I Am from Indian Descent and Have Severe Dark Circles and Sunken Eye Problem. Will Restylane Help? (photo)

Tear troughs, hollows, and dark circles are common problems of the lower lids. It has become standard practice to treat this region with lighter weight fillers, like Juvederm or Restylane, to lift, straighten, and contour this region. Occasionally, if fillers are inadvertently placed too superficially, a bluish discoloration related to light scattering (a phenomenon known as the Tyndall effect) can occur, which can actually make the dark circles more prominent. Belotero, a new hyaluronic acid product, has been manufactured to avoid this. However, I have found that the addition of a tiny amount of Radiesse, a whitish-colored filler, to Juvederm UltraXC, to be an excellent way of treating tear troughs and hollows and lightening existing dark circles. However, only an experienced, board certified aesthetic dermatology or plastic surgeon injector should attempt to treat this area in this fashion.

I would strongly advise against any laser treatments or other resurfacing treatments, such as strong peels, to treat the under eye dark circles. In a person of color, this may result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can actually worsen the appearance for a protracted period of time. 

From your photo you've provided, it seems you have some volume loss in your tear troughs and Restylane appropriately injected in the right amount, will help with that area. As far as the dark circles, it's difficult to say if those will go away-certainly using filler will help lessen the severity of the trough, but doesn't always correct the pigmentation.

Dear Pgk500,


Restylane can help make the dark circles lighter, but may not remove them all together

Your other option includes fat transfer which may help replace lost volume and address the shadows

It is a good place to start, then we can explore other options


Best regards,

Nima Shemirani