Treating Dark Circles in the Undereye Area
Dark circles in the undereye area is a common problem. What makes them so difficult to treat is that there are so many different problems that can cause them. No single solution works for all patients, so the key is to first figure out what is causing yours and then attacking the root of the problem.
There are three main components that can contribute to dark circles: volume, vascularity, and pigmentation. Volume issues are the most common and are due to normal aging and genetics. The fat pad in the cheek heads south while the fat in the lower eyelid is held in place by a thin sac. This causes a separation or groove between the two which is often referred to as a "tear trough deformity". The contour of this groove causes a shadow that gives the appearance of dark circles. The good thing about this type of dark circle is that it is easy to fix with a visit to a expert dermatologist or plastic surgeon that is skilled with injections in this area. A filler will plump up the area where the shadow occurs to smooth the contour, reduce or eliminate dark circles, and restore a youthful volume.
Prominent blood vessels on the lower eyelid or thin, transparent skin such that the red-purple color of the vasculature shows through is another cause of dark circles in the undereye area. This can be improved with a vascular laser that reduces the fine vessels close to the skin. Thin skin can be improved with eye creams containing low concentrations of glycolic acid or retinol.
Finally sometimes dark circles are just that...dark circles. The skin on the lower eyelid can hyperpigment from inflammation, dryness, irritation, allergies, sun exposure, or genetics. Lasers can be used to eliminate some types of pigment. Other types of pigment respond to chemical peels or topical lightening agents. Regardless, it is important to look at possible causes of the hyperpigmentation to help reduce the risk of recurrence after treatment.