Lower Eyelids

Q: Over the years I have developed dark circles and puffiness under my eyes. My family and co-workers have told me I look tired. Is there a solution?

A: Puffiness and dark discoloration of the lower eyelids are common complaints. As we age, the tissues of the lower eyelid become thinner and less elastic. This can also be a congenital issue not related to age at all. As a result, the three small fat pads of the lower lid bulge out creating puffiness and shadowing. Furthermore, the thinning of the eyelid skin allows the small blood vessels to be more visible creating the bluish discoloration. This darkening is not a pigment problem but a skin thinning problem so bleaching creams used to treat hyper pigmentation are not effective.
The treatment for these problems often involves surgically removing the extra fat of the lower eyelid. This can be done through a small incision inside the eyelid without any visible scars or sometimetimes through an incision just under the lash line if some extra skin also needs to be removed. Treating the discoloration can be done effectively with a mild chemical peel which improves the quality of the skin and thickens and smoothes the skin thereby not allowing the blood vessels to shine through. Teamine, a topical preparation, is also very effective at constricting these vessels and thereby lessening the discoloration without surgery.
For more information about eyelid surgery or any other cosmetic plastic surgery, log onto my website at www.drhainer.com or call my office for a complimentary consultation.