I had fat transfer to under my eyes 7 weeks ago. I have extensive black circle under eyes. Is q-switch laser to soon to do?

Question

I had fat tranfer to my whole face including under eyes. I had extensive bruising after the procedure which has now gone but I am left with very dark circles under my eyes. How long should I wait to sort treatments for the dark circle. I have heard that q switches lazer will help with the dark circles, when can I start the treatment of q which lazer. Is there any other treatment I would try before lazer. I tried 2% hydroquinone which caused my skin to feel and burn which I feel caused the dark circles to appear darker.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out with your concern. It's not uncommon to experience some discoloration or dark circles following a fat transfer procedure, especially in the delicate under-eye area.

Given that you are 7 weeks post-procedure, it's still relatively early in the healing process. The discoloration you are experiencing may continue to improve over the next few weeks to months as your body continues to heal and adjust.

Regarding the Q-switched laser treatment, it is generally advisable to wait until the healing process is more complete, which can be around 3 to 6 months post-procedure. This allows your skin to fully recover from the initial trauma of the surgery before introducing another treatment.

In the meantime, there are a few other options you might consider to help with the dark circles:

Topical Treatments: Since hydroquinone caused irritation, you might try other less irritating options such as vitamin C serum, which can help brighten the skin, or retinoids, which can improve skin texture and pigmentation over time.

Camouflage Makeup: A high-quality concealer can help mask the dark circles while your skin continues to heal.

Cold Compresses: Applying a cold compress can help reduce any residual swelling and may improve the appearance of dark circles.

Good Skincare Routine: Ensure you are using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin. Sun protection is also crucial, as UV exposure can worsen pigmentation.

Professional Advice: Consulting with a dermatologist can provide personalized recommendations and consider other treatments such as chemical peels or microneedling, which can also help with pigmentation issues.

If irritation or worsening of the dark circles continues, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to rule out any other underlying issues and to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Best wishes for your recovery and treatment.

I had fat transfer to under my eyes 7 weeks ago. I have extensive black circle under eyes. Is q-switch laser to soon to do?

Answers (1)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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

I had fat transfer to under my eyes 7 weeks ago. I have extensive black circle under eyes. Is q-switch laser to soon to do?

Answers (1)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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