Dark circles and puffiness under the eyes are common complaints. This nuisance affects the young and old, men and women and all ethnicities. Many have been told that they look tired or sick. When they look in the mirror, they often see the dark circles. In most cases, lack of sleep or allergies causes dark circles, making them more of a cosmetic concern, not a medical problem.
Allergies – It is common for allergies to cause under-eye and sinus swelling and congestion of the blood vessels in the lower lids.
Fatigue – You can get under-eye bags from lack of sleep. Fatigue will increase the amount of swelling and hollowing seen around the eyes.
Heredity – It is very common for family members to have the same concerns with eye puffiness and dark circles.
Sun Exposure- The skin acts a little like a girdle to the fat and vessels of the lower eyelids. Sun exposure causes collagen loss under the eyes and destroys elastin in the skin, meaning you may experience puffy eyes after being in the sun.
Loss of Facial Volume – as we age, we lose collagen and elastin in our skin, as well as the fat that supports the cheek and the areas below the brim of the eye. This lack of structural support creates baggy lower eyelids and puffy bags on cheekbones.
Veins- Some patients have very large facial veins that run from the lateral edges of the eye under the orbit of the eye, causing vascular eye bags and giving the skin a bluish color.
Allergy Medications – If you feel that you have puffiness in your lower eyelids, it is usually worth a two-week trial of allergy medications. We recommend an over-the-counter oral medication such as Claritin®, Allegra® or Zyrtec® for swollen eyes. Another option is one of the nasal sprays such as Flonase or Nasacort®.
Sleep – If you are burning the candle at both ends, try to get on a better sleep cycle. We recommend at least 7 hours of sleep at night.
Sun Protection – Wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunblock (EltaMD) and sunglasses especially in the summer, to avoid puffy or swollen eyes from sun exposure.
BBL – The BBL can help eliminate pigmented dark circles and small vessels of the lower lid.
Vascular Lasers – the Cutera 1064nm laser can treat veins of the lower lids.
Lasers – Profractional lasers such as the DeepFX or ActiveFX can benefit the lower lids but require multiple treatments. The ablative lasers, such as the Sciton Erbium and the Lumenis CO2 laser, give the best results. The lasers will tighten the skin under the eyes so that the skin will act like a girdle holding the fat and tissue in.
Dermal Fillers – Many fillers can be used to build up the orbital rim and the tear trough. The only fillers that should be injected into the tear troughs are Restylane® or Bellafill® Dermal Filler. The other fillers, such as JUVEDERM® Ultra Plus and Voluma, are better suited for adding volume to the cheek area.
Surgery – Some patients have significant puffiness and excess skin. These individuals will require surgical removal of fat, and some will require the removal of fat and skin.
Whether you have dark circles from allergies, swollen eyes from lack of sleep, or vascular eye bags, the team at Lazaderm® offers effective treatment for you. Explore our various face treatment options or contact our team to determine which procedure is right for you. Revitalize your skin and welcome a whole new you with Lazaderm® today!
