How Fillers Eliminate Dark Under Eye Circles
By: Dr. Corey Hartman, Skin Wellness Dermatology
In the 21st century, our relationship with good sleeping habits is (shall we say?) tenuous at best. These days, it can feel nearly impossible to enjoy 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep without the digital distractions and anxiety of modern life. We’re expected to handle our hectic routines with grace and style, and all while looking good enough to snap the necessary daily selfie.
Try though we might to have it all, the bags beneath our eyes tell a different story. Fatigue and lack of sleep combined with the natural effects of aging to make us look downright exhausted—even when we’re full of pep.
For a majority of us, dark circles and bags beneath the eyes are practically guaranteed. The problem is so common that home remedies and supposed “miracle creams” abound to treat it. But unlike cucumber slices and pricey lotions, one minimally-invasive procedure is making waves in the cosmetic world. Long trusted for fine lines, full cheeks, smooth brows, and pouty lips, fillers are enjoying a renaissance as a longer-lasting way to treat the stubborn bags beneath our eyes.
Where do eye bags come from?
Bags develop beneath our eyes because we’re not sleeping well, right? Well, that’s half the story anyway. Contrary to the cause and effect relationship between poor sleep and eye bags that so many of us believe, it is possible to develop dark circles despite your average quality of sleep.
Numerous other factors can contribute to the development and severity of dark circles, including:
- Eyestrain
- Dehydration
- Sun exposure
- Age
- Allergies
- Genetic dispositions (periorbital hyperpigmentation)
One or more of these factors can put you at an increased risk of developing stubborn bags or dark circles around your eyes. No matter the cause or combination of causes, the effect remains the same: we look tired, worn out, and older than we feel. To put it another way, getting better sleep may not be a cure-all. But there is another effective, quick, and affordable solution.
How can fillers help?
Sleep deprivation, and even oversleeping, can cause fluid to build beneath the eyes, contributing to that puffy appearance. And as we age, our skin naturally produces less collagen, which keeps our skin taut and youthful. Eye strain causes swelling while dehydration dulls and sinks the skin.
As necessary as proper rest is to our overall health, when dealing with fluid build-up, a natural decrease in collagen, swelling, and sunken skin, catching a few more Zs at night may not be enough to undo the damage. This is where fillers come in.
Popular fillers (such as Restylane and Juvéderm) are already in high-demand for their remarkable results in treating fine lines, scars, and sunken cheeks. These fillers rely on hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring acid already found in our joints and connective tissues.
Hyaluronic acid serves as a kind of nutrient network. When used beneath the eyes, these fillers add volume to tissues and facial structures and help to hydrate the skin, contributing to a supple, youthful look. While many products on the market today claim to tackle one or two of the contributing factors that lead to dark circles and bags, hyaluronic acid fillers can treat them all.
The Procedure
During your consultation, you’ll be asked several important questions about the nature and possible causes of your dark circles or eye bags. This consultation will help to determine if you’re a likely candidate for the filler procedure.
The procedure itself requires only 5-20 minutes of your time at most. It begins by marking the injection sites beneath your eyes, followed by topical numbing cream and the injections themselves. After smoothing the filler into place, you’re ready to go! Most patients report, at most, a slight pinching sensation or mild discomfort at the proximity of the needle in relation to the eyes.
Recovery time is minimal, with most short-lived side effects such as bruising or swelling disappearing within days. Additional appointments may be required for the best results. Still, with a quick procedure, limited recovery window, and virtually no discomfort, any follow-up appointments should be as easy (if not easier) than the first!
Results
When speaking of hyaluronic acid filler injections specifically, patients can typically expect to enjoy smoother, shapely skin beneath and around the eyes for upwards of one year. That’s 12 whole months of looking well-rested, refreshed, and youthful all from a few 5-20 minute appointments!
Compared to expensive creams or time-consuming spa treatments, filler appointments require less time, upkeep, and (ultimately) expense. Other filler options may be more suitable depending on your desired results, but hyaluronic acid injections are all the rage for obvious reasons!
Learn more about filler injections from Skin Wellness Dermatology!
At Skin Wellness Dermatology of Alabama, we pride ourselves on cultivating a caring and trusting relationship with our patients. The suitability of each procedure is determined on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the recommended procedure produces the best results for you. If you’re tired of looking tired, there’s a simple filler solution to meet your needs! For more information on how a hyaluronic acid filler (or other fillers) can be used to treat your eye bags and dark circles, call us today at 205-871-7332.