What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes and How are They Treated?

Our expert cosmetic dermatologists can use filler to soften your tear troughs, immediately providing a more refreshed and youthful appearance.

Both men and women experience dark circles under their eyes. No one wants to look like they didn’t get enough sleep, but dark circles can make you look exhausted, even when you’re not. While many people experience dark circles, also called tear troughs, as they age, the truth is it’s a common concern among people of all ages.

If you notice sunken or baggy dark circles under your eyes, you may wonder what causes them and what you can do to fix them. At St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, we can help you explore options to rejuvenate or refine your appearance to help you look and feel your best. We can help you improve your complexion, confidence and achieve younger and healthier-looking skin!


What Causes Tear Troughs?

A tear trough is a groove that sits between the lower eyelid and the cheek. When there is a loss of volume in this area, this hollowness starts to form. There are several reasons why this may occur. When it does, the area underneath the eye can appear dark, hollow, and sunken.

Tear trough occurs when the orbital septum around the eye gets weak. Volume loss in the lower eyelid happens naturally as a person ages, but this can also result from genetics. Allergies, smoking, a lack of sleep, drinking alcohol, and general dehydration can also contribute to these dark circles.

How are Tear Troughs Treated?

Dermal cosmetic fillers are used to treat tear troughs successfully. It is a non-surgical treatment that reduces the hollowness under the eyes by adding volume under the eye. The dermal fillers are injected into the area, and the result is skin that is fuller and tighter.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are the most popular type of fillers used today. HA is a natural substance found in your skin. Common HA products include Juvederm® and Restylane®. HA fillers can provide a soft fill that is perfect for your tear troughs. These are nonpermanent fillers that typically last approximately twelve months when used for tear trough enhancement, providing you a refreshed and natural look.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you have dark circles under your eyes and are tired of using creams that aren’t working, schedule your consultation today. Our board-certified cosmetic dermatologists will listen to you during your consultation, perform a thorough evaluation, and provide an individualized treatment plan to address your specific needs and concerns.

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