Dark circles: definitions and generalities

A ring: what is it?

The epidermis is up to 4 times thinner under the eyes than on the rest of the body, which is why dark circles often appear in this area. They can also be the result of other factors: poor tissue drainage, the consequences of aging, heredity, unusual stress, fatigue, genetics or poor lifestyle habits.

Not one dark circle, but many different types

There are different types of dark circles. Some patients experience hollow dark circles that form a furrow in the lower eyelid. Others will have baggy dark circles that make them look voluminous. These are the result of an accumulation of water and fat under the eyes. Finally, some people will have colored dark circles, i.e. a furrow in the lower eyelid that is also bluish, purplish or slightly brownish in color.
Whatever their nature, dark circles always bring the same discomfort and complexes for the patient, namely an overly tired look.

How to reduce dark circles?

Fortunately, it is possible to reduce the appearance of dark circles, or even get rid of them for good.

Natural techniques

First of all, you can opt for natural techniques by adopting the right gestures to combat dark circles: remove your make-up thoroughly every evening, apply a quality “eye contour” treatment and gently massage the area to optimize the effectiveness of your treatment. There are also many old-fashioned remedies (chamomile, green tea, spoon, ice cubes, lemon…), as long as we can’t give you a detailed list!

Aesthetic techniques

The most effective techniques are still surgical. Dr Hayot, who specializes in eye surgery and the treatment of dark circles, generally recommends the following procedures:

• The microlipostructure of the hollow ring
• Nano-lipofilling for dark circles

As you will have gathered, the first operation is designed to eliminate hollow circles and reduce the “tired” appearance of the eyes. The volumes that have melted away are then restored via a transfer of fat from the patient himself. After liposuction, preferably in the abdomen or inside the knees, the fat is processed (rinsed, cleaned, defibrosed), then reinjected into the dark circles using a microcannula.

Note that when bags under the eyes are associated with hollow circles, Dr Hayot can propose, in addition to micro-lipostructure of the circles, transconjunctival removal of the bags using laser scalpel.

For dark circles, the only effective technique is nano-lipofilling. This highly specific procedure involves coating the dark circles with stem cells and growth factors extracted from the patient’s own fat. Within a few weeks, the dermis thickens and the transparent effect disappears.

Other aesthetic medical treatments include laser, hyaluronic acid injections, peels and fractional radiofrequency. Their results, however, are far less visible and long-lasting than those of surgery. They can even worsen the initial state of the dark circles if they are poorly performed.

A specialist in the treatment of dark circles and eye surgery, Dr. Hayot welcomes you for a consultation in his Parisian practice. Please do not hesitate to contact him.