The area under the eyes is very delicate. And it is subject to developing dark discoloration, wrinkles, and bulges rather easily, especially with the aging process. Over time, the grooves of the tear trough–the demarcating, circular line that outlines the under eye area–can become deeper and more prominent. Depending on exactly how the skin is behaving, the appearance of said developments can be classified into dark circles, under eye wrinkles, and eyebags. Most people experience one or all of these at some time in their life. Aside from aging, other causal factors are also at play, such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment.
How Do Dark Circles Form?
Dark circles can be present from childhood, in some people. They are bordered by a groove known as the tear trough. In this case, a large part of the cause is genetics. One cannot change his/her facial bone structuring, how deep the blood vessels lay in this area, or the natural melanin production of the under eye skin. Some people have a hollow bone structure, shallow blood vessels, and dark pigment in this area–all of which make dark circles prominent. They can also form due to lack of sleep, intake of dehydrating beverages, excessive sun exposure, and nasal congestion.
How Do Under Eye Wrinkles Form?
Under eye wrinkles can be present in the absence of dark circles. While they are largely caused by aging and genetic predisposition, they can be enhanced by sun damage and cigarette smoking. UV rays can affect oxygen molecules in the skin. They become unstable and damage structures in the skin such as collagen and elastin fibers. The toxins in cigarettes, as well as the squinting reaction that accompanies the exhalation of smoke, also damages collagen fibers and creases the skin. Wrinkles form as a result.
How Do Eyebags Form?
Eyebags are a distinct sign of aging. They are typically defined as a bulging or sagging of skin over the tear trough. A combination of fat shrinkage, fat displacement, the deterioration of connective tissue, and the slowing of collagen production contribute to the formation of eyebags.
Treatment for Dark Circles, Under Eye Wrinkles, and Eyebags
It is possible to reverse the signs of aging beneath the eyes to create a much younger looking appearance. Effective treatment for the tear trough area varies on which cosmetic concern you’re dealing with. For younger people dealing with dark circles, treatment may be as simple as taking an antihistamine to relieve blood vessel inflammation and minimizing sun exposure, along with other appropriate lifestyle changes (e.g. getting enough sleep, staying hydrated) Creams containing the right vitamins may also help, as well as retinol or hydroquinone. However there are more reliable methods of achieving desired results when the problem scales beyond this.
Radiesse
Radiesse offers an excellent way to get rid of dark circles, under eye wrinkles, and eyebags with a procedure called non-surgical blepharoplasty. Structural changes using Radiesse in general have been nicknamed “liquid facelift.” Radiesse is a unique dermal filler made of tiny calcium based particles within a gel. This provides both volume and support in the soft area beneath the eyes. The appearance of lines and creases can rapidly diminish from Radiesse injections.
One of the main advantages of using Radiesse is that it is white and opaque. A clear filler will most likely result in a bruise like color. This is a light phenomenon called the Tyndall effect. However, there is no risk of unwanted discolorations from using Radiesse.
The doctor will inject the Radiesse into each tear trough region and mold the filler to lift any sagging skin, reduce bulges, and lighten dark discoloration. The FDA has approved the use of Lidocaine to numb the area with this treatment. Thus, patients experience little to no pain. The procedure takes less than half an hour and produces minor swelling and/or bruising that can last up to 2 weeks. Results usually last between 9 and 12 months.
Fraxel
Laser therapy is another great way to treat eyebags and under eye wrinkles. The lasers used for this are Fraxel Dual or Fraxel Repair. Both of them use intensely focused light to target specific layers of tissue beneath the skin. This initiates a process that stimulates collagen production, immediately tightening the skin in the treated area.
Downtime with Fraxel Dual is typically 4-7days. Downtime with the Fraxel Repair is typically 2 weeks weeks. Treatment may require only one session or may span a number of sessions, divided into intervals of 6 weeks. A numbing agent and pain medication is administered before each session, which last about 30 minutes.
Radiesse Patient Photos
Here is an example of a patient who received Radiesse to rejuvenate the tear trough area. She was concerned about the dark depressions under her eyes. And she wanted to get rid of the wrinkles. Radiesse did an excellent job at addressing these concerns.
Los Angeles patient before and after her treatment with Radiesse for under eye wrinkles*
Here is another patient who also benefited from having her tear troughs treated with Radiesse:
Patient’s results of using Radiesse for eye hollows*
Radiesse Patient Videos
More information about the experiences of these patients are available in these videos.
Patient Consultations
If you are interested in getting rid of under eye wrinkles, sign up for a complementary consultation at Fine Touch Dermatology located in Redondo Beach. You may fill out our online form, or call our office at (310) 318-1500