For some people, it can be embarrassing to have dark circles under the eyes. Whether you have tried to decrease puffiness with cold compresses or tea bags, or you tried to cover dark circles with concealer, dealing with dark under-eye circles can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several minimally invasive treatments at Adoro Medical Spa in Severna Park, MD that can reduce the appearance of dark circles.
How Can You Get Rid of Dark Circles Under the Eyes?
To get rid of dark circles under the eyes, you may need to work closely with a dermatologist to identify the cause of your dark circles and select treatments that can improve your appearance. Most people will have the choice of using cosmetic eyelid surgery, dermal fillers, and Thermage treatments to improve the appearance of dark circles. Let’s explore how each of these treatments works.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a type of cosmetic eyelid surgery that is ideal for reducing dark circles that are caused by sagging or puffy skin around the eyes. This surgery works by tightening the skin under and around the eyes to improve sagging skin. Oftentimes, to achieve optimal results, cosmetic eyelid surgery is also combined with topical treatments.
Dermal Fillers
If you are looking for a minimally invasive option to treat dark circles under the eyes, dermal fillers are generally a good choice. Dermal fillers work to treat dark circles by increasing moisture and collagen under the eyes, which can reduce skin thinning and dryness that contributes to the dark circles. Fillers that are most commonly used to treat dark circles are Juvederm and Restylane.
Thermage FLX
While some people may prefer laser treatments, dermatologists know that radio frequency systems are most effective for correcting under-eye dark circles. Thermage FLX is a radio frequency treatment that tightens the skin under the eyes by increasing collagen formation. The biggest benefit of using Thermage is that it can instantly tighten the skin and produce results that last for six months or more.
Topical Treatments
A dermatologist may also recommend prescription-strength topical treatments. Sometimes these topical remedies are used in conjunction with other aesthetic treatments, and sometimes topical treatments are powerful enough by themselves to improve dark circles. For dark circles that are mainly caused by hyperpigmentation, prescription-strength lightening creams can inhibit melanin production to help the under-eyes appear much brighter.
Which Treatment Is Best for You?
Selecting the aesthetic treatment for your dark circles will depend on the specific type of dark circles under your eyes you have. For example, if your dark circles are primarily caused by sagging skin, then radiofrequency treatment, cosmetic eyelid surgery, or dermal fillers may be most appropriate. If your dark circles are caused primarily by sun damage, then topical treatments may be best.
What Causes Dark Circles?
Dark circles can be caused by a few things, including sleep, stress, allergies, and factors that may be outside your control, such as genetics and aging. The good news is that dark circles are very rarely caused by serious medical concerns. It’s important to understand what causes dark circles so that you and your dermatologist select a treatment that is most beneficial for you.
Genetics
Sometimes, genetics are the primary cause of dark circles. Your genetics determine every facet of your appearance, including the thinness of the skin beneath your eyes. Some people from certain ethnic backgrounds may be more likely to develop dark circles under the eyes, even when they are much younger. You may be able to pinpoint genetics as the primary cause of your dark circles if you have one or more people in your family who have under-eye circles.
Aging
Aging is another primary cause of dark circles. In particular, as collagen production decreases, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner or loses fat, and dark circles can more easily form. There isn’t much you can do to completely halt the aging process, but some aesthetic treatments can replace collagen to improve under-eye appearance.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure may also be a cause of dark circles. The skin under and around the eyes is more sensitive than the rest of the skin on your face, so it is more vulnerable to hyperpigmentation than other areas of your face. If your skin is particularly sensitive to sun damage, then you may find that you develop dark circles much more easily than other people.
What Can You Expect From Treatment?
After a consultation in which your dermatologist will help you select a treatment that is ideal for the type of dark circles you have, you can generally expect your treatment process to be simple. Aside from cosmetic eyelid surgery, most aesthetic treatments can be completed in 30 minutes or less to improve under-eye circles.
How Should You Prepare for Treatment?
To prepare for treatments such as radio frequency or dermal fillers, you should stop using retinoids and other harsh skin care products under your eyes for at least a week before your appointment. This will reduce the risk of skin irritation and hyperpigmentation. Before cosmetic eyelid surgery, you should stop the use of blood thinning medications and certain herbal supplements.
What Is Your Recovery Like?
After your treatment, you should treat the skin under your eyes carefully. For example, you should avoid hot water, exfoliating products, and sun exposure for at least 12 weeks. If you had cosmetic eyelid surgery, you may need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your results. For the most part, you will be able to go back to work in a few days and resume most of your normal activities, including exercise.
How Long Will Results Last?
The longevity of your results will depend on the specific treatment you used for the dark circles under your eyes. For example, the results of cosmetic eyelid surgery can last for a few years, while the results of treatments such as Thermage can last for six to 24 months. Dermal fillers will produce results that last for six to 12 months, depending on the formula used for your treatment.
How Frequently Should You Have Treatments?
The frequency of your treatments will also be dependent on your treatment method. For example, you may need to have Thermage treatments once a year to maintain desired results. Dermal filler treatments may also need to be repeated every six months to maintain results.
If you’re using a topical prescription-strength lightening cream, you will need to use the topical treatment every day for several weeks or months to improve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. It’s common to use prescription-strength medication for a few months at a time to achieve optimal results. Your dermatologist will advise the best frequency for your prescription-strength lightening cream.
How Can You Maintain Your Results?
Although some causes of under-eye dark circles are beyond your control, there are still some things you can do to maintain your results. The best way to maintain your results is to change lifestyle practices that contribute to the formation of dark circles. For example, protecting your skin from the sun, sleeping with your head elevated, and staying hydrated can all be beneficial.
Sun Protection
For those who have dark circles that are caused by sun damage, using high-quality SPF during the day can protect the skin under your eyes from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Depending on the sunscreen you use, you will get the best results if you reapply throughout the day.
Sleep Elevated
Sleeping with your head elevated is an at-home remedy that can prolong the results of your aesthetic treatments. When the head is elevated, you can reduce under-eye puffiness. You may also benefit from getting more sleep. People who suffer from sleep deprivation tend to look more tired, so getting six to eight hours of sleep every night may help you maintain your results.
Stay Hydrated
It’s also important to stay hydrated, particularly if your under-eye circles are caused by dry skin. If you are using a dermal filler to correct dark circles, drinking enough water each day can also help your dermal filler perform better since dermal fillers draw water into the skin.
Get Rid of Dark Circles Quickly
Dealing with dark circles can be tough, but there are plenty of aesthetic treatments that can improve skin tightness, volume, and pigment. If you’re ready to find a solution for the dark circles under your eyes, schedule a consultation at Adoro Medical Spa in Severna Park, MD, Annapolis, MD, or Columbia, MD today.
