Causes and Solutions for Different Types of Dark Circles: Pigmentary, Vascular, or Structural – Which Type Is Mine?

 

Hello, this is Dr. Han Su-hyeong from Jongno Le Miel Plastic Surgery.

 

Many people sigh every morning as they look in the mirror at the deep shadows cast under their eyes. They may dismiss it as insignificant, thinking "it will get better with time," or busily try to cover it up with concealer every day, but unless the root cause is addressed, looking in the mirror can easily become a source of stress.

 

However, even with the same 'dark circles,' the causes vary from person to person, and the approach also differs depending on the cause. Today... Dark circles are classified into pigmented, vascular, and structural types to determine which type your under-eyes are. I will review the options and summarize the surgical solutions that can be considered for structural dark circles.

 

1️⃣ Why do dark circles appear, and why do they appear differently in each person?

There are more 'mixed types' where two or three patterns overlap, rather than a single cause.

 

In most cases, dark circles appear as a result of a complex interplay of various factors rather than a single cause. When examining patients who actually visit the clinic, rather than just one factor at play... A mixed type with two or three overlapping aspects There are many of them.

 

So, to improve dark circles, first, the shadow under my eyes Whether it is because of the 'color', the 'reflection', or the 'shadow' Distinguishing between them is the starting point.

 

Three types of dark circles (from left: pigmented, vascular, and structural)

 

2️⃣ Pigmented, Vascular, or Structural: Which type are my dark circles?

Brown tones are pigments, blue tones are blood vessels, and shadows are a sign of structure.

 

📌 Pigment type (brown/black tone)
This refers to cases where melanin pigment is excessively deposited in the skin under the eyes due to genetic predisposition, exposure to ultraviolet rays, or habitually rubbing the eyes. It is also commonly observed in individuals who frequently touch their eye area due to conditions such as atopic dermatitis or rhinitis.

 

📌 Vascular type (blue and purple tones)
This is a condition where the skin under the eyes is excessively thin, allowing subcutaneous blood vessels and muscle tissue to show through. The bluish tint becomes more pronounced due to lack of sleep, stress, or poor blood circulation.

 

📌 Structural type (shadow/volume reduction)
When the orbital septum, which supports the fat under the eyes, weakens due to causes such as aging, the fat bulges forward. A shadow forms between this bulging area and the sunken tear trough beneath it, making it appear like dark circles.

 

The three types differ in their causes. The degree to which they can be concealed by makeup or care, as well as the approaches to improvement, differ. If the main cause is color or transparency but you only change the structure, or conversely, if the main cause is shadows but you only manage the skin tone, it is difficult to see the changes you expect.

 

3️⃣ How can structural dark circles be resolved?

If fat protrusion and tear trough hollowing are the main causes, you may consider lower eyelid fat repositioning.

 

Because the causes of dark circles are so diverse, a sophisticated approach tailored to the condition of your under-eyes is necessary rather than blindly applying a one-size-fits-all method. When structural causes (fat protrusion and tear trough hollowing) account for a large proportion of dark circles A representative method that can be applied is under-eye fat repositioning.

 

Encore lower eyelid fat repositioning performed at Le Miel Plastic Surgery accesses the area through a micro-incision via the conjunctiva, evenly dividing the clustered fat into multiple fine pieces. A method that trims unnecessary amounts and densely fills in sunken areas. We perform dissection and fat separation using the Ultrapulse Encore CO2 laser.

 

In structural dark circles, as bulging fat and sunken tear troughs are smoothed out together, the area that formed between them The shrinking of shadows This is the key. If the area under the eyes becomes flat, the flow connecting the aegyo-sal line to the front cheekbones can also become much more natural.

 

📌 The principles of the procedure, expected effects, and precautions are discussed in the previous column 「 Encore Under-eye Fat Repositioning: Worried about bulging and dark circles under your eyes? This was covered in detail in 」.

 

 

4️⃣ What should I check before surgery?

The first step is to get an accurate diagnosis of whether the main cause of my dark circles is 'structure'.

 

Because the skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive, After accurately diagnosing the individual's anatomical structure and fat distribution It must be performed with precision. Since excessive manipulation or unreasonable procedures can cause unnecessary swelling or bruising, the skill level of the medical staff is crucial.

 

During the recovery period after surgery, refrain from rubbing the eye area vigorously or applying strong physical stimulation. It is also advisable to avoid strenuous exercise or saunas for a certain period to ensure a stable recovery.

 

✔️ I recommend counseling to people like this.
· Those with bulging fat under their eyes that casts shadows
· People with deep tear troughs who give a dark impression
· Those whose dark circles do not improve with makeup or skincare

 

✔️ Hospital Selection Checkpoints
Since the causes of dark circles are very complex, rather than recommending simplistic procedures A place that meticulously analyzes each individual's skin thickness, fat volume, and degree of visible blood vessels to create a customized plan. It is recommended to examine the matter carefully.

 

 

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can you distinguish what type of dark circles I have on your own?

 

A. You can roughly estimate the direction by observing whether the tone is brown or blue, and whether shadows are cast by convexity and depression. However, in reality, mixed types with two or three overlapping features are common, so it is more accurate to have the skin thickness, amount of fat, and degree of visible blood vessels diagnosed together.

 

Q2. What are the differences between Encore under-eye fat removal and standard under-eye fat repositioning?

 

A. Conventional methods focus on cutting out or simply relocating under-eye fat, which can sometimes leave behind hollowness or swelling. Encore Under-Eye Glow utilizes an ultrapulse laser to break down clustered fat into fine fragments and densely fill in the empty spaces, focusing on addressing both bulging and hollowness simultaneously.

 

Q3. How long does the recovery take, and when can I return to my daily life?

 

A. The procedure is performed through a micro-incision on the inside of the conjunctiva, and recovery is relatively fast as external sutures or tape fixation are often unnecessary. Although individual differences exist, bruising and swelling are generally minimal, allowing for light daily activities as early as the day after surgery.

 

Q4. Do the effects of the surgery last permanently?

 

A. Since protruding fat is repositioned, you can expect long-term improvement. However, as the decline in skin elasticity due to the natural aging process may occur gradually, combining this with care such as consistent UV protection and moisturizing the eye area will help you maintain a satisfactory condition for a longer period.

 

🎯 Conclusion

It is difficult to expect the same results by applying the same method uniformly to everyone.

 

Since dark circles are caused by a complex interplay of pigmentation, blood vessels, and structural factors, rather than deciding on a procedure blindly Getting an accurate diagnosis of the main cause under my eyes This is the priority.

 

The concerns you feel about your eye area when looking in the mirror right now may not all be the same sign. However, if a dull appearance becomes a source of daily stress every time you look in the mirror, it is advisable to carefully examine your current condition.

 

We hope you find the most suitable solution for your eye area through a thorough consultation with our professional medical team at Jongno Le Miel Plastic Surgery, who possess extensive clinical experience.

 

 

Le Miel Plastic Surgery Clinic

Director Han Su-hyeong

plastic surgeon

Lifetime member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Regular member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Regular member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Former Director of JK Plastic Surgery Clinic

Former Director of Cheongdam Oracle Plastic Surgery Clinic

Former Director of Ruby Plastic Surgery Clinic

Completed residency in Plastic Surgery at Catholic Medical Center