If the darkness is a consequence of bags or fullness in your lower eyelids, lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) would be helpful by repositioning some of the fat into the deep groove that forms at the junction of the lower eyelid and the cheek. There are some types of darkness in this area that are genetic and do not respond well to surgery or non-invasive methods. Unfortunately, the solution in those instances is makeup.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

CO2 laser resurfacing sometimes combined with fat grafting gives excellent results.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Blepharoplasty treats the bags and excess skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids. It tightens and rejuvenates. However, it does NOT change the color of the skin, because the skin color is caused by the deep red color of the underlying muscle, which remains after the procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Many times the dark circles are increased pigmentation in the lower eyelids. I would need to see photos to further evaluate.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. Correcting dark circles beneath the eyes is a difficult problem. The cause is usually multifactorial, including increased melanocyte (pigment producing cells) concentration and a contour depression created by a prominence of the lower eyelid fat above and a soft tissue deficit below. The region where the dark cycle in usually most visible is closer to the nose in a groove called the nasojugal (nose-cheek) fold. To treat the skin color, skin lightening creams can be applied such as hydroquinone 4% cream, Obagi Clear, Hydro Q, and Triluma. All these creams are prescription and their effectiveness depends on the person's skin type and amount of sun exposure. To correct the contour depression soft tissue fillers can be added such as Restylane Silk. Adding your own fat through a fat grafting procedure is also very effective. Finally, depending on the degree of aging and appearance of your lower eyelid, you may be a candidate for cosmetic lower eyelid surgery, a blepharoplasty. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for more info.

Published on Jul 11, 2012