Dark Circles? (photo)

Answers (3)