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Dark Circles & Under-Eye Hollows in Burnaby

Find the cause first, then choose the treatment.

Dark circles usually come from three sources, often mixed: hollowing at the tear trough that casts a shadow, thin skin showing blood vessels, and pigment. At Skin Art MD in Burnaby, BC, filler suits hollows, PRP is considered for thin skin, and pigment is handled differently. A physician identifies the cause before any plan.

3 Causes
Hollows, thin skin and pigment
Immediate
Visible change from tear trough filler, which is temporary
~2 weeks
For filler swelling to settle; most resume activities the same day
Self-Check

What Do You See?

Dark circles have multiple causes, and each requires a different approach. Identifying your type is the first step to effective treatment. Select all that apply:

Most people have a mix of causes. Our clinical team will work out which ones apply and suggest a layered plan.

The Science

What Causes Dark Circles?

The under-eye area is unusual: the skin is very thin, there is little fat padding, and blood vessels are dense. That is why dark circles can persist despite good sleep.

1

Volume Loss (Tear Trough)

As we age, the fat pad under the eye shrinks, creating a hollow that catches shadow and makes the area look dark and sunken.

2

Thin Skin & Vascularity

Under-eye skin is very thin, so blood vessels show through as blue or purple discolouration, which can look worse with fatigue.

3

Hyperpigmentation

Melanin overproduction in the periorbital area creates brown discoloration. Common in certain ethnic backgrounds and worsened by sun exposure.

4

Aging & Collagen Loss

Collagen and elastin breakdown makes under-eye skin thinner and less resilient, revealing underlying structures more prominently.

5

Lifestyle Factors

Poor sleep, allergies, dehydration, excessive screen time, and smoking all worsen dark circles by increasing inflammation and vascular congestion.

6

Genetic Predisposition

Bone structure, skin thickness, and melanin distribution are largely inherited, making some people predisposed to dark circles from a young age.

Our Solutions

How Are Dark Circles Treated at Skin Art MD?

We match treatment to the cause: restore volume where there is a hollow, support skin quality where it is thin, and handle pigment separately.

Volume plus regeneration: filler for structural hollows, combined where suitable with PRP to support skin quality.

1Volume & Regenerative Treatments

Tear Trough Dermal Filler

For Hollow Shadows

For hollows

Hyaluronic acid filler placed in the tear trough restores lost volume and softens the hollow shadow. The change is visible immediately and is temporary.

For:Hollow tear troughs, under-eye shadows, sunken appearance.
Learn More

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

For Thin Skin

Regenerative

Concentrated growth factors from your own blood are injected under the eyes to support collagen and skin quality. Evidence is still limited, so results vary.

For:Thin skin, fine lines and mild dark circles.
Learn More

2Supportive Treatments

Medical Skincare Protocol

Targeted eye-area skincare with brightening ingredients such as vitamin C, plus daily sunscreen, to help with pigmentation and protect the under-eye skin.

Learn More

Combination Approach

For complex cases, tear trough filler for structure may be combined with PRP for skin quality.

Learn More
Why Us

A Cause-Based Approach

MD
Physician-led
3
Languages: EN · 中文 · 粤语
Metrotown
Burnaby clinic
1

Physician-Injected Fillers

Tear trough filler is a precise procedure performed by a physician, who may use a cannula technique to help limit bruising and keep results natural.

2

Multi-Cause Diagnosis

We work out whether your dark circles come from volume loss, pigmentation, visible vessels or a mix, and plan accordingly.

3

Regenerative Option

Filler can be combined with PRP where it suits you.

4

Conservative Approach

Under-eye treatment requires restraint. We use precise, conservative volumes to avoid overfilling and unnatural results.

FAQ

Dark Circles Q&A

There are usually several causes at once: hollowing at the tear trough that casts a shadow, thin skin that shows blood vessels, pigmentation, and in some people allergies or inflammation. Genetics and sun exposure play a part, and it is not only a matter of sleep.
Only if a hollow shadow is the main cause. Filler can soften that shadow, but it will not remove brown pigment and does not always change a blue tint from thin skin. One clue: a shadow that shifts as you tilt your head under a light usually comes from a hollow, while a brown tone that stays the same is more likely pigment. We assess the cause before suggesting filler.
Hyaluronic acid filler is temporary. Under the eyes it often lasts many months, and for some people a year or more, but this varies with the product, your metabolism and the area treated.
It carries risks, including bruising, swelling, lumps, bluish discolouration and, rarely, serious vascular complications, so skilled placement matters. The injecting physician may use a cannula and conservative amounts, and hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved if needed.
Some people notice thicker-looking skin and fewer visible vessels over weeks to months, but evidence is limited and results vary. It is usually considered for thin skin rather than for hollows or brown pigment.
Pigment-based dark circles need a different approach, such as brightening skincare, sun protection and, in some cases, gentle in-clinic treatment. We diagnose the cause before recommending treatment. If you have swelling that is new or one-sided, see your family doctor.
Numbing cream is used and many fillers contain a local anesthetic, so most people feel pressure rather than sharp pain. Swelling or bruising can last a few days, and most people resume normal activities the same day. Avoid strenuous exercise and pressure on the area for the rest of that day, and contact the clinic if pain or colour change worsens.
Filler is usually avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with an active infection or a cold sore nearby, and when puffy bags rather than hollows are the main issue. Tell the physician about blood thinners, allergies and any previous filler or eyelid surgery, since these change whether and how the area is treated.
Filler can make true puffiness look worse, so it is not the right tool for bags caused by fat or fluid. Options depend on the cause, and some cases are better assessed by a surgeon or a family physician, for example when swelling is linked to allergies, sleep or thyroid problems. We will tell you honestly if filler is not suitable.

Brighten Your Under Eyes

Book a consultation to find the cause of your dark circles and discuss which options might suit you.

Book Consultation+1 (604) 639-2581

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