Background: The degree and severity of dark circles varies according to the skin type, age, and lifestyle.
Objectives: To evaluate different non-surgical treatment options for dark circles.
Methods: In a private practice setting in the UK and India, 34 patients with dark circles with different Fitzpatrick skin types were treated with fillers (Group 1), lasers (Group 2), and fillers and lasers combined (Group 3). Pre and post treatment photos were taken and subjective and objective outcomes in appearance were reported.
Results: All treatment options were effective in all three groups with minimal side effects reported. No statistically significant difference was found between the three treatment groups. Patients who had tear troughs and/or hollow eyes responded well to fillers, patients with loose and wrinkled skin to CO2 laser, patients with tear troughs and hyperpigmentation to fillers, Q switched Nd:YAG and topical agents and patients with tear troughs and veins to fillers and long pulsed Nd:YAG lasers. Most patients (82%) rated the improvement in their appearance as excellent.
Conclusions: All 3 treatment modalities were effective in the reduction of periorbital dark circles depending on underlying cause. Non-surgical treatments are capable of correcting and improving dark circles with minimum complications and downtime.
Keywords: Dark circles; filler; laser; patient satisfaction.