Posted June 24, 2019 in Face
Key Takeaways
- Dark circles and under-eye bags have multiple causes including genetics, natural aging, fat migration, thinning skin, fatigue, allergies, and sun-related pigmentation.
- Makeup can only partially conceal under-eye concerns and in some cases may draw more attention to the area by settling into fine lines or appearing patchy.
- Dermal fillers are a popular non-surgical option that restores volume to hollow tear trough areas, significantly reducing shadowing and improving the under-eye appearance.
- Chemical peels formulated for the under-eye area reduce pigmentation-based discoloration and make the skin appear lighter and fresher after a series of treatments.
- Blepharoplasty is the most definitive solution for structural under-eye concerns including fat herniation, excess skin, and muscle laxity that do not respond to non-surgical options.
Some people experience dark circles under the eyes in youth, and others develop these circles with age. This change in color can seemingly happen overnight and impact your confidence at home and at work. On top of that, the eye bags that most develop as they get older can age a face by as many as 10 years. Unfortunately, in this delicate area, makeup can only do so much; it can even make matters worse. However, you do have several treatment options. You can restore your youthful appearance by losing the under-eye bags and dark circles. Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Dark Circles and Bags Under the Eyes?
Dark circles have several causes:- Natural aging.
- A genetic disposition. In this case, you likely developed the circles at a very young age. We’ve got good news for you, too.
- Simply being caucasian or having a lighter skin tone. Those with darker skin tones may develop hyperpigmentation around the eyes instead.
- Fatigue.
- Eye strain.
- Allergies.
- Tanning. You may have given up the tanning bed, but the effects still linger.
- Dehydration.
Fillers for Under-Eye Bags & Dark Circles
Your nationally board-certified clinician uses dermal fillers to evenly plump the area under your eye. This reduces the appearance of dark circles caused by reduced skin collagen that leads to thinning skin. The great thing about fillers is that they’re fast and effective with no downtime. You can get fillers on your lunch break and get back to work looking and feeling your best. Some common fillers include:- Restylane-L.
- Volbella.
- Juvederm Ultra XC.
- Your own fat.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
This cosmetic procedure is another way to tackle dark circles. As the eyes age, the elastin in the skin under the eye breaks down. This can lead to dark circles and puffiness on the lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct these concerns, along with droopiness, bulges and puffy bags. This surgery should be done by a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this 1-2 hour procedure, the patient is put under local anesthesia and an incision is made just under the lower lash line. Excess skin and fat are removed through this incision, and any issues with loose muscles can be corrected. Most patients can go home after a short period of observation. You can expect some bruising and swelling afterwards that should go down after 48-72 hours. The healing process should take about two to four weeks, and then you will see the results of the surgery.NanoLaser Peel Skin Care
A NanoLaser Peel from Sciton decreases discolorations and improves skin texture. After applying a numbing cream, your nationally board-certified clinician applies a highly precise laser to remove the very top layers (4-12 microns) of skin. This also heats the lower layers, which promotes your body’s natural production of healing elements such as stem cells and collagen. In addition, that heat tightens skin, addressing those under-eye bags. Although chemical peels can be effective for many signs of aging, they aren’t able to achieve that result, unlike a nanolaser. Within a few days after a NanoLaser Peel procedure, you’ll see and feel the difference. The appearance of your skin will continue to improve for around 4-6 months. NanoLaser Peels are often done in conjunction with other procedures to achieve a very refined and finished look.Broadband Light Therapy with Eye Cream
Broadband light therapy (BBL) is a noninvasive laser treatment that you can get right here in Northern VA. This skin care procedure can improve the appearance of dark circles, even those caused by genetics, and reduce the appearance of under-eye bags. The laser stimulates collagen production to tighten and enhance the skin as it reduces melanin and small vessels that can contribute to under-eye darkness. This therapy is often done in conjunction with eye creams that help you maintain your new look. These include products like:- Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50 – Reduces sun damage and lengthens results.
- Eye cream – Reduces puffiness, sagging, and dark circles to enhance your results.
- Metacell Renewal B3 – A comprehensive daily emulsion that can noticeably correct the appearance of sun damage, reduce wrinkles, tighten skin, and even the tone of your skin.
- Retinol 0.5 – Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.
- Skin firming cream – Keeps skin tighter while combating damage caused by the sun and your environment.
- Eliminate age spots.
- Even skin tone.
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Tighten skin.
- Reduce the appearance of scarring.
- Shrink pores.
- Get rid of small capillaries that impact the appearance of your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dark circles and bags under the eyes?
The causes include natural aging, genetics, fat migration downward from the orbital area, skin thinning that exposes underlying blood vessels, chronic fatigue, allergies, sun exposure-related pigmentation, and a lighter skin tone that shows vascularity more visibly. Identifying the primary cause helps determine the most appropriate treatment.
Why does makeup often fail to fully conceal under-eye circles?
Makeup is a surface-level solution that does not address the structural or pigmentary causes of dark circles. It can settle into fine lines around the eye, look patchy on uneven skin, or fail to cover deep discoloration. Professional cosmetic treatments that address the underlying cause provide far more reliable and lasting improvement.
What is a tear trough filler and how does it help?
A tear trough filler is a dermal filler injection placed in the hollow groove beneath the eye. This restores volume to the area, smooths the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek, and reduces the shadowing effect that creates dark circles. Results are immediate, natural-looking, and typically last nine months to over a year.
What role does blepharoplasty play in treating under-eye bags?
Blepharoplasty surgically addresses structural causes of under-eye bags by removing or repositioning herniated fat pads and tightening loose lower eyelid skin and muscle. It is the most definitive and longest-lasting solution for patients whose puffiness and bags are caused by aging-related structural changes that cannot be corrected with fillers or peels alone.
When should I see a professional about my dark circles and under-eye bags?
If your under-eye concerns are affecting your confidence, have been present for a long time, are not improving with lifestyle changes, or are worsening over time, it is worthwhile to schedule a consultation. A professional evaluation can identify the specific cause and recommend the most targeted and effective treatment for your situation.