Dark Eye Circle Correction
The tear troughs are the creases between the lower eyelid and the cheeks. A deep tear trough can create a dark shadow under the eyes. These dark circles can be unsightly and make you look and feel older than you really are. If you are still using heavy makeup to conceal the darkness under your eyes, we have several treatment options for you to effectively reduce the shadowy appearance.
What Causes Dark Eye Circles?
There are actually a number of different causes of dark under-eye circles, including:
- Lack of sleep
- Thin under-eye skin
- Hyperpigmentation
- Anemia
- Aging
- Smoking
- Genetics
- Dehydration
- Dermatitis
- Thyroid Conditions
People at increased risk are those who are older, individuals of non-white ethnicity, and those with a family history of dark circles.
Treatment Options for Dark Eye Circle Correction
If cold cucumber slices under-your eyes just aren’t cutting it, you’ll be pleased to know we have a number of options for treating your dark circles here at Essential Aesthetics. In fact, we have five great dark circle treatment options including Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photorejuvenation, Laser Skin Resurfacing, PiQo4 laser, dermal fillers, and chemical peels.
Laser Resurfacing for Dark Under-Eyes
The fractional non-ablative laser resurfacing works by heating the deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production and activate the body’s natural healing process. Previously used to treat wrinkles and scarring on the thicker skin of the forehead and cheeks, fractional non-ablative laser resurfacing is now being used to effectively treat dark circles and sagging skin around the eyes. The increased collagen volume and elasticity will reduce the appearance of pigmented under-eye circles, lines, and wrinkles.
IPL for Dark Eye Circles
With IPL Photorejuvenation, multiple different wavelengths of light are used on the skin, causing capillaries to go away entirely or diminish in size. In this way, the laser system can be used to treat under-eye circles caused by excessive melanin or prominent blood capillaries. IPL also breaks down melanin beneath the skin into tiny particles. These particles naturally get carried away by the body’s lymphatic system, making IPL an effective treatment for dark circles in light-skinned patients.
At the start of IPL treatment, a special gel will be applied under the eyes to regulate your skin’s temperature. Next, our Clinical Director, Ellie Zarnegar, PA, DMSc, will guide light energy into your under-eye area, using an IPL handpiece. The process can be completed in about 20 minutes and it is not painful, though you may feel a mild stinging. No downtime is needed after the treatment session, and you can resume normal activities immediately. In the days to follow, the skin may appear red or swollen. This is a normal part of the healing process. As you heal, your dark circles will begin to diminish. 1-3 treatment sessions may be required to achieve the results you want.
PiQo4 Laser for Dark Eye Circles
The PiQo4 laser is a revolutionary laser that can improve the appearance of dark circles and bring a youthful look to the skin. Overproduction of the melanin skin pigment often results in some under-eye circles. Short pulses are used by the PiQo4 laser to minimize the appearance of melanin without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Dermal Fillers for Dark Eye Circles
Juvéderm Volbella XC was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an under-eye filler to treat tear troughs. Dark circles are traditionally defined as sagging tear troughs caused by low skin volume beneath the eyes. For this reason, dermal filler can help restore the volume beneath the eyes to eliminate the appearance of dark circles. In fact, dermal filler produces more noticeable results, making it a good option for patients with deeper hollows under the eyes.
Chemical Peels for Dark Eye Circles
A light chemical peel may also be recommended to lighten dark pigmentation under the eyes. During chemical peel procedures, the prepared peel is spread evenly over the skin in layers. Glycolic acid, retinoic acid, and hydroquinone are common peel examples.
Lower Blepharoplasty for Dark Eye Circles
Lower-eyelid surgery, also known as lower blepharoplasty, is one of the most effective treatments for droopy eyelids and dark circles. Although the purpose of this procedure is to remove excess fat beneath the eye, it can also help improve dark pigmentation. If you have concerns about the curve of the lower eyelid and how light falls on that area, surgery may be the best option to improve the appearance of the eyelids. However, we do not offer this surgical option at our office.
Am I A Candidate for Dark Eye Circle Treatment?
Both men and women make good candidates for the treatment of dark under-eye circles. We regularly treat both in our office. The best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for our various treatment options is to schedule a consultation. During your appointment, we’ll determine the cause of your dark circles and review your medical history, so we can recommend the best treatment option for you.
Look More Refreshed Today
Essential Aesthetics is pleased to provide a number of treatments for dark eye circles! For each of our patients, we develop a personalized treatment strategy. Our Danville location is conveniently located for clients from Livermore, Alamo, Blackhawk, San Ramon, Orinda, and other Bay Area cities. To learn more or schedule an appointment simply call or text us at 925.855.1773 or submit your request online.
Our Danville medical spa is conveniently located just a few blocks from I-680 and offers ample free parking.