What causes dark circles under the eyes and how can you treat them?
When they look in the mirror, many people are frustrated to see tired-looking, aged eyes peering back at them. That’s because when signs of age creep up on the eye area, we may appear older than we are. In fact, dark circles under the eyes can make you look chronically tired even when you feel rested and energized.
The reasons for dark circles, under-eye bags and skin sagging often relate to age, genetics, or environmental damage. The good news is, when your reflection no longer shows your best side, there are treatments to help.
At Restora, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and numerous advanced, non-surgical treatments help turn back the clock and brighten dark eye circles for men and women.
The best place to start is a detailed consultation that helps us understand your concerns and allows us to get to the bottom of your unwanted eye changes.
Below, we’ll outline common causes of dark circles under the eyes and reveal effective options for refreshing your appearance.
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
If you’ve noticed changes around your eyes, you might be dealing with sagging skin, protruding fat pads (undereye bags) or skin hyperpigmentation which creates a shadowed, darker appearance.
Some people are born with hollows, darker skin pigment or puffy eyes, all of which contribute to a tired image. Below are some of the causes of dark eye circles:
Fatigue
Are you tired? Sometimes the explanation for a tired appearance is simple. Fatigue can show up under the eyes as sunken or darkened skin. Poor circulation also leads to thin under-eye skin showing blood vessels below more easily. For those who’ve been unwell or are feeling “run-down,” fluid accumulation and lax skin translate to puffy, exhausted eyes that simply need rest and recovery.
Signs of Age
As we get older, natural hydration factors like hyaluronic acid along with skin elasticity begin to fade. When undereye skin loses elastin and collagen, it appears less firm and plump.
Delicate structures that held fat pads in place may loosen, causing bulging eye bags to appear. This characteristic is hereditary for many, while others develop eye bags as they get older.
Skin Tone
Those with naturally darker skin pigment tend to be prone to hyperpigmentation around the eyes. The appearance of dark circles can be intensified with excess sun exposure. There are treatments and products which can address excess melanin deposits and brighten up the eye area.
Dehydration
You might find that hollows appear under your eyes when your fluids are depleted. The depression in the tissue causes shadows under the eyes which look like dark circles. Sometimes, after weight loss, the conditions persist regardless of hydration. In those cases, dermal filler injections or fat transfers can smooth and revitalize the under eyes.
Health & Nutrition
There are nutritional and medical causes for eye puffiness, dark circles, irritation, and redness. These may include thyroid disease, fluid retention, allergies, or medications. If changes are sudden or unexplained, we’ll recommend you speak with your doctor about your whole health picture.
Dark Circles Under The Eyes- Treatments
Some of the reasons for tired-looking eyes outlined above respond well to rest, hydration, and a healthy lifestyle. However, if your eyes appear sunken, or if you have under-eye bags, filler injections or eyelid surgery could dramatically improve your look.
Blepharoplasty is a relatively minor cosmetic surgery, using small incisions just under the lash line, or inner eyelid. Your facial plastic surgeon will remove or reposition the fat pads for a smooth cheek-to-eye transition.
No more shadows cast by under-eye bulges or sagging. When skin laxity is an issue, a small ellipse of skin can be excised to tighten and tone the surface again. The result is a firm, youthful undereye area that greets you with a rested appearance when you look in the mirror.
When you visit Restora for your personalized consultation, ask about under-eye filler as well. This quick, in-office treatment is a perfect solution for those who qualify. Instantly smooth and remove hollows or indented tear troughs. No more shadows, no more dark circles.
Visit the Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre for custom cosmetic solutions you’ll love. Please call 512.371.8817 or fill out our online form to request a complimentary consultation.
