What's the best treatment for under eye circles/bags/purple color? (Photo)

Question

I'm 37. I've always had bags under my eyes. They look the same regardless of diet, amount of sleep, etc. What makes them look especially bad is the purple color and that they're asymmetrical. My right eye far is puffier and purpler than the left, I'm even asked every once in a while if I have a black eye.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for the question and sharing your photos. If there are bags in the lower eyelids, then fillers might be the right choice. If the bags are too big, then blepharoplasty with fat transfer would be the right choice. If your lower eyelids are dark because of thin skin allowing the underlying blood vessels to be seen, then there is no good solution. Make an appointment for in office evaluation with an experienced surgeon. Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There are many ways to treat dark circles, as well as under eye wrinkles and bags. It is important to note however, that the majority of times the cause for discoloration is genetic and due to the viability of the blood vessels below the skin. A combination approach is always needed to get the best results in this area and this includes: topical skin care, laser and/or radiofrequency treatments, and fillers if placed appropriately.  All my patients are on topical lightening agents, typically a vitamin C serum product in the AM and a brightening agent and/or a vitamin A based product in the PM. Sun protection is essential.Resurfacing and tightening are essential. My patients get offered a menu of options, for which a combination gives the best results. Light salicylic acid peels help give textural and pigment improvement; nonablative lasers (Fraxel or Clear + Brilliant) can be used to tighten and improve fine lines/wrinkles and crepe skin; fractional radiofrequency devices (Sublative, Viva) are cutting edge and improve texture, tone, and wrinkles with very little downtime; radiofrequency with pulsed electromagnetic fields (Venus) are amazing for puffiness and bags, in patients who do not want eyelid surgery; appropriately placed fillers can replace lost volume, cover up the vessels and fat pads below improving the appearance -- patients should pick a well experienced practitioner to prevent complications such as Tyndall (blue discoloration) and irregularities, one that uses a cannula for injection will help give results with little bruising or swelling; microsecond Nd:YAG laser treatments (Laser genesis) has produced dramatic improvement in discoloration in some of my patients and is safe in dark skin types, similar to the radiofrequency devices. For lifting, ablative laser resurfacing such as co2 laser combined with monopoloar radiofrequency deep heating (thermage) give amazing results. The key is for a patient to see a cosmetic dermatologist with experience in all the latest devices and techniques so the persons goals can be met by a combination approach of individualized treatments and skin care. In some cases, those who smile and have crepe skin or under eye wrinkles, a small amount of neurotoxin (botox, dysport, xeomin) strategically placed in the lower eyelid skin can improve wrinkles dramatically and give the eye a more "open" appearance.

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

You may want to talk to a doctor to see if fillers may work for you. Maybe talk to them about Belotero, or what other fillers they recommend. this is something that you do not need surgery for unless it is necessary

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

You have many unfavorable factors for lower eyelid surgery.  For this reason, fillers are a much better option.  It all starts with a personal consultation.  Service can be provided at the time of the consultation.  Generally treatment improves the dark circle but does not completely eliminate it.

Afshin Farzadmehr, MD · Answer

Lower eyelid surgery without any cuts on skin or sutures is your best answer.  I have performed this procedure over. 13 years with perfect result.  Recover is 3 days.

What's the best treatment for under eye circles/bags/purple color? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Under eye fillers yes.

Answer: Under eye fillers yes.

Answer: Eye bags

Answer: Eye bags

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What's the best treatment for under eye circles/bags/purple color? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Under eye fillers yes.

Answer: Under eye fillers yes.

Answer: Eye bags

Answer: Eye bags

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.