Dark under eye circles - What are my options? (photo)

Question

Hi, I’ve had dark under eye circles since a young age, so I assume they’re hereditary. What can I do to improve their appearance? I tried fillers with zero results. Would fotona smooth eye be optimal for me or any other solution you propose? What do I need to focus on? Lightening that area? Or somehow filling up the shallow under eye area? Thanks

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. When the right formula is chosen and administered by a skilled injector, dermal fillers are an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of undereye circles. 
RF microneedling may be another option for you. This treatment uses radiofrequency technology to increase collagen production and restore the skin’s elasticity, with results lasting years for some patients. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon and injector who can review your injection history and suggest the best approach for treating your concern.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

At home peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify along with dermarolling (MTS roller with anteage MD ampules) should be started now. There are many things you can do to treat under eye hollows and dark circles. A surgical option to remove skin and/or fat will such as lower eyelid blepharoplasty with or without fat pad repositioning will be the best long term. There are many things you can do to treat under eye hollows and dark circles without surgery. Non invasive less downtime options such as fillers (Belotero, Juvederm Volbella​), lasers (Moxi/Halo/Fraxel/CO2​), Renuvion (J-Plasma), microneedling/PRP, stem cells and microneedling RF like Fractora PiXel8 or Morpheus can all help give some improvement. Accutite can often be used or stronger lasers like erbium or co2 spot treatment can tighten the skin and give very quick improvement in wrinkles and texture. A surgical option to remove skin and/or fat might be the best solution long-term. I suggest you get a formal consultation to see what is best for you and your goals. Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

If I had to guess, I would say that the filler used unsuccessfully in the past was injected directly into the tear trough regions, a mistake commonly made by inexperienced, novice injectors. Volume deficit in the upper cheek region, which is a primary support to the under-eye areas, allows for sagging of the overlying skin envelope, resulting in hollows, tear troughs and even dark circles. An appropriately robust HA filler injected properly in the upper cheek region can often reverse these issues by restoring the supportive volume, whereas simply attempting to fill the tear troughs does not address the underlying problem. Make sure to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and be sure to ask to see his/her personal befores and afters of under-eye filler treatments. Be wary of claims for this or that, relatively expensive, faddish light or energy-based device treatments, as the hard science to support their use lags woefully behind the heavy marketing to promote them.  Best of luck.

Elcin Ariturk, MD · Answer

Hello, you have two options for under eye rejuvenation. First one is under eye dermal fillers, I do not know the brand that you had before but with right dermal filler there will be significant appearance change, unfortunately this option is not permanent. Second option is under eye fat injection. With this procedure we can get rid of the darkness and hollows of under eye area.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

What you’re seeing are not actually dark circles, but a shadow, which is being cast by the lower eyelid bags. If you were to turn your face upwards at the light, and look into a mirror which should be held in your hands, you will see that the shadows or the circle disappears. Lower eyelid, transconjuctival blepharoplasty will correct the condition. None of the non-surgical procedures will help you in any way, shape or form. Just check the photos of my profile on blepharoplasty on Realself. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An in person evaluation is always best, but you may be a candidate for Accutite or Morpheus8.  These treatments are safe to use on the delicate under eye area.   Accutite uses RF technology to tighten skin up to 40%.  Morpheus8 uses RF technology combined with microneedling to improve overall skin tone and texture.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Dark under eye circles - What are my options? (photo)

Answers (6)

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