If you have dark undereye circles you may be tempted to treat them on your own with over-the-counter remedies. But topical products can only address the symptoms: a true solution requires the expertise of an experienced facial plastic surgeon.
As a triple board-certified surgeon with years of experience in plastic surgery, Dr. Jose Barrera has extensive expertise in treatments focusing on the eye area. Read on to learn what Dr. Barrera recommends for the treatment of undereye circles.
What Causes Dark Undereye Circles?
Age, fatigue and genetics can cause discoloration of the skin underneath your eyes. A depression forms between the bottom of the lower eyelid and the top of the cheek. The skin and subcutaneous fat in the depression are exceedingly thin, allowing the underlying veins and vessels to show through.
What Are the Best Treatment Options?
Many people with dark undereye circles believe that the circles can be treated effectively with topical products, but this simply isn’t the case. The underlying cause (blood vessels showing through thin skin) is best addressed with a minimally invasive option like dermal filler injections.
Dermal filler injections are a safe and effective treatment. Dermal fillers can be made from many different substances. One of the most common is hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural compound that hydrates the skin and adds volume.
When injected, dermal fillers add volume to the depression underneath the eye and smooth out the transition between the upper cheek and lower eyelid. This additional volume prevents the dark undereye circles from showing through the skin. Commonly used fillers include Juvederm, Restylane Lyft, Voluma, Sculptra and Belotero. The right filler for you will depend on your specific needs.
Are Dermal Injections Safe?
Absolutely. Dermal filler injections are minimally invasive treatments that address the underlying causes of dark undereye circles. Complications are exceedingly rare — HA is a safe, natural organic compound that makes for great filler. In the rare event of a complication, routine treatment of hyaluronidases breaks down the HA filler and reverts the process.
Even better, there’s little to no downtime from dermal injections. You’re able to get back to work right away. Dr. Barrera recommends you avoid irritating the injection site for a few days, of course!
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Depending on what filler you and Dr. Barrera agree on, your results may last six years or longer.
The Importance of a Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
When administered by a board certified facial plastic surgeon with years of experience, dermal fillers are a fantastic solution to dark undereye circles. As one of San Antonio’s top facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Barrera maintains three distinct board certifications and regularly participates in leading-edge plastic surgery research.
If you’re interested in pursuing a long-term solution to dark undereye circles, contact Dr. Barrera’s office today.
