Well, it's that time of year again! The holidays are here and we all are busy, busy, busy! No one wants to have any downtime, but we all want to look our best. One of the biggest complaints I am hearing is about dark circles under the eyes (raccoon eyes).
Let me give you the lowdown on some easy fixes for this common condition....
Dark circles are usually hereditary and can get more prominent with time. If you think about the pathology behind dark circles, they are usually related to very thin skin overlying muscles and blood vessels under the eyes. These reddish blue structures are evident through the skin giving a bluish hue to the lower eyelid region.
Most people can cover their dark circles with concealer very effectively. The key here is to use the right type of concealer. The bluish hue is more easily covered with a contrasting color. A concealer with a peach or orange base, instead of pink, is usually more effective.
Sometimes, the skin and soft tissue around the eyes have gotten so thin that there is actually a trough or depression that shows up as dark circles. In this case, volume replacement is more effective. Hyaluronic acid fillers, like Restylane and Juvederm, are very effective in this area to plump up the skin and decrease the shadowing associated with volume loss. This is an in-office procedure with very little downtime. Most people will get no bruising and very minimal swelling. I like to have people come back 1-2 weeks after the injection for a possible touch up. I would rather put too little in the first time and add a little more at the followup visit to just perfect it. The biggest risk is over-filling the area and giving the patient a bulge in the lower eyelids.
Less commonly, a confluence of pigment in the lower eyelid region contributes to the look of dark circles. Usually, this is in a more darkly pigmented patient with some sun damage. Laser and chemical resurfacing of this area can really lighten the pigment and reduce the look of the dark circles. Many people will get a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles with these procedures as well! These resurfacing procedures are usually associated with up to a week of downtime, so they may be something to consider after the holidays.
I hope this helps, but remember, the real key to looking good is taking care of your body. An excess of alcohol, too little sleep, smoking, and salty foods can also make those dark circles look even worse. Have fun, but do so in moderation! Happy Holidays!
