Rejuvenating the under-eye area: what are the injectable options?
One of the biggest concerns from our patients is the under eye area- from dark circles, deep depressions, crepy skin, fine lines and wrinkles. But there are options to improve this most delicate of areas. We explain here that it’s not just dermal filler that can be used for the depressions, but Mesotherapy, PRP and Botox can all be used to help.
Why do people develop dark shadows?
Dark shadows under the eye are often genetic and/or ethniticity related, and unfortunately this can be present from childhood and only gets worse with age. In addition, if a patient has a deep scoop or loss of fat under the eye, this drops the skin further into a shadow which compounds the problem.
Can anything help dark shadows?
In essence, the dark skin itself can be difficult to improve but I do find improving one’s lifestyle by getting more good quality sleep, drinking more water and eating well can generally improve the tone of one’s skin from a dull grey tired tone to slightly more hydrated rested look. But in terms of injectables the skin is hard to improve, e.g. there may be mild improvements with dermal filler which reflects back some light creating a lighter appearance, but results are mixed. Eye creams may also have marginal benefits. But don’t expect miracles here.
But if my darkness is caused by a deep trough, that can be improved, right?
Exactly. If there is a deep scoop or loss of fat, which is often inherited but gets worse with age, then dermal filler can improve the situation by lifting the skin up to catch more light. It brings the skin out of the shadow, in effect.
What about the fine lines under my eye?
Some patients have a very active obicularis oculi muscle which activates under the eye when they smile, as well as in the typical crow’s feet area.
If this is the case, off-license Botox is sometimes used, but it does carry slightly more risk and this must be discussed with your doctor beforehand.
I am terrified of side effects such as blindness being so near the eye! What can you advise?
Blindness is an extremely rare event but there are around 200+ case reports of this globally following injection of dermal fillers. HOWEVER, treating the Tear Trough is not actually high risk for this, and there are other areas of the face which are higher risk. Of the utmost importance is knowledge of anatomy and staying away from danger areas, plus the use of a cannula wherever possible is generally advised.
The risk of this is extremely low when performed by an experienced injector. Other possible risks include swelling but this can be reduced by careful patient selection, i.e. not treating people with pre-existing eye bags.
Summary
As an experienced aesthetics doctor, I do get a lot of requests for Tear trough filler. Most patients realise that this is a delicate area requiring skill, premium products and good anatomy knowledge. You can get improvements to many different under eye complaints, but this does depend on an individual’s anatomy.
Written by Dr Adam Cheong
Dr Adam is a fully registered and highly regulated GMC doctor.
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Skinphinity is proud to be doctor-led by Dr Kyra Drinnan, highly regarded GP and cosmetic specialist. Dr Kyra is passionate about providing subtle treatments to leave your skin smoother and more youthful looking from her aesthetics clinics in Tarporley and Middlewich, Cheshire.
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