While dermal fillers are known for their remarkable ability to seamlessly rejuvenate the skin and combat signs of aging, they are not right for every patient. Some individuals prefer to find an alternative to injecting foreign compounds into the body. For others, dermal fillers aren’t as effective as they might have hoped, prompting them to seek out another option for revitalizing the under-eye area. In this blog, our team at Flora Levin MD in Westport, CT, will explore your best options for obtaining smooth under-eyes without resorting to fillers.
What Causes Discoloration and Volume Loss Under the Eyes?
Whether you are dealing with dark eye circles, eye bags, or a hollow under-eye appearance, these concerns can cause self-consciousness and frustration. The skin under the eyes is especially thin, making discoloration more noticeable. Under-eye changes like volume loss and puffiness can occur due to the natural aging process; however, for some individuals, imperfections in this delicate area of the face can also be hereditary.
Some of the most common causes of under-eye concerns include the following:
- Aging – Diminishing reserves of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid paired with the force of gravity can lead to a less than satisfactory appearance in the under-eye region over time.
- Lifestyle – Patients who abuse alcohol, smoke, or get poor sleep often notice the results of these activities reflected back as unpleasant changes in the eye area.
- Allergies – Nasal blockage can cause the blood vessels under the eyes to become more prominent, leading to discoloration and puffiness.
- Underlying health issues – Fluid retention under the eyes can often signify a medical disorder, such as kidney problems, liver dysfunction, or hypo/hyperthyroidism.
The Drawbacks of Under-Eye Fillers
Many med spa providers recommend tear trough fillers to combat imperfections in the under-eye region. Unfortunately, these injectables don’t do much to address dark circles, under-eye bags, or puffiness. Fillers even tend to make these issues worse, as they add more bulk to an extremely delicate area of thin skin. While tear trough fillers can be useful for correcting volume loss, they are not a good solution for those struggling with multiple cosmetic issues under the eyes.
Under-eye fillers also come with considerable risks, and should only be performed by licensed, experienced professionals. Since the tear trough area is so vulnerable and filled with blood vessels, it can succumb more easily to side effects like swelling, redness, and bruising.
Exploring Alternatives to Under-Eye Fillers
Dr. Flora Levin in Westport performs a broad range of aesthetic treatments and procedures and tailors every solution to the individual. She recommends the following for patients who seek to avoid under-eye fillers but who still want to achieve a more rejuvenated, inviting appearance.
Adhering to a healthy lifestyle
Nothing accentuates natural beauty and vitality as much as being healthy. The under-eye region can be significantly impacted by your diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and sleep habits. For instance, not getting enough rest can cause the under-eye blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to dark, puffy contours that call attention to themselves.
Home remedies
Using at-home solutions like cold compresses, masks, creams, and concealers can all help to create a more energized, youthful under-eye appearance. Dark circles can be well addressed with retinoids and products containing Vitamin C. Serums that contain peptides and hyaluronic acid can also be useful for smoothing delicate under-eye skin.
Medications
If under-eye discoloration and puffiness are due to allergies, some patients can benefit from taking medications to control nasal congestion and blockage. Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants can all work to improve airflow, reducing the likelihood of “allergy shiners.”
Laser therapy is one of the most effective and popular solutions for improving the skin’s texture and tone. When laser energy is directed at the skin at just the right depth and intensity, it can eradicate the outermost layer of damaged cells, restoring a brighter, clearer appearance. Laser treatments can also boost collagen production to combat volume loss under the eyes.
Chemical peels are performed to gently but powerfully exfoliate the skin, improving its texture, tone, and suppleness. They can eradicate wrinkles, lines, and creases and restore uniform pigmentation. A chemical peel is often combined with other aesthetic solutions to ensure the patient’s under-eye region is free from volume loss, puffiness, bags, and dark circles.
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is effective in combating volume loss, poor skin texture, and pigmentation issues. By making tiny micro-injuries in the skin, the process leads to enhanced collagen production and cellular renewal. Microneedling can be combined with other treatments like PRP to provide comprehensive changes in the under-eye area.
PRP is a blood product with remarkable regenerative functions. It contains healing growth factors that encourage rejuvenation, repair, and renewal. PRP is an excellent solution for combating dark circles, hollowness, and puffiness in the tear trough region.
What Is the Takeaway?
If you are looking to improve your under-eye appearance but are wary of using fillers and injectables to do so, your provider may be able to recommend a wide array of powerful alternative solutions to help you look and feel like the best version of yourself. From lifestyle changes and allergy medications to aesthetic treatments like microneedling, laser therapy, and chemical peels, your practitioner can curate a customized treatment plan to get to the heart of your concerns and produce a more radiant, attractive under-eye appearance that heightens your confidence and peace of mind.
Interested in Learning More About Under-Eye Filler Alternatives? Contact Flora Levin, MD, in Westport, CT
Dr. Flora Levin in Westport is an internationally renowned, board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon who specializes in the delicate art of eye rejuvenation. Contact Flora Levin, MD, today to schedule a private consultation and learn more about the doctor’s unique and innovative approach to anti-aging.
