As if lines and wrinkles were not enough, the eyes can also exhibit other bothersome signs of aging like dark circles and puffy skin. Even for those nowhere near a mid-life crisis, you might notice that those pesky eye bags continue looking more prominent each year, and that the discoloration under the eyes is making you look older or more tired than you really are. Fortunately, Dr. Barrett offers a variety of under-eye dark circle correction techniques to refresh the eyes and rejuvenate the appearance overall.
Why do I Have Dark Circles?
There are numerous culprits that could be contributing to your dark circles:
- Heredity
- Allergies and hay fever
- Sleep deprivation
- Dermatitis (eczema)
- Eye strain
- Dehydration
Another age-related cause of dark circles is thinning skin underneath the eyes due to collagen loss. Collagen is a protein in the skin that supports the dermal structure and gives skin its smooth supple appearance. Collagen levels in the body begin to decrease as early as the mid-20s and continue their onward decline throughout life. As the delicate skin under the eyes is often the first to show changes, the skin becomes thinner and allows the blood vessels in the area to become more prominent.
What is Correction for Under the Eyes?
Because the eyes are the focal point of the face, aesthetic issues surrounding the lids and skin can significantly detract from your overall appearance. Correction under the eyes aims to reduce the appearance of dark circles, including any accompanying aging signs like fine lines or puffiness. Dr. Barrett is exceptionally skilled in using both dermal fillers and skin rejuvenation treatments to achieve a refreshed look without affecting your ability to make natural facial expressions. Because he offers multiple options, he is equipped to tailor your treatment to your precise needs for the best possible results.
Is Under-Eye Dark Circle Correction Right for You?
Correction of the under-eye area may be the right choice for you if you are bothered with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Persistent discoloration under the eyes, even when you have had a full night of rest
- Thinning skin that allows the underlying blood vessels to show through
- Skin hyperpigmentation that has led to chronic darkening under the eyes
- Prominent fat deposits (bags under eyes) that give you a puffy appearance
- Facial hollowing or volume loss around the lower eyelid or cheekbones
Benefits of Correcting the Area Under the Eyes
Your primary goal in under-eye dark circle correction may be to eliminate the discoloration under the eyes but the benefits of the procedure may be more far-reaching. Patients that undergo one of these treatments might also find:
- Skin is clearer and brighter
- Other blemishes, such as fine lines, are also reduced
- The skin feels firmer and smoother in the treatment area
- Your appearance is refreshed overall by rejuvenating the eyes
- Improvements will likely last for many months
Options in Under-Eye Dark Circle Correction
Dark circles under the eyes can be resolved through a combination of specialized dermal fillers and skin lightening procedures, tailored to your unique needs and aesthetic goals. Through an in-person, comprehensive examination with Dr. Barrett, he can recommend the ideal combination of treatments to achieve an optimal outcome for you. Choices might include:
Dermal Fillers
Injectable dermal fillers are one of Dr. Barrett’s most popular options for rejuvenating the tear trough area under the eyes. The procedure is minimally invasive, involves almost no discomfort and does not require any downtime afterward. It is a cost-effective way to enhance the appearance with results that last many months. Smooth formulations like Restylane offer just the right amount of subtle volume to diminish discoloration and restore youthful fullness underneath the eyes. Precision is critical during this treatment to ensure a natural result, so working with an experienced injector like Dr. Barrett is essential for an optimal outcome.
Microneedling
Since dark circles can often be attributed to collagen loss in the dermal structure, treatments like microneedling can be helpful because they restore collagen levels to reverse the signs of aging on the skin. Also known as collagen induction therapy, this device creates micro-channels in the skin to trick your dermis into producing more collagen and stimulating cell renewal in the area. Positive results appear gradually and look completely natural. Results of a microneedling treatment can be long-lasting. Dr. Barrett performs the treatment using a topical numbing cream and you won’t have to schedule any downtime after your procedure.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
This laser treatment is a safe, non-invasive procedure that helps rebuild the dermal structure and rejuvenate the skin. The fractional technology works in a similar fashion to microneedling, creating micro-channels in the skin that trigger the body to produce more collagen. Unlike ablative laser treatments, this device is designed to target small areas of skin, leaving surrounding dermis and tissue untouched for rapid healing. There is little or no downtime after CO2 laser resurfacing and the procedure can be precisely adjusted to accommodate the exact amount of correction you require.
Procedure Overview
All these procedures can be performed right in our office. If comfort is a concern, topical numbing cream will be applied before the treatment begins. Dr. Barrett has extensive experience with each of these techniques, so you can rest assured your procedure will be safe and effective. In most cases, your appointment will last less than one hour. However, if you need numbing first, you will need to add on about 20 minutes to your session to give the medication time to take effect.
Dr. Barrett and his team do everything possible to ensure your treatment is comfortable and positive. You will be well-cared for by the staff and Dr. Barrett will take the time to answer your questions and produce the best experience for you.
After Your Correction Treatment
There is little or no downtime after any of these procedures. Within the first few days, you will likely notice your skin is softer, smoother, brighter and more evenly toned. The improvement will become magnified over the next three to six months as your skin starts to create additional collagen to support the new skin growth. Some patients may require a series of appointments to achieve an optimal outcome at first. Results should last for many months after your improvements become apparent. To prolong your enhancements indefinitely, you can schedule regular treatment sessions at our office.
Refresh Your Eyes, Rejuvenate Your Look
Your eyes are your best feature, so treat them well. With under-eye dark circle correction, you can quickly and easily refresh your eyes and your entire appearance. To learn more about your treatment options, contact Barrett Plastic Surgery today at 310-598-2648.
The information about under eye dark circle correction was reviewed by Dr. Daniel Barrett. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.