Dark Circles Treatment

Srpska verzija

Dark circles treatment at a glance

  • What it treats: hollow, dark and tired-looking under-eyes – volume loss in the tear trough area
  • Method: a hyaluronic acid filler designed for the eye region; combined with biorevitalisation, polynucleotides or PRP when needed
  • Treatment time: about 30 minutes, with anaesthetic cream
  • Recovery: short; mild swelling, redness or bruising may occur and resolve within a few days
  • Duration of effect: 9-12 months
  • Price: – see the price list
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What are dark circles and why do they appear?

The skin under the eyes is the thinnest on the entire face – only about half a millimetre thick – so every change in it quickly becomes visible. Dark circles arise from a combination of factors: loss of subcutaneous fat and volume in the tear trough, thinning of the skin through which the muscle and blood vessels show, pigment accumulation and slowed microcirculation. Genetics, ageing, lack of sleep, smoking and prolonged eye strain all play a role.

The result is familiar: a hollow, dark or shadowed area under the eyes that makes the face look tired and older than it is – even in people who sleep well and take care of their skin.

Types of dark circles

Distinguishing the type of dark circle is crucial for a successful treatment:

  • Structural (hollow) dark circles – a depression along the tear trough that casts a shadow. This is the indication where hyaluronic acid fillers give the best results, because the volume deficit is filled directly.
  • Pigmented dark circles – brownish discoloured skin without a significant depression. Filler has a limited effect here; the first line is treatments acting on skin quality and colour (biorevitalisation, polynucleotides, PRP, chemical peels, appropriate lasers).
  • Under-eye bags – a pronounced excess of fat tissue bulging the lower lid. Filler does not solve these; the solution is surgical (lower-lid blepharoplasty), which we advise honestly at the consultation.
  • Combined dark circles – the most common in practice; they require a combined approach and realistic expectations.

When is filler the answer – and when is it not?

An examination precedes every procedure: we assess the anatomy of the region – the depth of the tear trough, the thickness and quality of the skin, the presence of swelling and pigmentation. Filler is the best choice for hollow, shadowed dark circles with preserved skin quality. With pronounced bags, very thin skin with marked pigmentation, or a tendency to retain swelling, we recommend other methods – or honestly advise against filler, because the eye region does not forgive a wrong indication.

Come to the examination and the treatment without make-up.

What does the treatment look like?

Anaesthetic cream is applied about 15 minutes before the procedure. A hyaluronic acid filler designed for the eye region – soft and moderately hydrophilic – is then carefully placed into the tear trough with a fine needle or cannula, just below the orbital rim. After application the filler is shaped with gentle massage so the transition between the lid and the cheek is smooth. The treatment takes about 30 minutes and you return to your daily activities immediately.

Results and duration

The under-eye area looks fuller and more rested, and the transition between the lower lid and the cheek more even – the face appears refreshed and younger, without changing its natural expression. The result is visible immediately, and the final look is assessed after a few days, once the filler integrates with the tissue. The effect lasts 9-12 months; the treatment is repeated to maintain it.

Recovery and aftercare

Side effects are rare and transient: redness, mild swelling, bruising or tenderness of the treated area, resolving within a few days. Aftercare recommendations:

  • first 24 hours: no larger amounts of alcohol and no physical activity; cool any bruising and cover with mineral powder if needed;
  • 3-4 days: no tanning beds or sauna;
  • as advised by the doctor: gentle massage through sterile gauze at home.

Frequently asked questions about dark circles treatment

Can filler solve every type of dark circle?

No. Filler best solves hollow, structural dark circles. Pigmented dark circles require treatments acting on skin quality, and pronounced under-eye bags are solved surgically. The type is determined at the examination.

Is the treatment painful?

Anaesthetic cream is applied before the procedure, and eye-region fillers themselves contain an anaesthetic, so most patients feel only mild discomfort.

How long does the effect last?

Between 9 and 12 months, depending on the product and individual characteristics. The treatment is then repeated.

What if I do not like the result?

An advantage of hyaluronic acid fillers is reversibility – the product can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase if needed.

When do I see the result?

Immediately after the treatment, with the final look assessed after a few days, once the filler integrates with the tissue and any swelling subsides.

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Content prepared and medically reviewed by Dr Nenad Stanković, DDS/DMD, specialist in cosmetology, international lecturer and trainer in aesthetic medicine. Meet our team.

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