Identifying eye / cheekbone concern - how can I minimize darkness and "U"shaped under eye line? (Photo)

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. This is a great question. To minimize darkness and the “U-shaped” under-eye line, the goal is usually to improve both volume loss and skin quality in the tear trough area. When the mid-cheek/cheekbone loses support, it creates a shadow under the eye that makes darkness look worse, even if the pigment isn’t severe. Brightening eye creams, gentle retinol, and sunscreen can help with surface darkness, but they won’t correct the hollow that creates the shadow. I recommend under-eye filler—often combined with subtle cheek support—because it can replace the lost volume that forms the U-shape, smooth the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek, and instantly reduce the look of darkness caused by shadowing.

What is visible on your photo is a typical early aging of periorbital area due to loss of fat tissue and “face thinning”. Improvement may be achieved with a combination of lower blepharoplasty and fat grafting of the upper cheeks/eyelid junction and lateral orbital area. This will eliminate tear through deformity and significantly correct visible discoloration. In person or teleconference consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure is recommended. Good luck.