Dark circles and hydration: a real link?

Why do dark circles appear?

Dark circles are a variation in the colour of the skin under the eyes. Often a source of self-consciousness, they are the result of skin dehydration. Many factors can cause this. The first is skin ageing, which gradually removes the fat between the skin of the lower eyelid and the orbital bone. The eyes then appear “skeletonised” as the eyelids hollow out.

Several types of dark circle can be distinguished:

• Hollow dark circles. These are the first consequence of skin dehydration. They form a valley running from the root of the nose to the cheekbone, creating shadows under the eyes.
• Dark circles. Brown or bluish, these are the result of poor blood circulation. This accumulation becomes increasingly visible as the skin thins and dehydrates. Several factors can cause dark circles to appear, including poor lifestyle habits and lack of sleep. A hereditary component often plays an important part.
• Under-eye bags. These are linked to an accumulation of water in the lower eyelid. With age, the loss of facial volume causes the lower eyelids to sag, giving a puffy appearance that accentuates dark circles.

What is the cosmetic surgery solution for dark circles?

The best solution for hollow dark circles is to inject fat into the lower eyelids to counter this dehydration. This surgical technique is called lipofilling or micro-lipostructure. It involves transferring autologous fat, taken from the patient, which is harvested from the inner knees with a fine cannula. Once harvested, the fat is rinsed and centrifuged.
The eyelids are then injected in the same way as with hyaluronic acid. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. This highly effective graft gives a natural, long-lasting result.

For coloured dark circles, Dr Hayot offers nano-lipostructure, or nano fat grafting. This procedure is similar to micro-lipostructure, as it also involves a fat graft. However, the fat taken from the patient is processed to extract stem cells and various growth factors. The resulting substance has a particular property: it regenerates the dermis by stimulating neocollagenesis, the production of collagen by the skin.

The skin of the eyelids gradually regains volume and becomes better vascularised. Blood circulation improves and the dark circles disappear. This surgical technique is one of the techniques able to mask coloured dark circles. The results are equally long-lasting.

Moisturising the skin to prevent dark circles from returning

Lipofilling is intended to ensure optimal results. Here are nonetheless a few tips to prevent dark circles from appearing, even after surgery:

A healthy lifestyle is extremely important for healthy skin. If your skin is not properly moisturised, your eyelids bear the brunt. Avoid excessive consumption of salty foods and alcohol. These not only dehydrate you but also damage the lymphatic system, which encourages dark circles.

Enough sleep, between 7 and 8 hours, is necessary for healthy skin. Lastly, remember to moisturise regularly by drinking water and applying moisturising skincare products.