One of the most common questions our Nashville plastic surgery aesthetician is asked is how to get rid of dark under eye circles. This is something that plagues women daily as we stand in front of the mirror applying cover up before we are ready face the world. We’re told to get more sleep, to use a special or more expensive concealer, and spend hundreds on eye creams. But what really works?
First, we need to understand what causes dark under eye circles. There are a few different ways that these circles can present themselves, and each presentation can help to determine the best course of action.
NON SURGICAL EYELID REJUVENATION
The blood vessels underneath the eyes are very close to the skin. Couple this with the fact that the skin under the eyes is thinner than other parts of the face, and you’ve got a recipe for dark circles. When the blood pools in these vessels, you will see the dark circles- and if you’re anything like most other patients, you have a hard time covering them up. Allergies can also cause these vessels to become congested and enlarged, and sun exposure can boost melanin production making dark circles more apparent. To cover up, you will want to find an eye product that is anti-inflammatory and rich in ingredients which treat colored blood pigments responsible for the visible darkness (try Youthifeye, $95). We recommend using the Clarisonic Opal Infuser to help reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles while maximizing the absorption of eye serums and wrinkle-reducing creams in a way that’s not possible with your finger alone.
EYELID LIFT SURGERY
Another major culprit of under eye darkness is the fat pads underneath the eyes. When this fat bulges out, this can cast shadows and lead to under eye “bags” and circles. Over time, the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the eyelids weaken and become separated, allowing the fat pads to shift out of place and cause the appearance of aging. A lower blepharoplasty (or lower eyelid lift) repositions the fat and skin while tightening the muscles providing support.