How Can I Fix Dark Circles? I've Had Them My Whole Life

Options for this problem typically include some type of filler and/or fat removal via eyelid surgery.  Why would I need fat taken out and fat put back? in you may ask.  The key is where the fat goes.  Just under your eye, fat from around your globe has fallen forward while just below that there is an indentation.  Obviously you need to be evaluated in person.  Review your options in detail to find the right ones that fit with your lifestyle.  Good luck!

Dark circles can be due to a variety of issues and the treatment really depends on what the underlying cause is. Many times this area can have increased pigmentation (hyperpigmentation). These areas of brown discoloration can typically be addressed with bleaching agents which can be done topically at home by the patient or more aggressively but with chemical peels done by a physician’s office. Another cause of dark circles in the eye area can be due to shadowing from fat pseudoherniations. These pseudoherniations are typically best addressed through blepharoplasty, a surgical procedure to rejuvenate the eye. For those not ready for surgery, sometimes injectable fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane can be injected in this area to help camouflage the puffiness. Lastly, allergies or just skin that is thin and hypervascular (increased number of superficial blood vessels) can be the cause of darkening in the eyelid area. This is typically best treated with topicals. Teamine is an excellent product which treats a variety of causes of dark circles in this area. Lastly, in this situation too, sometimes chemical peels can be helpful. Determining which option is best for you can start by meeting with a facial plastic surgeon to evaluate what is causing your dark circles and determine the best option. 

Although it is difficult to be sure from the photo, because of your young age, my first choice would be to consider filler such as Radiesse, Juvederm, or Restylane.  If these do not work, my preference is surgical blepharoplasty with fat repositioning to transfer fat across your nasojugal and palpebro-malar creases.  The results will be permanent, and have been very gratifying for our patients.