Dark circles are a cosmetic concern shared by many individuals. They can stem from a variety of causes, which makes treating them all the more difficult. Although there are some solutions that you can try at home, plastic surgeons can also offer targeted solutions to combat stubborn undereye issues. If you’re frustrated with your dark circles, find out what could be causing them and how you can get rid of them below.

What Causes Dark Circles?

Dark circles may be caused by excessive tiredness. Sleep supports cardiovascular health, supporting circulation, and ensuring the skin gets ample oxygen. For this reason, the skin may appear pale, and the blood vessels under the eyes may appear more pronounced without adequate sleep. Similarly, dehydration can also cause dark circles by causing the skin to look pale and dull. 

In addition, allergies can cause inflammation, especially if you rub your eyes. This can result in discoloration beneath the eyes. Sun exposure may also affect pigment in the eye area, which can manifest as dark circles.

Unfortunately, there are also some uncontrollable factors that may contribute to undereye issues. Age causes the skin to thin over time, which allows the dark tissue beneath the eyes to become more pronounced. Genetics can also play a role in dark circles, as the cosmetic quirk can be passed down by family members or caused by other medical conditions, such as thyroid conditions.

What Can You Do About Them?

When it comes to addressing dark circles, a smart place to start is to consider whether any controllable, underlying factors could be causing the issue. For example, drinking more water, getting more sleep, and controlling any allergies may help to improve their appearance. Applying cool tea bags to the eyes for a period of 20 minutes or so can also help to stimulate blood vessels, thereby minimizing dark circles.

If you’re looking for a more permanent remedy, you might consider reaching out to a plastic surgeon. These professionals may be able to add or remove fat, depending on your needs, to enhance the appearance of the undereye area. Plastic surgeons can also offer solutions such as laser surgery to improve the skin’s elasticity, which can help to reduce undereye bags.

If you’re looking for a trusted plastic surgeon to address your dark circles or another cosmetic concern, turn to Mao Facial Plastic Surgery in Orange, CT. Serving New Haven County, board-certified surgeon Johnny Mao, MD, FACS helps patients transform their appearance and addresses any problem areas they may wish to resolve. The practice offers both traditional surgery and non-surgical interventions, of which you can explore online. Call (203) 907-0501 to schedule a consultation.