What Causes Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?

Rolling out of bed and stumbling to the bathroom only to see dark circles looming under your eyes is not an experience that anyone enjoys early in the morning. These unwelcome guests could result from aging, a genetic predisposition for hyperpigmentation under the eyes, or even a lack of sleep. They rarely indicate a serious medical issue. But they can leave you looking older and more stressed than you would like. Fortunately, there are ways you can resolve your dark circles. The key to beginning this process is identifying the causes of dark circles under your eyes.

To achieve this first step, visit the top expert for eyelid surgery Los Angeles has around. Dr. Zoumalan has helped countless patients achieve a younger look through skill and experience.

The Most Common Causes of Dark Circles

If you are relatively young and healthy but still dealing with dark circles regularly, fatigue is your most likely culprit. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night. This minimum amount ensures their bodies have enough time to care for themselves. If you feel tired when you wake up, take longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep, or feel sleepy during the day, it is time to re-evaluate your sleeping habits. Start by setting a clear sleep schedule and putting your devices aside at least an hour before bed. If you do not see a change in 4-8 weeks, speak to a doctor, as a sleeping disorder may be involved.

However, if you are sleeping normally and for a long enough duration, then there may be other factors in play. Seasonal and pet allergies are common causes of dark circles, especially if your allergies tend to irritate your eyes. The rubbing motion that many of us use to soothe irritation can damage the sensitive skin under our eyes. When we do this, we increase the inflammatory response that naturally accompanies an allergic reaction. The result is sizeable bags under your eyes that cast a shadow, giving you the appearance of dark circles.

Both sleep and allergies can be easily addressed by changing behaviors and applying cold compresses when needed. You can even chill used green tea bags for a little extra boost if your dark circles are a little more prominent than usual. Unfortunately, dark circles can result from aging or a genetic predisposition for hyperpigmentation under the eyes. In these cases, they can prove a little harder to shake.

Dealing with Permanent Dark Circles

If lifestyle changes and at-home treatments appear to have no effect on your dark circles, it may be time to seek a professional opinion. By enlisting the help of a board-certified cosmetic eye surgeon, you can definitively determine what is causing your dark circles and put together a treatment plan that will deal with the problem permanently.

According to Dr. Christopher Zoumalan, a certified oculoplastic surgeon, three categories of treatment regularly resolve persistent dark circles. Perhaps the most effect is the dark circle surgery Los Angeles that he offers.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

This procedure aims to reduce the size of fat pockets beneath the lower eyelid. Doing this removes the shadowy impression of dark circles.

Injectable Fillers

This helps patients who have lost visible volume in the skin beneath the eyes. Injectable fillers can help flesh out the face.

Skin Brighteners

If you are genetically predisposed to have darker skin under your eyes, then your oculoplastic surgeon may recommend a mild skin brightener to bring a better balance to your face.

Depending on the cause of your dark circles, your doctor may suggest one or a combination of treatments to fully address your concerns. Options range from surgery to topical applications. So there is a wide variety of associated risks and concerns you may have. For more information on what is involved in removing your dark circles, reach out to your local oculoplastic surgeon to schedule a consultation.

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