Surgery for Eye Circles

Many people suffer from dark circles under their eyes. Most attempt to treat this problem with creams, but there are cosmetic surgeries available that combat the appearance of these circles. Surgery is best resorted to if other treatments are unsuccessful, and must always be undergone in consultation with a doctor.

Causes

• Dark circles under the eyes are most commonly caused by lack of sleep, leading many people to attribute dark circles to fatigue. However, they may also be a sign of aging in the skin.

Laser Surgery

• Laser surgery uses focused light beams to target cells in the skin and destroy them, inducing increased collagen production which reduces blemishes in the skin, such as dark circles under the eyes. The procedure is usually quick and has a very short recovery time.

Blepharoplasty

• Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure in which the fat underneath the skin is removed, reducing bags and puffiness around the eyes. Blepharoplasty alone cannot remove circles under the eyes, but may sometimes be combined with laser treatment to reduce the signs of aging along with the circles.

Recovery

• As has been mentioned, laser treatment is usually quick and does not take a long time to recover from, though the treated area may be tender for a few weeks afterward. If the treatment is deep, there may be some extra tenderness and bruising for about a week afterward, but this should disappear on its own. If a blepharoplasty is done along with laser surgery there will be swelling and bruising under the eye which will last for a week and a half to a month.

Considerations

• Cosmetic surgeries can improve feelings of self-worth and self-confidence in the patient. However, it is always best to discuss any surgeries with your doctor to ensure that they are right for you. Also, procedures undergone for cosmetic reasons are not usually covered by health insurance. Check with your insurance company before making any decisions.