Dark Circle Clinic

Dark circles under the eyes are a very common concern and can be quite a difficult problem to treat. Dark Circles give the appearance of looking tired, stressed, aged and unwell. They can occur across a large range of ages, skin types, affect both men and women and tend to worsen as we get older.

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Our Approach

The key to the successful treatment of Dark Circles under the eye is a proper assessment to work out the nature of the darkness and the causes. A medical history and examination is needed to determine hereditary factors, general medical health and any presence of sinus disease or allergies.

In particular, it is critical to determine if there is Wrinkling, Swelling, Pigmentation, Increased Vascularity and/or a Tear Trough Deformity.

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About the condition

Dark circles under the eyes are common due to a number of factors:

• The skin under the eyes is very thin and translucent so underlying blood vessels are more visible.

• The thin skin under the eyes is very sensitive and susceptible to irritation and environmental damage.

• The eye area is one of the first to show signs of ageing with fine lines being one of the earliest signs.

• Any congestion in the nose and sinuses creates back pressure which can contribute to swelling as well as cause dilatation of blood vessels and darkening of the skin.

• Loss of the fat pad under the eye can result in a hollow depression that extends from the inside of the lower eyelid to under the eye and is called a Tear Trough Deformity.

Often with Dark circles several factors are present in the same person.

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Treatment options

Treatment depends on the nature of the Dark Circles and the main underlying causes.

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• Wrinkling: Can be softened with Anti-Wrinkle Injections in younger patients. In older patients where there is more skin laxity can consider PRP or skin needling. Topical creams such as Eye Creams or hyaluronic acid creams can help.

• Swelling: If swelling is due to ‘bags under the eyes’ which is caused by herniation of the under eye fat pad this can only be fixed by surgery (Blepharoplasty). If due to local irritation or allergy this needs to be managed.

• Pigment: If part of a more generalised pigment issue, the under eye area can be treated at the same time. If pigment is just localised to under the eyes can consider topical treatments (peels and depigmenting creams) but need to remember that the thin skin under the eye is very sensitive and if the treatment is irritating itself this may actually worsen the darkening. It is also important that when treating under the eyes that care is taken to avoid any products getting into the eye itself.

• Vascularity: Increased blood vessel congestion needs to be treated by addressing the cause just as in treating swelling under the eye. Creams containing caffeine can constrict blood vessels and give short term improvement.

• Tear Trough: Is treated with Dermal Filler. An experienced injector is important as results are dependent on technique and choice of filler. Fantastic results can be achieved with Tear Trough dermal filler treatment and the results often last 1-2 years.