People love to talk about lasers and technology, and while lasers are very valuable in many medical procedures, they have a limited place in cosmetic procedures. Lasers have been touted as a great way to improve skin texture, scars, and even problems like dark circles under the eyes which are actually caused by the skin optics of the lower eyelid. In actuality, lasers once seemed like a promising technology that failed to deliver on so many promises when it comes to cosmetic treatment.
There are many potentially disfiguring side effects with laser skin treatments. For example, CO2 laser resurfacing can cause textural abnormalities and injure the skin’s melanocytes, which causes unsightly hypopigmentation. Still other methods like fractional laser treatments have such a mild effect that you may or may not even notice a difference. Furthermore, since laser equipment is so expensive, you end up bearing the high cost as the consumer even when a less expensive treatment may be more effective. We do not mean to completely devalue lasers; it is of course reasonable and fair that the treatment recipient bears the cost of the medical equipment and procedure, and there are in fact some delicate and truly impressive surgeries that are best done with a laser. However, when it comes to cosmetic procedures and facial skin treatments, lasers are often not the best choice.
What is the best treatment to improve my dark circles?
Let’s rephrase the original question and consider how to find a more appropriate treatment solution. Some better questions to ask are, what is causing my dark circles, and what is the best cosmetic treatment to improve them? This way you allow your physician to diagnose you and help you develop the best treatment plan for your needs, rather than assuming that you already know what will work. Just as it is a common misconception that lasers are the best method for treating facial skin problems, it is also a misconception that the dark circles or under eye hollows are a problem with skin pigmentation.
In most cases, the dark circles under the eyes that we observe are actually caused by a tissue deficiency. There is too little subcutaneous (meaning “under the skin”) fat in the under-eye region, which is frequently caused by a descent of the malar fat pad, or soft cheek tissue, over time. This deficiency creates an optical problem because light hitting the skin is absorbed by the dark red muscle beneath it, rather than a youthful layer of fat. The tear trough skin here may be too thin also, compounding the problem, but this is not a skin problem you’ll want to “correct” with lasers. The skin here is very delicate and fragile, and artificially changing its texture through lasers and scarring will not make for a good look. The key is to address the underlying problem by correcting the subcutaneous deficiency.
The most effective treatments for improving under eye circles depend on the individual, but usually the safe, reliable, and recommended solutions that work best are either a midface lift or undereye Restylane. The midface lift addresses severe structural concerns and returns sagging tissue to its natural, youthful position, successfully treating the under eye bags and restoring balance to the face. Restylane under the eyes is a facial filler that corrects the tissue deficiency, and it’s a great option for those with a less pronounced problem or who may not be ready for surgery for personal reasons. The Restylane filler allows the skin associated with the dark circle to drape differently and this greatly improves how light interacts with the lower eyelid lessening the appearance of the dark circle.
How can Dr. Steinsapir help?
Dark under eye circles are one of the most common concerns that Dr. Steinsapir treats. His practice is one of just a few in the world that makes the treatment of under eye hollows a major focus of specialization. Dr. Steinsapir pioneered the midface lift with a hand-carved orbital rim implant, and he also invented the patent-pending treatment method Deepfill Restylane, both of which are impressive and respected solutions for correcting under eye deficiencies. As a leading expert in cosmetic procedures to address the undereye hollow. He is a noted lecturer and writer on this subject. He believes in developing an individualized treatment plan for each individual based on minimally invasive methods with safe and proven results. Please contact us today to find out how Dr. Steinsapir can correct underlying problems and help you restore your vibrant, youthful appearance.










