SkinCare Physicians Doctors

Tired of looking tired? Treat the dark circles under your eyes

Published on Mar 27th, 2018 by Karen Kim, MD

Photo of woman with under eye dark circles that make her look tiredPatients often ask about dark circles under the eyes and what they can do to treat them. There are multiple reasons why dark circles appear and our cosmetic dermatologists at SkinCare Physicians have multiple ways to help address them.

Why under eye dark circles appear

As we get older, the skin generally tends to become thinner and loose. This is especially true around the eyes, leading to a tired appearance. The under eye area (also called “tear trough”) can also appear hollow and sunken due to volume loss. Finally, the under eye area can look dark because of enlarged blood vessels. Blue veins around the eyes can become more prominent with age. With thinning overlying skin and collagen, enlarged blood vessels can lend a discoloration to the area.

What you can do about your tired look

Thinning skin around the eyes

Thinning skin around the eyes can be bolstered by applying eye creams containing collagen-stimulating ingredients such as retinol. These topical creams can be helpful long term and should be used early on.

Under eye volume loss

Under eye volume loss that triggers hollowness can be remedied with hyaluronic acid filler injections such as Restylane. Results typically last a year.

Blue veins around the eyes

Blue veins around the eyes can be safely and effectively treated with an Nd:YAG laser. After each session, the treated vein will look smaller and more subtle. No aftercare is necessary. Multiple treatments are typically necessary for best results at 1-2 month intervals.

Lower eyelid skin laxity

Lower eyelid skin laxity can be addressed using Pellevé, a non-invasive tightening procedure. With absolutely no downtime and no discomfort, Pellevé is an excellent option for patients who are beginning to notice changes in the tear trough and who would like to mitigate and postpone these signs of aging. Typically three to four treatments are recommended at monthly intervals.

There are multiple ways to address the under eye area. If you are tired of looking tired and are interested in exploring your options, please come in for a consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic dermatologists. Book an appointment now.

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SkinCare Physicians®

1244 Boylston Street (Route 9)
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467

Learn more about your rights and protections related to the No Surprises Act (HR133).

The dermatologists and other medical professionals at SkinCare Physicians specialize in a wide range of dermatology treatments and services, including laser hair removal, laser skin treatment, hair transplant, eyelid surgery, body contouring, psoriasis, skin cancer, BOTOX® Cosmetic, fillers, and Thermage®. From their offices in Chestnut Hill, they serve Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton and Wellesley.

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.



SkinCare Physicians®
1244 Boylston Street (Route 9)
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467

Phone: (617) 731-1600 Fax: (617) 731-1601

Learn more about your rights and protections related to the No Surprises Act (HR133).

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

The dermatologists and other medical professionals at SkinCare Physicians specialize in a wide range of dermatology treatments and services, including laser hair removal, laser skin treatment, hair transplant, eyelid surgery, body contouring, psoriasis, skin cancer, BOTOX® Cosmetic, fillers, and Thermage®. From their offices in Chestnut Hill, they serve Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton and Wellesley.