Dear Dr. Seckel, I have dark circle under my eyes primarily as a result of the veins underneath my eyes. Also, I should mention that I have tan Asian skin type. Almost a year ago, I had laser treatment for my dark circle. After the treatment, I can see some of the veins that were visible before no longer there, however there is still the dark color appeared underneath my eyes. Can you please give me some advise on how to reduce these dark circles. Is there any laser out there that is safe to treat dark circles for someone with a tan skin type like myself. Please help. Thank You, Tuyet, Richmond, VA.
Dear Tuyet,
The quick answer is no, nothing can be done to change the dark color of the eyelid skin, unless the dark color is hyperpigmentation from sun or medication. Since you have already had laser skin rejuvenation or resurfacing I assume the color that is left is your natural skin color. I would not do more laser resurfacing or laser peel on tan Asian skin because you may get too much lightening or hypo pigmentation, which would be very visible and noticeable. You can try Hylexin skin cream or a skin bleach for skin lightening but I do not know if it would help.
Dark circles under the eyes are a different eyelid rejuvenation problem. Dark circles under the eyes are a depression or hollow area under the lower eyelid over the bone of the eye socket. In my experience a transconjunctival laser blepharoplasty operation with a special procedure called an arcus marginalis release and fat repositioning is required to help dark circles under the eyes. If you only have dark eyelid skin color you would not need the blepharoplasty for dark circles under the eyes. Make up like covermark and dermablend can be very helpful.
I hope this helps.
For more information on dark circles under the eyes and non-surgical facial rejuvenation read Save Your Face or contact me.
Boston, Massachusetts