A new study published in The Journal of Dermatological Treatment aimed to evaluate different non-surgical treatment options for dark circles.

The present study recruited 34 patients with dark circles with different Fitzpatrick skin types from UK and India. Patients 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.

The results showed that all treatment options were effective in all three groups with minimal side effects, and with no statistically significant difference between the three treatment groups. Patients who had tear troughs and/or hollow eyes responded well to fillers; patients with loose and wrinkled skin responded well to CO2 laser; patients with tear troughs and hyperpigmentation responded well to fillers, Q switched Nd:YAG and topical agents; and patients with tear troughs and veins to fillers and long pulsed Nd:YAG lasers. Meanwhile, the majority rated the esthetic outcomes as excellent.

Hence, all three treatment modalities were effective in the reduction of periorbital dark circles depending on underlying cause. In inference, it was stated that non-surgical treatments can correct and improve dark circles with minimum complications and downtime.

Source: The Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2020 Dec 3;1-8. doi:10.1080/09546634.2020.1855297.