A dark circle is a circular or semicircular area located beneath the lower eyelid. This cosmetic concern is caused by the presence of a hollow or a brown or purple discoloration. It is a common reason for consultation in aesthetic medicine due to the tired look it conveys and the aged appearance it gives to the eyes.
Under-eye circles are a common aesthetic issue affecting many people. Whether caused by fatigue, stress, genetics or aging, there are suitable solutions to restore a fresh and rested appearance. Doctor Romano will explain in detail the different causes of dark circles, the available treatments
(hyaluronic acid injections, chemical peels, laser treatments), and provide practical advice to prevent their appearance. These methods help eliminate dark circles and restore brightness and vitality to the eyes.
Factors responsible for the appearance of dark circles include :
Fatigue and lack of sleep : they lead to poor blood and lymphatic circulation. This results in noticeable swelling and dark discoloration under the eyes.
There are four types of dark circles.
The vascular circle has a bluish-red hue.
Blue circles are due to the skin’s transparency. The skin of the eyelid is the thinnest in the body, and this minimal thickness allows the blood in the vessels of this highly vascularized area to show through. Small arterioles will give the circle a reddish hue, while small veins will give a bluish or purplish hue.
The degree of discoloration varies from person to person and depends on skin thickness and blood circulation.
A healthy lifestyle helps to reduce the purple color. Getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet rich in antioxidants are essential.
Eye contour creams and cold application are helpful. These so-called “grandmother’s remedies” can sometimes be effective.
The pigmented circle has a brown color, less commonly yellow or dark brown.
This type of circle is caused by a genetically determined melanin deposit. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color, and its production increases when tanning, for example. This type of dark circle is most common among individuals with darker skin tones. UV exposure is an aggravating factor.
Using a high SPF sunscreen prevents worsening of brown circles. Unfortunately, applying depigmenting creams does not improve their appearance.
A hollow circle is characterized by the presence of a hereditary or age-related hollow.
Hollow circles in younger patients are genetic.
After the age of thirty, the loss and descent of fat, along with bone changes in the orbital area, are responsible for the appearance or worsening of a pre-existing hollow.
Unfortunately, there is no real remedy, but hollow circles are very easy to treat. The injection of a filler such as hyaluronic acid corrects this imperfection.
This is not truly a circle but rather a bag under the eyes.
This condition is caused by the descent of fat into the eye ring area. The phenomenon is linked to ageing and genetics.
In fact, over time the tissues relax and no longer support the fat, which gradually sinks.
A morning under-eye bag is not necessarily fatty. In the morning, swelling under the eyes may be due to poor lymphatic and venous drainage. This condition is temporary and usually disappears within a few hours.
The treatment for under-eye bags is surgical.
Under-eye bags experience temporary flare-ups related to water retention. A healthy lifestyle and balanced diet help promote lymphatic drainage. Alcohol, tobacco and prolonged screen exposure should be avoided.
There are different stages of severity when it comes to dark circles. Below is a description of the various degrees of severity, which helps to better understand their impact and the appropriate solutions.
Identifying the severity of dark circles is crucial to choosing the most suitable treatment. During consultation, the doctor performs a personalized assessment.
Each patient is unique, and the treatment for dark circles must be tailored to their specific needs. During the initial consultation, doctor Romano will assess the cause of your dark circles and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Many treatments are proposed to reduce dark circles : injections, lasers, peels, carboxytherapy — but hyaluronic acid injections and carboxytherapy offer the most proven results.
For a look When the patient is younger and more rested, the treatment of other unsightly features of the orbital region completes the treatment.
The treatment of dark circles with aesthetic medicine techniques is intended for patients with visible dark circles who want a natural result without surgery. Eligibility criteria for treatment include :
To know if you are a good candidate for hyaluronic acid injections for dark circles, it is essential to consult a qualified and experienced doctor in this field. They will assess your request, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the most suitable treatment for your needs.
Hyaluronic acid is the first-line treatment for dark circles. Before the age of thirty, the correction of dark circles is done by injecting directly into the hollow. After thirty, sagging in the malar region is often associated with the hollow. In this case, doctor Romano recommends starting with the medical lift technique to raise the sagging tissues supporting the circle, and only then proceeding with the injection into the hollow.
Hyaluronic acid injection fills the hollow responsible for the sunken appearance of the circle. The result is natural.
This filler is placed in depth, in contact with the bone. Too superficial an injection causes surface irregularities ("small lumps"), permanent swelling, or a violet discoloration (Tyndall effect, where the product changes color).
Doctor Romano performs the injection using a cannula. Needle use is dangerous and leads to more bruising. Depending on the patient's anatomy, the inner and/or outer part of the dark circles may be injected. Unfortunately, only some patients are good candidates for filling the outer part. A precise analysis of the orbital area is essential.
The injection takes about five minutes when performed by an experienced doctor. The procedure is not very painful ; patients mostly feel slight discomfort. Normal activities can be resumed immediately after. This treatment can easily be done during a lunch break ! Any post-injection redness is temporary (about thirty minutes) and can be concealed with makeup.
Hyaluronic acid injections for dark circles are generally not very painful. A numbing cream is rarely applied before the procedure. Patients feel slight pressure or a pinch at the time of injection.
Hyaluronic acid injections are recommended for hollow dark circles that give a tired or aged look to the eyes. Injections can be performed at any time of year, but it is best to avoid very hot periods to prevent significant swelling.
The optimal time for the procedure depends on several factors.
The contraindications for hyaluronic acid injections in the under-eye area are :
Before proceeding with hyaluronic acid injections for dark circles, and to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, certain precautions must be taken.
The side effects of hyaluronic acid injections for dark circles include bruising, swelling, redness, and a sensation of tension. These effects are mild and disappear within a few days.
Rare complications, such as infection, permanent swelling, Tyndall effect, or skin irregularities are due to technical errors, which is why it is essential to consult an experienced doctor.
The most serious complication is blindness, which can occur in the case of a needle injection.
Doctor Romano performs under-eye injections exclusively with a cannula (a blunt-tipped needle), which ensures the procedure is completely safe.
The hyaluronic acid used for under-eye injections must be :
Non-cross-linked products have a lifespan of one week and hydrate the skin without filling the hollow.
Medium or highly cross-linked products may be used in specific cases (in patients without skin laxity or under-eye bags) by a highly experienced doctor, as the risk of visible product is quite high.
Products enriched with vitamins and antioxidants should be avoided, as they may trigger inflammation in this delicate area.
Under-eye injections can fail due to technical errors such as :
To avoid these issues, it is crucial to choose a qualified and experienced doctor who has a perfect knowledge of the orbital anatomy and uses appropriate techniques and specific products for dark circles. In the event of a failed injection, corrective solutions exist, such as injecting hyaluronidase to dissolve the hyaluronic acid and restore a harmonious result.
What to do in case of unsatisfactory results after dark circle treatment ?
If the results are unsatisfactory after a dark circle treatment, the first step is to consult the doctor who performed the procedure as soon as possible. The doctor will assess the situation, identify the cause of the unsatisfactory outcome, and suggest corrective solutions. In the case of hyaluronic acid injections, the injection of hyaluronidase can be considered to partially or completely dissolve the product and correct imperfections such as swelling or irregularities.
Surgery theoretically corrects dark circles permanently. However, since aging continues, the result cannot last a lifetime.
The benefits of hyaluronic acid injections last between 1 and 2 years depending on the patient’s metabolism. This procedure is quick, does not require general anesthesia, and avoids the potential complications of surgery.
The choice of technique depends on the patient’s preference.
Carboxytherapy improves local blood circulation and stimulates collagen production in the lower eyelid area. Immediately after the treatment, significant but temporary swelling (around five minutes) is observed. This treatment is not curative but rather preventive. Indeed, despite a large number of sessions, the result remains mild. Carboxytherapy is useful for slowing down aging and preventing the worsening of the dark circle pigmentation, which tends to deepen over time. It is considered more of a global approach to revitalize and rejuvenate the eyes.
Dark circles can diminish the brightness of the face and create a tired appearance. Several therapeutic options are available to reduce them. In addition to hyaluronic acid injections, other procedures such as peeling, laser, and mesotherapy can also be used to treat dark circles. These methods are adapted to each patient’s type of dark circles and skin, but the results are often variable, temporary, and mild.
Doctor Romano therefore does not recommend them.
Laser treatment for dark circles is an option to reduce vascular (blue) or pigmented (brown) circles.
Vascular laser for blue circles : targets the small blood vessels under the skin that cause bluish discoloration, gently heating them to collapse their walls and reduce visibility.
Pigmented laser for brown circles : targets and breaks down melanin deposits responsible for the coloration.
While these techniques may provide some improvement, they are temporary, mild, and require a recovery period due to swelling and possible bruising.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) combined with microneedling is an innovative approach to revitalize the under-eye skin and reduce dark circles. PRP, obtained from the patient’s own blood, is rich in growth factors that stimulate cell regeneration and collagen production. Microneedling creates micro-perforations in the skin to promote PRP absorption. This treatment aims to improve elasticity and radiance of the skin, reduce pigmentation, and give the eyes a fresher and more rested appearance.
The benefits of mesotherapy come from small amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid injected directly into the skin under the eyes. The goal is to improve microcirculation, deeply hydrate the skin, and stimulate collagen and elastin production. Although results may vary from person to person, mesotherapy is particularly effective for dark circles caused by dehydration or poor circulation.
Superficial peeling is performed to reduce pigmented dark circles. The goal is to gently exfoliate the skin to stimulate cell renewal, lighten the area, and achieve a more even complexion and a rested look. Although suitable for all skin types, it must be personalized.
Doctor Romano does not recommend this technique, as it often causes pigment rebound, worsening the discoloration.
To treat blue dark circles, several options are available :
To treat brown dark circles, the following methods are used :
Doctor Romano does not believe in the effectiveness of these techniques, whose results are unpredictable and may cause pigment rebound, thereby worsening the pigmentation.
After the procedure, makeup can be reapplied. Doctor Romano advises avoiding sports, extreme heat and cold for two days. It is also necessary to avoid strong pressure on the treated area for one week. Professional facial massages should not be performed during the seven days following the injection.
Post-injection side effects are minimal. A slight temporary swelling may occur. Bruises are rare if the injection is performed with a cannula. Needle injections (Doctor Romano exclusively uses a cannula for under-eye injections) are often responsible for significant bruising.
The result of a hyaluronic acid injection is immediate, but the optimal outcome appears one week after the procedure. The face looks more rested and the gaze rejuvenated.
Hyaluronic acid is a resorbable product. The results fade over time and last about one year. The longevity depends on individual (genetic) factors, anatomical factors (the more advanced the orbital aging, the shorter the result), and the type of product used (cross-linking, firmness, brand).
Although the vascular laser for purple circles and the pigmentary laser for brown circles can offer slight improvement by reducing pigmentation or tightening small blood vessels under the skin, these results are often mild. The effectiveness of these techniques remains limited, and results are generally not as impressive as expected. Improvements may vary from person to person depending on the severity of the dark circles, skin type, and individual response to treatment. Moreover, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results, and a recovery period with temporary bruising and swelling should be expected.
There is no precise age to begin treating dark circles, as their appearance depends on many factors. In fact, this aesthetic concern may appear in minors and children.
It all depends on the patient’s wishes, but it is generally recommended to intervene starting from the twenties.
There is no truly "natural" treatment for dark circles, but several tips can be integrated into your daily routine. First, quality sleep is essential to reduce dark circles under the eyes, as lack of rest worsens dark discoloration and puffiness. Applying cold compresses, such as chilled green tea or chamomile tea bags, can help reduce swelling and pigmentation due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Gentle massages with almond oil or coconut oil, both rich in vitamin E, can also improve blood circulation under the eyes and help brighten the dark circles. Additionally, proper hydration and a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants help maintain healthy, radiant skin. By combining these natural tips to reduce dark circles, you can gradually improve the appearance of your eyes gently and without invasive procedures.
Dark circles in teenagers are a common concern that may result from various factors such as fatigue, stress, allergies, or genetic predisposition.
Dark circles can make a person appear tired or worn out, even after a good night’s sleep. To reduce them, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle : sufficient sleep, adequate hydration, a balanced diet and stress management.
If the dark circles persist despite preventive measures and lifestyle changes, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms (pain or swelling around the eyes, extreme fatigue or persistent daytime sleepiness, or vision problems), it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Dark circles may be a sign of underlying health issues such as allergies, anemia, thyroid disorders, or sinus problems.
Dark circles are often worsened by allergic reactions such as allergic rhinitis or eczema, which cause inflammation and congestion of the blood vessels under the eyes. To reduce dark circles caused by allergies, it is essential to manage both the allergic symptoms and apply targeted eye care.
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Are you looking for information on the price of under-eye treatment in Geneva ? Wondering how much an under-eye treatment tailored to your needs might cost ?
The cost of under-eye treatment can vary depending on several factors, such as the chosen method, any complementary procedures, the number of syringes required, and the physician’s expertise (a key criterion).
In Geneva, under-eye treatment with hyaluronic acid injections is offered at a rate of 750 CHF per syringe. As a complementary option, carboxytherapy may be recommended to improve microcirculation and reduce under-eye pigmentation. The price of a carboxytherapy session for the eye area is 200 CHF.
The price of hyaluronic acid injections to treat under-eye circles can vary significantly from one doctor to another. This difference is mainly due to two factors : the quality of the product used and the physician’s expertise.
Hyaluronic acid gels differ in terms of composition, firmness, longevity, and hydrophilicity (water-attracting capacity), all of which influence the cost of the product.
The physician’s expertise plays a crucial role in the success of the treatment : an experienced doctor with in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and injection techniques is able to achieve an optimal and natural result.
This is why it’s important not to base your decision solely on price, but also to consider the doctor’s experience and reputation if you want truly refined results.
For patients who have opted for dermal fillers, the feedback is often positive. Patients highlight the immediate and natural improvement in the appearance of dark circles and the absence of side effects. They also appreciate the ability to personalize the treatment to achieve the desired result.
As for laser treatments, reviews are more mixed. Some patients report a significant reduction in vascular or pigmented dark circles after several sessions. However, others complain about a longer recovery period with bruising and swelling, as well as results that are less impressive than expected.
More natural treatments, such as anti-dark circle creams or products containing active ingredients like retinol or caffeine, also receive varied feedback. Some patients find that these light and inexpensive options bring visible improvement, especially when combined with good sleep and hydration habits. Others feel that these treatments have limited effect and do not resolve their persistent dark circles.
It is important to note that the results of dark circle treatments can vary significantly from one person to another, depending on factors such as the underlying cause of the dark circles, skin quality and the patient's realistic expectations.
REFERENCES
Massaging the area around the eyes is an effective way of improving blood and lymph circulation. For optimum drainage, start by gently tapping your fingers around the eyes, then using gentle circular movements. These massages should be performed daily to achieve lasting, visible results.
The effects of hyaluronic acid injections for dark circles generally last between 12 and 18 months. The length of time depends on the patient's metabolism, the quality of the hyaluronic acid used and the anatomical factors associated with dark circles, in particular the loss of malar fat that supports the orbital area.
After the injection, avoid touching or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and bruising. Avoid strenuous physical activity and exposure to intense heat for a few days.
Hyaluronic acid injections are particularly effective for treating hollow circles caused by loss of volume in the orbital region.
These injections are not effective for dark circles.
In some cases, filling with hyaluronic acid can improve dark circles.
There are several natural treatments that can help reduce the appearance of dark circles. For example, applying cold compresses under the eyes can help decongest the area and reduce the appearance of dark circles. This is why many women put tea bags or cucumber slices on their eyes.
A diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can help improve the condition of the skin around the eyes.
best eye contour care, to effectively treat dark circles, should contain ingredients such as vitamin C, caffeine or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients stimulate blood circulation, decongest the eye area and moisturise the skin, which can reduce dark circles and revitalise the eye area.
concealer creams and correctors containing these assets have a " anti-fatigue effect ".
Dark circles can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, ageing, fatigue, stress, poor diet, dehydration, poor lifestyle habits and sun exposure.
Yes, dark circles can disappear or diminish if their cause is temporary, such as fatigue or dehydration. However, dark circles that are genetic in origin or linked to ageing require medical treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections, peels and laser sessions.
To drain dark circles, you can perform a lymphatic massage around the eyes. Use your fingers to gently tap the skin under the eyes, starting from the inner corner and working outwards. Tools such as jade rollers or gua sha can also be used to stimulate circulation and reduce swelling.
Good hydration is essential to prevent dark circles getting worse. Keeping the skin hydrated promotes suppleness and elasticity, which can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles. What's more, well-moisturised skin is less prone to fine lines and signs of fatigue, so your eyes will look fresher.
Even with restful sleep, other factors are responsible for the appearance of dark circles.
We recommend adopting a skincare routine that includes good moisturising, specific creams for the eye area and draining massages. Medical treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections, peels or laser sessions produce significant, lasting results.
Les crèmes anti-cernes disponibles sur le marché contiennent des ingrédients actifs tels que la vitamine K, la caféine et l’acide hyaluronique. La vitamine K aide à réduire les cernes violacés, la caféine stimule la microcirculation et diminue les poches sous les yeux. L’acide hyaluronique hydrate et repulpe la peau, réduisant ainsi l’apparence des cernes creux.
It is possible to have bruising after a hyaluronic acid injection for dark circles, but this is rare if the injection is carried out by an experienced doctor.
Hyaluronic acid injections are not effective in correcting pigmented dark circles. Pigmented dark circles require specific treatments to reduce pigmentation, such as chemical peels, pigment lasers or depigmenting creams, which give slight results.
The appearance of dark circles is influenced by a number of factors, including genetics, lifestyle and age. The importance of these factors is responsible for more or less pronounced dark circles.
No, dark circles are not always a sign of lack of sleep. Although tiredness can accentuate the appearance of dark circles, there are several other factors that can cause them. Genetics play an important role: ageing leads to a reduction in collagen production, which makes the skin thinner and leaves the blood vessels under the eyes visible. Other factors such as dehydration, a poor lifestyle and stress can also contribute to the appearance of dark circles.
Quality sleep plays a crucial role in improving dark circles. During sleep, the skin regenerates and repairs itself, and blood circulation in the orbital region is activated.
To avoid dark circles, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle, get enough sleep, stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, protect the skin from the sun, banish harmful habits (smoking), use specific eye contour care products and carry out draining massages.
Certain oils can help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Sweet almond oil, rich in vitamin E, and argan oil are known for their moisturising and brightening properties. Rosehip oil and calophylla inophylus oil are also effective, as they have regenerating properties.
To determine the type of dark circles you have, look at their colour and shape. Bluish circles often indicate poor blood circulation, while brown circles are generally due to hyperpigmentation. Hollow circles are often linked to a loss of volume under the eyes. A consultation with a specialist will provide you with a precise diagnosis.
Persistent dark circles can be due to genetic causes, ageing or blood circulation problems. An inappropriate skincare routine or certain environmental factors such as sun exposure can also contribute to the persistence of dark circles.
A tired look is often caused by dark circles.
Results vary depending on the type of treatment and the cause of the dark circles. Treatments such as dermal fillers show immediate results, with a visible reduction in the hollow of the dark circles. Treatments using lasers or peels require several sessions for improvements that remain slight.
It is not possible to prevent dark circles, but it is a good idea to avoid aggravating factors: try to get enough sleep, maintain adequate hydration, avoid smoking, protect your eyes from the sun with sunglasses, and manage stress.
Coffee can temporarily reduce the appearance of dark circles by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation through the action of caffeine.
Vaseline can help moisturise the skin around the eyes, which can slightly improve the appearance of dark circles by reducing dryness and giving the skin a temporary glow. However, it does not treat dark circles and its effectiveness is limited.
Yes, prolonged exposure to screens can worsen dark circles by causing dry eyes, eye fatigue and disrupting sleep. It's best to reduce the amount of time spent in front of screens and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, at a distance of 20 feet for 20 seconds.
Certain foods can contribute to the appearance of dark circles because of their impact on general health and blood circulation. High salt intake can cause swelling, including around the eyes. A diet low in antioxidants, iron, vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids can also aggravate dark circles.
Yes, applying ice or cold compresses can temporarily reduce dark circles by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling. This can be particularly effective for dark circles caused by water retention or fatigue.
Yes, dark circles can be a sign of various factors, such as fatigue, lack of sleep, dehydration, allergy, genetics, ageing, or even underlying health problems such as anaemia or thyroid disorders.
The choice of dark circle treatment depends on the type of dark circles and their causes. A consultation with an experienced doctor is essential to determine the most suitable treatment for your situation. The practitioner will assess the colour, depth and cause of your dark circles and suggest a personalised treatment.
Under-eye bags and dark circles are two common but distinct aesthetic problems affecting the periocular area.
Here's how to tell them apart.
Under-eye bags are visible swellings under the eyes. They can give the impression that you've been sleep-deprived, even though this is not the case.
Dark circles are darkened or hollowed areas under the eyes. They can vary in colour from blue to dark grey or brown.
It's not always possible to get rid of dark circles for good, as their appearance can be linked to genetic factors or chronic causes such as allergies or ageing. However, a number of aesthetic treatments can significantly reduce their appearance and improve the radiance of the eyes over the long term.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the type of dark circles (hollow, pigmented, vascular) and their cause. A consultation with an experienced doctor will enable us to assess your specific situation and suggest the most effective options.
Choosing the right practitioner for the treatment of dark circles is essential to achieving optimal, natural and safe results. It is important to check that the doctor is qualified and has expertise in the injection of dark circles.
A good practitioner will take the time to listen to you, assess your specific needs and discuss the different treatment options available, while clearly explaining the benefits, risks and possible side effects.
Dark circles are not just an aesthetic concern for women. Many men are also looking for solutions to alleviate this unsightly appearance, which makes them look tired or aged.
Treatment is the same as for women.
The services described on this website apply to Swiss territory; there are differences between countries.
Contact
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
