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Dark Under Eye Circles & Their Treatment
Introduction:
Dark Circles 101
They can make us look tired, skeletal, unhealthy, haggard, or
worse. What are they and why are they there? What can you do
to get rid of them? We are going to cover the many reasons dark
circles appear and help you find solutions which suit your
needs. Sometimes there are simple reasons such as iron
deficiency, lack of sleep and hyperpigmentation. Although this
accounts only for the darkness not the sunken look. Sometimes
dark circles may also be enhanced because of a sunken sub-orbicularis
oculi area. Dark circles don't have to be bother you forever --
there are procedures to subdue this if not correct it entirely.
What
Causes Dark or Sunken Under Eye Circles?
There can be one
or several reasons together which may contribute to a darkened
or sunken look.
- lack of sleep
- iron or other vitamin deficiencies
- sickness
- hyperpigmentation
- "excessive" vascularization (due to
medications such as Retin A)
- visible blood vessels due to fast loss,
thin, aging skin or hereditary thinness or superficial vessels
- fat loss in general which causes a
sunken look
Are You
a Candidate for Dark or Sunken Under Eye Circles Removal?
This entirely
depends upon the problem at hand. Some you very well may be
able to handle, some you may not be a candidate for. The first
step is consulting with a qualified surgeon or dermatologist to
determine the cause and then go over your options for a
solution. For instance, you may be a candidate for hydroquinone
use in hyperpigmentations but not laser resurfacing.
This is really important
as not all skin types and individuals will be a candidate for
every technique or treatment. This largely depends upon your
skin type, wound type response and the presence of ethnicity in
your family history (keloids and hypo- or hyperpigmentations can
form in darker skinned individuals).
Regardless, and especially
for surgical applications -- an individual must be in good
health, not have any active diseases or pre-existing medical
conditions and must have realistic expectations of the outcome
of your treatment. Communication is crucial in reaching one's
goals. You must be able to voice your desires to your physician
if he/she is to understand what your desired results are.
Discuss your goals with your physician so that you may reach an
understanding with what can realistically be achieved.
You must be mentally and
emotionally stable to undergo an cosmetic procedure or
treatment. Some of these treatments will require patience and
stability in dealing with the healing period. There is
sometimes a lull or depression after surgery or during prolonged
treatments and if there is already a pre-existing emotional
problem, this low period can develop into a more serious issue.
Please consider this before committing to a procedure.
If the above describes you and you have the desire to rid yourself of
dark undereye circles or sunken undereye areas, you may be a
good candidate for these treatments.
Your Options
and Their Indications
Let's go over the causes again and list the possible options.
Remember not all options will be suitable for all individuals.
Only a trained and qualified physician can help you determine
the best course of treatment. It is also smart to have several
separate opinions.
- lack of, or too much sleep:
increase or decrease your sleep time to see what works best
for you.
- iron or other vitamin deficiencies:
See your general practitioner or ask about a multi vitamin.
Different individuals can be deficient in different vitamins
such as iron -- our bodies are all different. Individuals
with anemia may notice a darkened hue under the eyes,
- sickness: usually this will
subside after you are well. Be sure to get plenty of rest and
eat a balanced diet without too many refined carbohydrates and
sugars.
- hyperpigmentation: often seen in
ethnic persons such as persons of Indian descent.
Hydroquinone is a good option as it can lighten the skin
if that is the problem.
Hydroquinone or Kojic acid is often used in ethnic and
Caucasian patients to lighten the skin before laser
treatments, peels, etc. The lack of melanin visible in the
skin before a laser procedure can greatly decrease the chances
of postoperative hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentations can
also be lessened or removed by using various
lasers or even
intense pulsed light.
chemical
peels may also help as well.
- "excessive" vascularization (due to
medications such as Retin A): many times when this is the
case superficial vessels can be removed or zapped using
various
lasers or even
intense pulsed light. You do not want to destroy all the
vessels in the eye area. I have this and am getting them
zapped as soon as I get to LA to see my facial doc.
- visible blood vessels due to fast
loss, thin, aging skin or hereditary thinness:
for deeper visible vascularity,
fat
grafting works very well. The facial fat loss we
experience due to aging can significantly "unearth" the highly
vascular area of the eye. The blood vessels are more visible
when this happens creating a darker look.
- fat loss in general which causes a
sunken or hollow look: The facial fat loss we experience
due to aging can significantly increase the sunken look as
well as unearth the highly vascular area of the eye. This can
also be remedied with
fat
grafting or some
injectable fillers. I have this too -- joy. It honestly
got worse within a year after my rhinoplasty. I am getting fat
grafting hopefully this summer or something.
What to Expect
at Your Consultation
After
checking a few surgeons' or physician's (dermatologists as well)
backgrounds and credentials, you will make an appointment for a
consultation. You will meet with these surgeons and discuss
your goals and you will disclose all information regarding your
health; if you smoke, what medications or vitamins you presently
take, etc. -- this is very important. You really
should consider smoking cessation as this can significantly
decrease healing in more invasive procedures.
Visit the
Medication & Supplements List for more information.
You will discuss your
complaints and concerns and discuss the problems or complaints,
the amount that can be improved, etc. Your doctor will explain
the techniques or treatments which may be most appropriate for
you. He or she should discuss the risks associated with
the specific treatment types with you, as well.
You will also
discuss the available anesthesia that will be used for your
procedure if applicable. Most non-invasive procedures require
either either no anesthesia or light, topical anesthesia. More
invasive procedures, such as fat grafting, are performed under
either Light Sleep Sedation, Twilight or regional -- sometimes
even local with oral sedation. However, some docs may use
General IV Sedation. Either way, discuss this beforehand as
many people are not aware of the risks of Anesthesia. If you do
go under Deep General, ascertain that the anesthesiologist is
certified.
Please read the All About Anesthesia Page -- the risks
regarding anesthesia should be considered for a fully informed
choice.
If you would
like more information on Consultations or a list of questions to
ask your surgeon please visit the
Consultation Help Page. If you should choose to book or
reserve a surgery date (if applicable) you will usually give a
deposit to hold your surgery date. Most times if you cancel a
few days beforehand, this amount is usually non-refundable.
After paying your deposit and scheduling a surgery date, you
will also schedule a pre-operative appointment...
Your Preoperative
Appointment
This appointment
addresses more questions you may not have thought to ask at the
initial consultation, such as more surgical or treatment
details, concerns and even ascertaining that your surgeon is
aware of what you desire from your procedure. However this is
usually reserved for surgical procedures , such as fat grafting
-- or anything requiring more preparation. Just as your surgeon
will make certain that you know what it realistically possible
from this procedure.
You will also
discuss your pre-operative instructions and speak about the
recovery period instructions and what to expect in the months
ahead. You will be given prescriptions for antibiotics, pain
relievers, perhaps blood pressure medicines, prescription
anti-inflammatory drugs and perhaps a box of Arnica montana.
Would like to know more on the benefits of
Arnica
montana? Perhaps you will be instructed to obtain
Bromelain
or other types of remedies, although many surgeons would rather
have you not take ANYTHING other than your prescription
medications, please do not go against your surgeon's wishes.
Remember, always ask your doctor before taking any of these
products.
Please do not
hesitate to address any concerns that you may have during this
time and even after your pre-operative appointment. If you
remember something when you get home or the next day or even the
day of surgery - don't be afraid to ask.
Preparing for Your
Treatment
You should be
given a pre-operative information packet that explains
everything you should do and know before your surgery date. The
packet should include a list of all the medications you should
not take starting usually at 2 weeks before your
surgery. These medications will include, but are not limited
to, aspirin containing products, stimulants, seratonin
supplements, etc. Would you like to view a typical
Medication & Supplements List? We have a
printer-friendly version as well. Also, if your surgeon
advised that you may take Arnica montana, Bromelain, Vitamin K,
etc. for swelling and bruising you should either have this in
your packet or begin shopping for your necessities.
It is quite possible
that you will have preliminary blood work performed. This is
normally an extra out-of-pocket expense that the patient must
participate in to check your white and red blood cell count (CBC,
complete blood count) which can ultimately alert your doctor to
disease or disorders beforehand. If you are a female they may
take an extra vial for a pregnancy test. Some surgeons ask that
you have physical. This can be yet another out of pocket
expense so ask at your consultation what will be needed when you
are quoted a price.
So many things to do... so
little time. Surgery will be here before you know it so visit
the
Preparing For Surgery page and relax. This section
contains, printer-friendly pre-op lists, tips and advice as well
as things you must do to prepare for your big day.
How These
Treatments Are Performed
This section
largely depends upon the type of treatment sought.
- hyperpigmentation: Please see
our
Hyperpigmentation section for more information on this
treatment.
- visible superficial blood
vessels: Please see our
Lasers Treatment or
Intense Pulsed Light sections for more information on
these treatments.
- visible blood vessels due to fast
loss: Please see our
Fat
Grafting section for more information on this treatment.
- sunken or "hollow-eyed" look:
Again, see our
Fat
Grafting section for more information on this treatment.
The Road
to Recovery
This section
largely depends upon the type of treatment sought, as well, due
to the various treatments available. Some may be only a period
of peeling and redness, some more like a burn, some treatments
may involve significant swelling. Please see the above sections
and read its respective recovery information section in its
entirety.
Risks & Complications of
Dark or Sunken Under Eye Circle Treatments
Although this
section also depends upon the treatment - risks can be anywhere
from permanent hypo- or hyperpigmentation to infection. Please
read the respective Risks & Complication Sections for the
appropriate treatment for your own individual needs.
- hyperpigmentation: Please see
our
Hyperpigmentation section for associated risks and
complications.
- visible superficial blood
vessels: Please see our
Laser
Treatment or
Intense Pulsed Light sections for associated risks and
complications.
- visible blood vessels due to fast
loss: Please see our
Fat
Grafting section for associated risks and complications.
Fat Grafting is very effective, but is not without its risks.
- sunken or "hollow-eyed" look:
Again, see our
Fat
Grafting section for associated risks and complications.
The Average Price of Dark or
Sunken Under Eye Circle Treatment
The average prices for dark under eye circle treatment varies
significantly with the technique used, region and surgeon.
Average prices for this procedure is $15. - $4,000.US and
depends upon the type of treatment needed. With procedures
performed in a hospital or under General (where applicable) with
a certified anesthesiologist -- prices are usually be higher.
References
Yale Medical Core Curriculum
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary
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