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What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes, and How Can You Treat It?

The problem of puffy, tired-looking eyes has troubled men and women of all ages. A quick Google search of “remedies for dark circles under the eyes” will likely reveal numerous tricks, creams, and gels that claim to banish this common cosmetic issue.

At Dr. Sajjadian’s Newport Beach Cosmetic Surgery Center, we help patients brighten and revitalize their eye area in a few different ways. We start by finding out what the contributing factors are.

For instance, when you visit Dr. Sajjadian for your consultation, he will examine you and ask questions about your genetic traits, diet, and even sleep habits.

Why is that? There are numerous reasons for tired-looking eyes, and treatments range from blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to simple lifestyle changes.

Of course, our world-renowned clinic specializes in the industry’s most advanced non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments as well. If you struggle with dark circles under your eyes, the information below might help you zero in on beautiful solutions.

Dark Circles- A Look at The Causes of Tired Eyes

There are various contributing factors to dark circles. Some who describe their issue this way actually struggle with protruding under-eye bags or sagging skin rather than darkened hyperpigmentation in the area.

Regardless of the reason, the effects can make you appear more fatigued, older, or less vibrant than you feel. The following factors contribute to cosmetic complaints about the eyes:

Fatigue

There’s no question that if you’re exhausted or haven’t been well, fatigue can show up under the eyes. Sleep deprivation sometimes leads to dehydration and poor circulation, making the thin under-eye skin duller and allows blood vessels beneath to show.

Lack of sleep also causes fluid accumulation for some people, which translates to temporarily puffy eyes.

Age

As we age, the natural hydration and skin elasticity we enjoyed in our youth begin to fade. Undereye skin loses collagen that previously maintained a plump, firm appearance.

Simultaneously, structures that held back fat pads can loosen and allow bulging, causing eye bags to appear. For many people, this facial characteristic is hereditary, so if your biological parents have eyebags, you may expect yours to show up sooner or later too.

Ethnicity and Skin Tone

Some people are naturally prone to darker skin pigment surrounding their eyes. When this is the case, it may appear at a young age. Overexposure to the sun may also contribute to excess melanin in the area that surrounds the eyes.

Makeup concealers are designed to brighten and cover dark circles underneath. Still, there are high-quality skincare products and non-surgical treatments for this issue available at leading cosmetic clinics.

Dehydration

When your fluids are depleted, you might find your eyes appear sunken or hollowed. This casts shadows around the eyes and can make the skin appear darker.

Health Factors

There are medical and nutritional causes for eye puffiness, redness, or dark circles. These include thyroid disease, water retention, allergies, and more. Dr. Sajjadian will discuss these factors with you if the changes you notice are sudden or unexplained.

Treatment for Dark Circles Under the Eyes

A few of the factors mentioned above can be treated with rest, nutritional support, or even elevating the head of your bed. Cosmeceutical-grade skincare products will also be essential for your skincare routine as you age.

Suppose your eyes appear tired or darkened due to puffy, under-eye bags. In that case, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may be the solution you need.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Through a relatively minor cosmetic surgery, small incisions just under the lower lash line or on the inner eyelid allow Dr. Sajjadian to remove or reposition fat pads for smoother contours. When necessary, a small amount of excess skin can be cut away.

A lower eyelid lift results in a more youthful, firm undereye area that no longer casts shadows and doesn’t appear dark or tired in the mirror.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Many patients look to combine an upper blepharoplasty with lower eyelid surgery for optimal results. Upper eyelid surgery involves removing overhanging skin and tissue from the upper lids to clear vision obstruction and deliver young-looking, more alert eyes.

After the upper eyelid tissues and skin are removed, a neat suture is used to close the incisions. Recovery is relatively quick. Blepharoplasty incisions heal remarkably well in most cases, leaving no apparent traces of surgery but a dramatically brightening of the eyes.

Filler Placement

The best under–eye dermal fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid, which is found in the skin naturally. Hyaluronic acid provides a dramatic anti-aging effect when positioned into the hollow areas under the eyes at the tear troughs.

The effects typically last six to nine months after a single treatment, with some dermal fillers lasting longer. Dermal fillers like Restylane® and Juvéderm® for dark circle correction are a safe and effective way to improve the under-eye area’s appearance.

By injecting a dermal filler into the under-eye area, you can correct any dark shadowing that may appear. Dermal fillers are an excellent, no-downtime option for patients not ready for surgery.

IPL

Although an IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment also uses light to revitalize the skin and remove dark under-eye circles, it’s not the same as a laser treatment. Laser skin resurfacing reduces pigmentation and thickens the skin, whereas an IPL treatment is a better option for people with tiny blood vessels close to the skin’s surface, causing dark circles.

Skin Care Treatment of Darker Skin

Other non-surgical treatments Dr. Sajjadian can employ are chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing. These are cost-effective and produce outstanding results, especially for those dark shadows under the eyes.

Schedule A Consultation with Dr. Sajjadian To Discuss Eyelid Surgery

If you’d like to discuss solutions for tired eyes, Dr. Sajjadian would like you to schedule a personalized consultation. Contact our Newport Beach, CA surgical center at (949)-515-0550 today. Also, be sure to visit Dr. Sajjadian’s photo gallery to see his actual patients’ results.