Remove Under-Eye Circles

Dark under-eye circles can make a person appear tired, exhausted, or sleep-deprived – even when they actually feel well. Many patients therefore wish to remove their under-eye circles permanently or at least significantly reduce them.

Whether dark, black, or hollow under-eye circles – the right treatment always depends on the individual cause.

Make-up can temporarily conceal under-eye circles, but it does not solve the underlying problem.

Anyone who truly wants to get rid of under-eye circles needs a medically based analysis. The reason is simple: ten patients can have ten different causes – and therefore require ten different treatment plans.

Modern under-eye circle treatment is based on two strategies: restoring lost volume and lightening dark discoloration.

An individual assessment is essential to address the cause in a targeted way. Depending on the findings, we combine PhilArt® (polynucleotides), PRP, laser therapy, or targeted volume treatment – if necessary complemented by midface enhancement for a natural overall result.

Book your appointment at DERM ART now and receive a personal consultation from our experts.

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Causes of dark circles under the eyes

Under-eye circles can develop in different ways. In general, two main causes can be distinguished:

1. Dark Discoloration

Visible hollowing under the eye → veins shimmer through with a bluish tone
Constitutional (genetic) hyperpigmentation
Iron deposits in the skin (e.g. due to micro-bleeding)
Iron deficiency can also lead to pale skin and more pronounced shadows

2. Volume Loss (“Tear Trough”)

Congenital anatomy
Age-related fat loss
Descent of deeper fat pads
Combination with under-eye bags

In addition, fatigue, stress, alcohol, nicotine, and poor nutrition can intensify dark shadows. Under-eye circles are also common in men – especially in cases of genetic predisposition or significant volume loss.

Hyaluronic Acid for Under-Eye Circles?

Many patients consider treatment with hyaluronic acid to fill and reduce under-eye circles. Hyaluronic acid is a proven and effective filler for restoring volume in various areas of the face.

However, in the delicate under-eye region it must be used with great precision, because:

the skin under the eyes is particularly thin and transparent
hyaluronic acid may appear bluish (Tyndall effect)
it binds water and can therefore cause swelling
in some cases, the treated area may appear darker

For this reason, a careful individual assessment is essential to determine whether hyaluronic acid is suitable or whether alternative treatments such as fat grafting, PRP, or polynucleotides may be the better option.

Treating Under-Eye Circles with PhilArt® (Polynucleotides)

An innovative option for treating under-eye circles is PhilArt® (polynucleotides). These biostimulators support natural skin regeneration and improve overall skin quality.

PhilArt® works by:

stimulating cell regeneration
improving skin texture and elasticity
enhancing microcirculation
brightening dark shadows
strengthening thin under-eye skin

It is particularly suitable for:

dark, pigmented under-eye circles
thin, transparent skin
early signs of aging
patients who prefer treatment without adding volume

The procedure is minimally invasive and involves precise injections into the affected area. Multiple sessions (usually 2–4) are recommended for optimal results.

Before & After

Results typically become visible after a few weeks. The under-eye area appears fresher, brighter, firmer, and less transparent, creating a naturally rejuvenated look.

PRP for Dark Under-Eye Circles – Does It Help?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a regenerative treatment derived from the patient’s own blood. It contains highly concentrated growth factors that stimulate skin regeneration, collagen production, and improve microcirculation.

In the under-eye area, PRP can:

reduce dark pigmentation
improve skin texture and quality
minimally support volume
strengthen thin, delicate skin

Because PRP works biologically and gradually, 3–5 sessions are usually recommended for optimal results. It can also be effectively combined with polynucleotides for enhanced skin rejuvenation and brightening.

Fractional CO₂ Laser for Under-Eye Circles

The fractional CO₂ laser is an effective treatment for dark under-eye circles and fine skin irregularities in the lower eyelid area. It delivers microscopic laser pulses into the skin, creating controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s natural regeneration process.

This process helps to:

stimulate new collagen production
improve skin texture and firmness
strengthen thin, transparent skin
visibly reduce dark pigmentation

The fractional CO₂ laser is particularly beneficial for pigmented or age-related under-eye circles, leading to noticeable brightening and tightening of the skin.

After treatment, the skin is usually mildly red and may feel sensitive for a few days. Multiple sessions are typically required to achieve optimal results.

Fat Grafting for a Pronounced Tear Trough

When a clearly visible hollow (“tear trough”) forms under the eye—often due to age-related fat loss or genetic predisposition—treatment with autologous fat (fat grafting) can provide a long-lasting solution.

In this procedure, a small amount of the patient’s own fat is gently harvested (for example from the abdomen or thigh), carefully processed, and then precisely injected into the hollow area beneath the eye. The transplanted fat integrates naturally into the surrounding tissue and restores lost volume in a subtle, harmonious way.

Advantages of Fat Grafting:

No foreign material, as it uses the body’s own tissue
No risk of bluish discoloration
Very natural tissue integration
Long-lasting results, often maintained for several years

Fat grafting is particularly suitable for significant volume loss and can be combined with regenerative treatments such as PRP or polynucleotides to further enhance skin quality.