As we get older, we all have to deal with slightly different problems. For some of us it is wrinkles, for others it might be a less firm midsection. However, one seemingly minor issue that millions of Americans face each year is the dreaded dark circles under your eyes.
Although they are generally not a sign of an underlying condition, they can still make you look tired, old, or just not the way you’re used to looking. There are many home and over-the-counter remedies that can help lighten their appearance on a temporary basis, but many wonder if there is a way to remove them permanently.
What causes dark circles under eyes?
There are a number of different contributors that can lead to dark circles developing under your eyes. Probably the single biggest one is the natural aging process.
Over time, our skin becomes thinner and less elastic, making the blood vessels underneath more visible. This can lead to a darker and less smooth appearance.
In addition to aging, other possible causes for dark circles under your eyes can include:
- Stress
- Dehydration
- Sun exposure
- Excessive eye rubbing
- Alcohol consumption
- Lack of sleep
There is also some evidence that dark circles run in families, suggesting a possible genetic link.
Can Dark Circles Be Removed Permanently?
You’ve probably heard about some of the most common treatments for dark circles under your eyes, or read about them in magazines. For example, placing tea bags or cucumber slices under your eyes can help reduce signs of dark circles on a temporary basis by improving circulation and boosting antioxidant levels in the skin. A cold compress can also help to reduce swelling and puffiness under the eyes.
Additionally, over-the-counter creams with hyaluronic acid can help reduce signs of aging, and concealers can help cover it up, but these have to be applied on a repeated basis.
Fortunately, there are several methods and steps that can help remove dark circles on a permanent or long-term basis.
4 Ways to Remove Dark Circles Under Your Eyes Permanently
At Innovations Medical, Dr. Bill Johnson and our talented team have a number of procedures that can help remove dark circles from under your eyes, particularly when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.
1. Healthy Life Decisions
As discussed above, while no one can turn back the clock on the aging process, there are other contributors that can increase the appearance of dark circles under your eyes. No single one of these steps is guaranteed to remove dark circles from under your eyes, but by committing to a healthy lifestyle, you can do your best to promote lighter, tighter, and smoother skin under your eyes. Beneficial steps include:
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet that promotes collagen production, including fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Get enough sleep and make sure your head is slightly elevated to prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes
- Limit sun exposure and wear a higher SPF sunscreen
- Quit smoking or using tobacco
2. Laser Therapy
Procedures that use a medical laser to resurface and tighten the skin can help reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. At Innovations Medical, we offer the following treatments that can help smooth and tighten the skin on your face:
- Fraxel Restore and Dual Treatment: Uses multiple microscoping lasers to penetrate the thickness of the skin, producing tiny spots and removing damaged skin cells. Your own healing process then takes over to replace these areas with healthy new skin.
- SmartXide DOT CO2 Laser Therapy: Targeted skin resurfacing that offers a shorter recovery compared to traditional CO2 laser resurfacing. Innovations Medical actually utilized the SmartXide Dot laser delivered in the US, and Dr. Johnson has trained many of the doctors now using this device.
3. Injectable Fillers
While fillers like Botox, Radiesse, and Restylane do not remove dark circles permanently, they are safe and proven medical products that can enhance the appearance of skin and smooth out wrinkles for a period of months or longer. Injectable fillers work by relaxing the skin and adding volume.
4. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Facials
One exciting area that can help reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes is platelet rich plasma (PRP). Platelets are important in our bodies’ healing functions. When an injury occurs, platelets are some of the first cells there, helping to clot the blood and release proteins that signal white blood cells that promote healing. PRP is created using a special process that isolates platelets from your own blood and combines them with your plasma.
PRP is combined with a microneedling procedure in our state-of-the-art PRP Facial to help the plasma penetrate the skin layer and rejuvenate under the surface. PRP can also be directly injected into the lower skin for skin smoothing and lightening.
You can talk about your specific needs with our caring and knowledgeable team to create a personalized treatment plan that helps you address and remove dark circles under your eyes on a long-term basis.
Contact Innovations Medical to Treat Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
If you’re looking for a younger appearance with smoother, lighter skin, Innovations Medical is here for you. Our skilled professionals help you decide which treatment is best for you – keeping you informed and confident in the next steps. We’ve been helping our patients look and feel their best since 2005, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To find out if any of our anti-aging treatments are right for you, and to learn how Innovations Medical can improve your life, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule an appointment.