Dark Circle Treatment

Dark circles have several causes — pigmentation in the skin, hollowing under the eyes that casts a shadow, blood vessels showing through thin skin, and puffiness — and many people have more than one. Treatment works best when it is matched to the cause, so the under-eye area is examined first.

Some causes respond well; others, such as inherited pigmentation or thin skin, can be improved but not removed.

What causes dark circles?

• Lack of sleep and fatigue
• Genetic and inherited factors
• Ageing and loss of collagen
• Sun exposure and pigmentation
• Dehydration and poor diet
• Allergies and sinus problems

Which treatments are used for dark circles?

• Laser treatment (Q-switched, and CO2 in selected cases) – for under-eye pigmentation and skin texture
• PRP under the eyes – your own plasma, used to support skin quality; the evidence is limited and several sessions are needed
• Hyaluronic acid fillers – for hollowing (tear troughs) that casts a shadow; not suitable for everyone, and they can make puffiness worse in some people
• Chemical peels – for pigmentation and sun damage
• Microneedling with mesotherapy – for skin texture and hydration

What results can you expect?

• Lighter pigmentation and better skin texture over several sessions
• Less shadowing where fillers are used to correct hollowing
• Results that vary with the cause; eye bags caused by fat usually need a surgical opinion rather than fillers

Side effects are usually mild — redness, swelling or bruising. Fillers under the eyes can cause lumps, a bluish tinge or swelling, and rarely block a blood vessel, which needs urgent treatment. The skin under the eyes is thin and sensitive, so treatment is conservative.

Who should get dark circle treatment?

• Men and women with persistent dark circles
• People with under-eye hollowness or puffiness
• People with under-eye pigmentation or sun damage
• Anyone who wants the cause of their dark circles assessed