What Is Causing My Dark Under Eye Circles?

13ee0253f3244f12b0633a81e4177ce2“Darkness, puffiness, and hollowness under the eyes are a common concern with many of my patients” reports Emily Johnston, certified Physician Assistant at Sanova Dermatology in Austin, Texas. “There can be an number of contributing factors. Genetics, allergies, fatigue, not to mention  aging!” According to Emily, there a few techniques that can be done to improve the appearance under the eyes.

If a patient suffers from seasonal allergies, a daily antihistamine and nasal steroid sprays may be helpful. “The constant swelling and rubbing from itchy, irritated eyes can cause loose skin and discoloration under the eyes,” explains Emily. Overtime, this results in prominent bags and darkening of the skin that we try so hard to conceal.

And, while rest and and a good night sleep can certainly help with your tired eyes, there’s more that can be done. Techniques to reduce puffiness may include cool compresses in the morning, or applying an eye cream that contains caffeine or light reflecting properties to reduce the appearance of circles. “One of my favorite all-around eye creams is Neocutis Lumiere. A trick I tell some of my patients with puffiness is to keep the eye cream in the refrigerator and apply it cold to the skin,” says Emily.

Hallowed Hollows

While puffiness and bags under the eyes is a common patient complaint, under eye hollowness can be just as frustrating. Hollowness under the eyes may be dictated by genetics and can be exacerbated by the natural aging process. However, even if you believe these changes are pre-programmed or inevitable, they sh0uld not leave you feeling defeated.

“Some people naturally have more hollowness under the eyes. As well, as we age, there is volume loss and, believe it or not, even increased bone resorption that accentuates the shadow under the eyes” says Emily. “By far, one of my favorite treatments to improve this is injecting a small amount of filler into the area. This restores the volume to the area and eliminates the hollows. The results are immediate and can provide significant improvement.” Many patients describe under eye filler as making them look instantly refreshed and rested.

In some cases, an eyelid tuck or blepharoplasty procedure in which excessive skin and tissue are surgically removed to restore a more youthful looking eye and eyelid. This minimally invasive procedure is well tolerated with little downtime.

Contact Us

Emily Headshot 2Emily Johnston, PA-C sees and treats patients at Sanova Dermatology where she provides a full spectrum of dermatologic care. To learn more about how we can help your skin to look its best, please contact us today.

 

 

Join Us

googleplus FB twitter instagram yelp

×
We Are Proud Members Of:
Specials
Book Online

Latest Specials & Promotions

View All
Locations
×

Book appointment by

Choose your area

  • Baton Rouge

    6411 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 - (225) 303-9500
  • Lafayette

    1245 Camellia Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70508 - (337) 839-2773
  • Bee Cave & Lakeway

    3944 RR 620 S. Bldg. 6, Bee Cave, TX 78738 - (512) 366-8568
  • Old Metairie

    701 Metairie Road, Metairie, LA 70005 - (504) 836-2050
  • Uptown

    3434 Prytania St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70115 - (504) 897-5899
  • Metairie

    111 Veterans Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70005 - (504) 838-8225
  • SBA Dermatology

    1900 Saint James Place, Houston, TX 77056 - (713) 850-0240
  • North Austin

    12319 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas 78758 - (512) 837-3376
  • Central Austin

    3705 Medical Parkway, Austin, Texas 78705 - (512) 454-3781
  • Dripping Springs

    13830 Sawyer Ranch Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 - (512) 829-0009
  • Pflugerville

    1601 E. Pflugerville Parkway, Pflugerville, Texas 78660 - (512) 252-3700
  • Steiner Ranch

    5145 North FM 620 Rd, Austin, Texas 78732 - (512) 266-0007
  • Helyn Alvarez, MD

  • Daniel Barron, PA-C

  • Suzanne Bruce, MD

  • Daniel A. Carrasco, MD

  • Kristy Charles, MD

  • Ryan Couvillion, MD

  • Megan Couvillion, MD

  • Gretchen Donnes, PA-C

  • Leigh Ellen Eubanks, MD

  • Elizabeth Foley, DO

  • Natalie Gibson, PA-C

  • Miriam L. Hanson, MD

  • Alicia Haslauer, PA-C

  • Agezi Igboko, FNP-C

  • Haneen Issa, PA-C

  • Jennifer Jordan, PA-C

  • Ted Lain, MD, MBA

  • Adam J. Mamelak, MD

  • Sharon Meyer, MD

  • Lesley Ott, FNP-C

  • Melanie Pickett, MD

  • Jeffrey C. Poole, MD

  • Chad Prather, MD

  • Maria “Gabi” Prudhomme, FNP-C

  • Marcela Ramirez, FNP-C

  • Diana Reyes, PA-C

  • Israel Rodriguez, PA-C

  • Katharine Saussy, MD

  • Megan Shelton, MD

  • Candace Thrash, MD

  • Mamina Turegano, MD

  • Jennifer Vickers, MD

  • Micah Williams, PA-C

  • Laura Williams, MD