What are the different types of dark circles?

There are two main types of dark circles:

• Hollow circles. These dark circles are the consequence of skin aging. As fat melts away, skin volume diminishes. Also, the skin of the lower eyelids is very thin. Collagen loss leads to the appearance of an under-eye cavity, as the skin is pressed against the orbital bone. Various dermal fillers can be used to fill these dark circles, restoring skin volume.
• Dark or colored circles. They are also linked to the dehydration of the eyelids, whose skin becomes more transparent. As a result, blood vessels close to the orbicularis muscle become visible under the eyelids, which are then marked by a dark, brown or even red color. No dermal filler can effectively treat this imperfection. Only nano-lipofilling is effective in this case.

How is hyaluronic acid used in aesthetic medicine?

Hyaluronic acid is a macromolecule naturally present in the body. Hydrophilic, it retains water in the skin, ensuring its maintenance and tone. Unfortunately, this component disappears with age. This is when the signs of skin ageing become visible, as the skin becomes hollow and dehydrated. Synthetic acid injections are the answer to this problem, thanks to hyaluronic acid’s two virtues:

• A volumizing virtue. Highly cross-linked (thicker) hyaluronic acid is used to fill in wrinkles and fine lines, erasing hollows in the skin.
• A trophic virtue. Poorly cross-linked acid (more liquid) deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin. The skin is stimulated. It produces new collagen and regenerates itself.

What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid injections for dark circles?

Hyaluronic acid injections offer a number of advantages. Thanks to its volumizing effect, hyaluronic acid can effectively fill in dark circles. Injections are also minimally invasive. Hyaluronic acid is completely biocompatible and hypoallergenic.

After injection, it is naturally absorbed by the body, which gradually eliminates it. The results are theoretically temporary, which may be useful for any patient reluctant to undergo surgery.

What are the disadvantages of hyaluronic acid injections for dark circles?

Hyaluronic acid is a flagship product in aesthetic medicine. Unfortunately, it is not always ideal for treating dark circles. With over 20 years’ experience, Dr. Hayot has observed a number of drawbacks to hyaluronic acid injections for dark circles.

First of all, this product evolves very poorly in the eyelids. It is very difficult to evacuate from this area of the skin, and sometimes remains for several years after injections. It is therefore necessary to use hyaluronidase to get rid of it.

Finally, the acid is visible through the skin. Because of the Tyndall effect, hyaluronic acid has a bluish appearance visible through the eyelids, whose skin is very thin. The results are therefore unsightly and rarely satisfactory. Consequently, Dr. Hayot does not recommend this treatment for dark circles.

Hyaluronic acid injections are therefore recommended for dark circles in only a few cases, particularly if you are waiting for a lipostructure procedure.