Question:
I am a 42 year old mom of three. I don’t feel old, yet I feel like I constantly look exhausted. Does blepharoplasty help reduce darkness under the eyes?
Answer:
In most cases the answer is yes. The most common cause of dark circles under the eyes is a shadow created by the contrast between the lower eyelid and cheek. At times fat needs to be removed from under the eye, but in almost all cases the hollow under the eye referred to as the orbital groove or tear trough needs to be filled as well. Often filling the groove is the only procedure necessary. The goal is to re-create the convexity of youth in the lower eyelid in order for light to strike the area and remove the shadow. Adding filler can be accomplished non-surgically in the office by utilizing Restylane or surgically by utilizing the patient’s own fat cells. The filler is temporary, but will usually last 1-2 years. Fat is much more permanent and may last 10 years or longer.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
