Dark circles are hollows or dark discolorations located under the eyes, responsible for a tired and aged appearance. There are several types of dark circles : hollow, vascular (blue/purple), pigmented (brown), and under-eye bags, each requiring a different management approach. Treatment must be guided by the cause of the dark circle.
The reference treatment for hollow dark circles is hyaluronic acid injection.
Key information on dark circle injections
Data from clinical studies on the treatment of dark circles
Le cerne est une zone en forme de cercle ou demi-cercle qui se trouve au-dessous de la paupière inférieure. Cet inesthétisme est provoqué par la présence d’un creux ou d’une couleur marron ou violette.
Il s’agit d’un motif fréquent de consultation en médecine à visée esthétique à cause de l’air fatigué qu’il renvoie et le vieillissement du regard qu’il provoque.
Dark circles under the eyes are a common aesthetic concern that affects many people. Whether dark circles are caused by fatigue, stress, genetics or aging, there are suitable solutions to restore a fresh and rested gaze.
Dr. Romano will discuss in detail the different causes of dark circles, the available treatments (hyaluronic acid injections, peels, laser treatments) and will provide you with practical advice to prevent their appearance. These methods eliminate dark circles and restore brightness and vitality to the gaze.
Factors responsible for the appearance of dark circles include :
Fatigue and lack of sleep : they are responsible for poor blood and lymphatic circulation. This leads to palpable swelling and dark coloration under the eyes.
There are four types of dark circles.
The vascular circle has a bluish-red hue.
Blue dark circles are due to the transparency of the skin. The skin of the eyelid is the thinnest in the body, and its low thickness allows the blood of the vessels in this highly vascularized area to be seen.
Small arterioles will give a rather red color to the dark circle, small veins a rather blue or purple color.
The intensity of the coloration varies and depends on the thickness of the skin and the blood circulation.
A healthy lifestyle helps to soften the purple color. Respecting sleeping hours and having a healthy, balanced and antioxidant-rich diet are essential.
Eye-contour creams and the application of cold are useful. These “grandmother’s remedies” are sometimes effective.
The pigmented circle has a brown color, less commonly yellow or dark brown.
This type of dark circle is caused by a genetically determined deposit of melanin.
Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color, and its production increases when tanning, for example.
This type of dark circle is found mainly in patients with olive or darker skin.
Exposure to UV rays is an aggravating factor.
The use of total sunscreen prevents the worsening of brown dark circles.
The application of anti-pigment creams unfortunately does not improve their appearance.
A hollow circle is characterized by the presence of a hereditary or age-related hollow.
The hollow dark circle in young patients is genetic.
After the age of thirty, fat loss and displacement and bone changes in the orbital area are responsible for the appearance of a hollow dark circle or the worsening of a pre-existing hollow dark circle.
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.
It is not really a dark circle but rather an under-eye bag.
This condition is caused by the descent of fat in the dark-circle area. The phenomenon is linked to aging and genetics.
In fact, over time the tissues loosen and no longer support the fat, which gradually descends.
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 undergo temporary worsening linked to water retention. A healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet promote lymphatic drainage. Alcohol, smoking and prolonged screen exposure should be avoided.
There are different degrees of severity in dark circles, and a classification has been established to better understand their visual impact and to adapt therapeutic solutions appropriately.
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 younger and more rested gaze , treating other aesthetic concerns in the orbital area completes the management.
The treatment of dark circles using aesthetic-oriented medicine techniques is indicated for patients with visible dark circles who want a natural result without resorting to surgery.
The eligibility criteria for the treatment are :
To find out whether you are a good candidate for hyaluronic acid injections for dark circles, it is essential to consult an experienced doctor. They will be able to assess your request, discuss your aesthetic goals and recommend the treatment best suited to your needs.
Hyaluronic acid is the first-line treatment for dark circles.
Before the age of thirty, dark circle filling is performed by injecting into the hollow. After the age of thirty, a sagging of the malar region is often associated with the hollow. In this case, Dr. Romano recommends first performing the medical lift technique to lift the sagging tissues that support the dark circle and then proceeding with the injection of the hollow.
The injection of hyaluronic acid fills the void responsible for the hollow dark circle. The result is natural.
This filler is placed deep, in contact with the bone. An injection that is too superficial causes surface irregularities (“small bumps”), permanent swelling, and a violet coloration (Tyndall effect, the product changes color).
Dr. Romano performs the injection with a cannula, the use of a needle is dangerous and causes bruising.
Depending on the patient’s anatomy, the inner and/or outer part of the dark circles can be injected, unfortunately only certain patients are good candidates for filling the outer part. A precise analysis of the orbital area is necessary.
The injection takes about five minutes when performed by an experienced doctor. The procedure is not very painful, the patient rather feels slight discomfort.
Activities can be resumed immediately afterwards, this treatment can easily be done during the lunch break !
Any post-injection redness is temporary (about half an hour) 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 tiny pinch at the moment 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 dark-circle area are :
Before proceeding with hyaluronic acid injections in the dark circles, in order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, certain instructions must be followed.
The side effects of hyaluronic acid injections in the dark circles are bruising, swelling, redness and sensations of tightness. These effects are mild and disappear within a few days.
Some complications, which are rare, such as infections, permanent swelling, the Tyndall effect or skin irregularities are linked to a technical error, hence the importance of consulting an experienced doctor.
A very serious complication is blindness, which is possible in case of needle injection.
Dr. Romano performs dark-circle injections exclusively with a cannula (a needle with a rounded tip) which makes the injection completely safe.
The hyaluronic acid used for dark-circle injection must be : lightly cross-linked because the eyelid skin is thin ; firm enough because it must not migrate ; very little hydrophilic to avoid water retention and therefore swelling.
Non-cross-linked products have a lifespan of one week and hydrate the skin without filling the hollow.
Medium or highly cross-linked products can be used in certain indications (in patients who do not have skin laxity in the lower eyelid area nor under-eye bags) by a very experienced doctor because the risk of product visibility is quite high.
Products enriched with vitamins and antioxidants should be avoided because they could trigger inflammation in this delicate area.
Under-eye injections can fail due to technical errors such as :
To avoid these failures, it is crucial to choose a doctor trained and experienced in dark-circle injections, who perfectly masters the anatomy of the orbital area and uses appropriate techniques and specific products for dark circles.
If after a dark-circle treatment the results are unsatisfactory, the first thing to do is to quickly consult the doctor who performed the treatment. They will be able to assess the situation, identify the causes of the undesired result and propose corrective solutions.
The surgical procedure fills the dark circles in a theoretically permanent way. But in reality, as the aging process continues, the result cannot last a lifetime.
The benefits of hyaluronic acid injections last 1 to 2 years depending on the patient’s metabolism. This procedure is quick, does not require general anesthesia and does not carry the potential complications of a surgical act.
The choice of technique depends on the patient’s preference.
The carboxytherapy improves local vascularization and stimulates collagen production in the lower eyelid area.
Immediately after the treatment a significant and temporary swelling (five minutes) is observed.
This treatment is not curative but rather preventive.
Indeed, despite the high number of sessions performed, the result will be mild. Carboxytherapy is useful for slowing aging and preventing the worsening of dark-circle pigmentation, which increases over time.
It is rather a global approach to revitalize and rejuvenate the gaze.
The dark circles can diminish the radiance of the face and give a tired appearance, there are several therapeutic options to reduce them. In addition to hyaluronic acid injections, other procedures, such as peeling, laser and mesotherapy, are sometimes offered to treat dark circles.
These methods are adapted to the type of dark circles and to each patient's skin, but the results are often variable, temporary and mild. This is why Dr. Romano does not recommend them.
The treatment of dark circles with laser is an option to reduce vascular (blue) or pigmented (brown) dark circles.
The vascular laser for blue dark circles targets the small blood vessels under the skin that cause the bluish appearance, gently heating them to collapse their walls and thus reduce their visibility.
The pigment laser for brown dark circles targets and breaks the melanin deposits responsible for the coloration.
Although these techniques can improve dark circles, the improvements are temporary, mild and require downtime because of swelling and possible bruising.
Le PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) combined with microneedling is an innovative approach to revitalize the skin under the eyes 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 enhance the absorption of PRP. The principle of this treatment is to improve the skin’s elasticity and radiance, 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 principle is to improve microcirculation, deeply hydrate the skin and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Although results may vary from person to person, mesotherapy is particularly effective for dark circles related to dehydration or poor circulation.
The superficial peel is performed to reduce pigmented dark circles. The principle is to gently exfoliate the skin to stimulate cell renewal, brighten the area and achieve a more even complexion and a rested look.
Although it is suitable for all skin types, it must be personalized.
Dr. Romano does not recommend this technique, which often causes pigment rebounds that worsen the coloration.
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.
The after-effects of the injections are minimal, a slight temporary swelling is possible. Bruising is rare if the injection is performed with a cannula. Injections with a needle (Dr. Romano uses the cannula exclusively for dark circle injections) are often responsible for the appearance of a large bruise.
The result of the hyaluronic acid injection is immediate but optimal one week after the procedure. The face appears rested and the eyes look rejuvenated.
Hyaluronic acid is a resorbable product. The result of dark circle injections fades over time and lasts about one year.
Its durability depends on individual factors (genetic), anatomical factors (the more significant the orbital changes related to aging, the shorter the result will last) and the type of product used (cross-linking, firmness, brand).
Although the vascular laser for purple dark circles and the pigment laser for brown dark circles can bring slight improvement by reducing pigmentation or tightening the small vessels under the skin, these results are often mild.
The effectiveness of these techniques often remains limited and the results are generally not as spectacular as expected.
Improvements may vary from one person to another depending on the severity of the dark circles, the skin and the individual response to the treatment. In addition, several sessions may be necessary to obtain optimal results, and a recovery period with temporary bruising and swelling is to be expected.
There is no specific age to start dark circle treatments, because the appearance of dark circles depends on many factors, in fact this aesthetic concern can be present in minors and children.
Everything therefore depends on the patient’s wishes, however it is better to intervene starting from the twenties.
There is no natural treatment for dark circles, but several tips can be integrated into the daily routine. First, quality sleep is essential to reduce dark circles under the eyes, because lack of rest worsens the dark coloration and puffiness. The application of cold compresses, such as cooled green tea or chamomile bags, can help reduce swelling and pigmentation. Gentle massages with sweet almond oil or coconut oil, rich in vitamin E, can also improve blood circulation under the eyes and lighten dark circles. Moreover, adequate hydration and a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants help maintain healthy and radiant skin. By combining these natural tips to reduce dark circles, you can gradually improve the appearance of your eyes in a gentle way and without invasive intervention.
Dark circles in teenagers are a common concern that can result from various factors, such as fatigue, stress, allergies or a genetic predisposition.
Dark circles can give a tired or exhausted appearance, even after a night of sleep. To reduce dark circles, it is essential to start by adopting a healthy lifestyle : sufficient sleep, adequate hydration, a balanced diet and stress management.
If 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, persistent daytime sleepiness or vision problems), it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Dark circles can be a sign of underlying health issues such as allergies, anemia, thyroid disorders or sinus problems.
Dark circles can often be accentuated 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 specific care for the eye contour.
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 chosen dermal fillers, reviews are 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 possibility of personalizing the treatment to obtain the desired result.
Regarding laser treatments, opinions are more mixed. Some patients report a significant reduction in vascular or pigmented dark circles after several sessions. However, others complain of 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 care based on active ingredients such as retinol or caffeine, also receive varied reviews. Some patients find that these light and inexpensive options provide a visible improvement in the appearance of dark circles, especially when combined with good sleep and hydration habits. Others feel that these treatments have a limited effect and fail to resolve their persistent dark circle concerns.
It is important to note that the results of dark circle treatments can vary considerably from one person to another, depending on factors such as the underlying cause of the dark circles, the quality of the skin and the patient’s realistic expectations.
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 dark circles caused by volume loss in the orbital area.
These injections are not effective for colored dark circles.
Hyaluronic acid filling can, in some cases, improve purple 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 vascular dark circles. This is why many women place 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.
The best eye contour care to effectively treat dark circles must contain ingredients such as vitamin C, caffeine or hyaluronic acid. These actives stimulate blood circulation, decongest the orbital area and hydrate the skin, which can reduce dark circles and revitalize the eye contour.
Anti–dark circle creams and concealers that contain these actives have an “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.
It is recommended to adopt a skincare routine that includes good hydration, specific eye contour creams and draining massages. Medical treatments, such as hyaluronic acid injections, peels or laser sessions, provide lasting and significant results.
The anti-dark circle creams available on the market contain active ingredients such as vitamin K, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid. Vitamin K helps reduce purplish dark circles, caffeine stimulates microcirculation and decreases under-eye puffiness, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, thereby reducing the appearance of hollow dark circles.
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 for correcting pigmented dark circles. Pigmented dark circles require specific treatments aimed at reducing pigmentation, such as chemical peels, pigment lasers or depigmenting creams that provide mild results.
The appearance of dark circles is influenced by several 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 tightening blood vessels and reducing inflammation through the action of caffeine.
Vaseline can help hydrate 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 screen exposure can worsen dark circles by causing eye dryness, eye fatigue and disrupting sleep. It is better to reduce screen time and follow the 20-20-20 rule : every 20 minutes, at a distance of 20 feet for 20 seconds.
Some foods can contribute to the appearance of dark circles due to their impact on overall health and blood circulation. A 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 worsen dark circles.
Yes, applying ice or cold compresses can temporarily reduce dark circles by tightening blood vessels and decreasing 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, aging, or even underlying health issues such as anemia 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 doctor will evaluate the color, depth and cause of your dark circles to offer you a personalized treatment.
Under-eye bags and dark circles are two common but distinct aesthetic concerns that affect the periocular area.
Here is how to differentiate them.
Under-eye bags appear as visible swelling under the eyes. They can give the impression that you lack sleep, even if that is not the case.
Dark circles are darkened or hollow areas under the eyes. They can vary in color, ranging from blue to dark grey or brown.
It is not always possible to get rid of dark circles permanently, because their appearance can be linked to genetic factors or chronic causes, such as allergies or aging. However, many aesthetic-oriented medicine treatments can significantly reduce their appearance and improve the radiance of the eyes in the long term.
The most suitable treatment depends on the type of dark circles (hollow, pigmented, vascular) and their cause. A consultation with an experienced doctor allows your specific situation to be evaluated and the most effective options to be proposed.
Choosing the right doctor for dark circle treatment is essential to obtain optimal, natural and safe results. It is important to verify that the doctor is qualified and has expertise in dark circle injections.
A good doctor 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 only an aesthetic concern for women. Many men also look for solutions to reduce this concern that gives a tired or aged appearance.
The therapeutic management is identical to that of women.
