Dark Under Eye Circles

About Laser for Dark Circles Under Eyes

In the mid 1990’s, a Los Altos, California company pioneered the process of laser skin resurfacing by developing the first laser used for this purpose, the Ultrapulse CO2 fractional laser. Although this laser was initially intended to remove sun damage and pre-cancerous growths of the skin, the inventors were happily surprised that it also reduced or eliminated dark circles under the eyes in addition to wrinkles and scars. 

The Ultrapulse CO2 Laser dark circles treatment and laser skin resurfacing has significantly advanced the treatment of wrinkled and scarred skin, as well as discoloration and dark circles under the eyes. Our center has tried many other lasers to reduce such dark coloration, including both the Ruby and YAG laser under eye treatment. We have discovered that the Ultrapulse laser has served us the best when treating this disturbing problem.

Benefits of Laser Treatment for Dark Circles

• More dramatic benefits compared to other procedures
• Usually one time procedure
• Reduces dark circles under the eyes.
• Reduces wrinkles
• Reduces acne scars
• Reduces aged and sun damaged skin
• Reduces the risk of skin cancer
• Tightens skin
• Improves skin tone
• Stimulates the growth of new collagen

Alternatives

Fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse

How Does it Work?

In order to remove dark circles, wrinkles, and aged skin, a laser beam is passed over the surface of the skin, gently and precisely painting away unwanted cells, one layer at a time. Clinical investigations have proven that laser skin resurfacing can lighten dark skin tones as well as induce new collagen formation in the skin, resulting in the reduction of dark circles and lines.

Who is a Candidate?

Most individuals can undergo this treatment.

What can I Expect?

Patients note a refreshed, tighter skin tone with reduced scars and a more youthful glow.

Results may vary.

Safety & Side Effects

Risks include scarring, infection, increase or decrease of the color of the skin. In experienced hands, these risks are minimal. The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

Recovery Time

Approximately one week.

Does it Hurt?

All procedures are performed within our state-accredited outpatient surgery center. A topical anesthetic cream may be applied to the treatment areas prior to the procedure. Small regional areas are easily numbed up, while a full face procedure would require twilight local sedation, administered by our board-certified anesthetists.

Before Treatment Instructions

Avoidance of excessive sunlight for 2 weeks before treatment.

After Treatment Instructions

Moisturizers and washing of the treated area is important. Patients will be prescribed medications to take to avoid infection.

Who Performs the Treatments?

Our Physicians perform the Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment.