What Treatment Is Best for Under-Eye Concerns?

The under-eye area is one of the most delicate parts of the face and can be affected by a range of concerns, including dark circles, hollowness, fine lines, crepey skin and puffiness. The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause, your individual anatomy and your skin, and in some cases, no cosmetic treatment may be appropriate.

Here’s a guide to the different treatment options that may be considered for under-eye concerns and why professional assessment is important when determining which approach may be appropriate.

Common Under-Eye Concerns

Before choosing a treatment, it helps to identify what may be contributing to the appearance of the under-eye area:

• Hollowness / Tear troughs – A sunken appearance beneath the eyes that can create shadowing
• Dark circles – Can be related to pigmentation, thin skin, visible blood vessels or shadowing from hollowness
• Fine lines and crepey skin – May be associated with changes in collagen, elasticity and skin hydration
• Puffiness or eye bags – Can be related to fluid retention, genetics or underlying fat pads
• General tired appearance – Often a combination of several factors

Different concerns may respond to different approaches, which is why individual assessment is important.

Treatment Options for Under-Eye Concerns

1. Tear Trough Filler as a Treatment Option

May be considered for: Certain types of hollowness and shadowing

Dermal filler may be considered in some cases where under-eye hollowness contributes to shadowing. However, tear trough filler is not suitable for everyone and requires careful assessment of the anatomy, skin quality, existing under-eye volume and the underlying cause of the concern.

The under-eye area is particularly delicate, so treatment should only be considered following an assessment by an appropriately qualified and experienced medical practitioner.

• Results: Vary between individuals
• Longevity: Varies depending on the individual and product used
• Recovery: Swelling, bruising or tenderness may occur
• Suitability: Not appropriate for everyone and requires professional assessment

2. Skin Boosters

May be considered for: Certain concerns relating to hydration and skin quality

Skin boosters may be considered for some patients with concerns relating to hydration and skin quality. Depending on the treatment and individual, they may help support the appearance of smoother, more hydrated-looking skin.

As injectable treatments, skin boosters are not suitable for everyone and may cause temporary swelling, bruising, redness or tenderness. A qualified practitioner can assess whether this type of treatment is appropriate for the individual and the delicate under-eye area.

3. Polynucleotides

May be considered for: Skin quality and certain concerns relating to thin or delicate skin

Polynucleotides are injectable treatments that may be considered as part of a skin-quality treatment plan. They are sometimes used where the goal is to support the appearance of skin quality without specifically adding volume.

Suitability varies between individuals and should be assessed by an appropriately qualified practitioner. Temporary swelling, redness, bruising or tenderness may occur following treatment

4. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

May be considered for: Overall skin rejuvenation and skin quality

PRP uses a concentrated component of your own blood and may be considered as part of a skin rejuvenation plan. It may help support the appearance of skin texture and quality over a series of treatments, although results vary between individuals.

Your practitioner can assess whether PRP is appropriate for your concerns and advise on the recommended treatment approach.

5. Laser and Energy-Based Treatments

May be considered for: Certain pigmentation, fine lines and skin texture concerns

Certain laser and energy-based treatments may be considered for concerns such as pigmentation, uneven skin texture or fine lines. Treatment selection depends on the individual’s skin type, pigmentation and specific concern.

A professional assessment is important to determine whether a particular treatment is appropriate and which treatment parameters may be suitable.

6. Topical Skincare

May be considered for: Maintenance and mild concerns

Ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids when appropriate, peptides, caffeine and hydrating ingredients may support the appearance of the under-eye area.

While topical skincare cannot correct significant structural hollowness, it can form part of a consistent skincare routine. The under-eye area is delicate, so products should be introduced carefully and according to professional advice where appropriate.

Which Treatments Is Best for Your Concern?

Under-eye concerns can have multiple contributing factors, so a personalised assessment may help determine whether one treatment or a combination of approaches is appropriate.