≈ What causes dark undereyes?

It is often due to a combination of underlying causes:

• Ageing: age related changes including volume loss in the middle of the face can result in a darkened hollow appearance. Other changes as part of the ageing process can also make the vasculature more visible, giving the skin a more blueish tinge

• Life-style: Lack of sleep, stress, pregnancy, UV light exposure and alcohol consumption can all contribute to dark under-eyes.

• Genetics: Generally more common in people with darker skin types and often involves the upper eyelid too. Vascular appearance of the under eyes can also be genetic - this is when the skin has visible bluish veins and can often be more pink towards the corner of the eye.

• Allergies: Naturally our under eye area is a very delicate and sensitive area. Fluid accumulation, scratching and rubbing the area can contribute to pigmentation in this area.

• Medications and existing health conditions: Medication such as the oral contraceptive pills and bimatoprost (certain eye drops) can make the under eyes darker. People who suffer from anaemia and low thyroid are also more likely to have darker under eyes

≈ What causes can you treat?

• Lack of volume in the tear-trough (the under-eye hollows)

• Areas of pigmentation

You can also make some changes to your lifestyle e.g. ensure you're getting enough sleep, drinking more water and reducing alcohol consumption. Unfortunately we are limited in our ability to help if the underlying cause of your dark undereyes is genetic.

≈ What treatment is available?

Dr Shahd offers tear trough fillers for restoration of volume. By using a specialised hyaluronic acid filler and blunt canula injection technique, the void can be smoothed out - reducing the under-eye shadow that it casts. In certain cases, topical creams are provided to reduce pigmentation.

≈ Does it hurt?

Dr Shahd only performs treatment using a blunt canula with a single injection point, making the procedure not only safer but very comfortable.