Dark shadows under the eyes can make the face look tired, worn out, or older — even after a restful night. But not all under‑eye circles are the same: for some people dark pigmentation is the main issue, while for others they result from thin skin, visible blood vessels, volume loss, or a pronounced tear trough. Accordingly, the options for treating under‑eye circles vary. Depending on the cause, different procedures may be appropriate — ranging from medical skincare and PRP and skinboosters to hyaluronic acid.

At JUVENIS in Vienna, the eye area is therefore analyzed carefully first. Only then can it be decided which treatment promises a natural and harmonious result.

Why do under‑eye circles occur?

Under‑eye circles can have many causes. Often multiple factors play a role simultaneously.

These include:

  • genetic predisposition
  • particularly thin skin under the eyes
  • visible blood vessels
  • pigmentation
  • Volume loss
  • a pronounced tear trough
  • natural skin aging
  • Lack of sleep and stress
  • UV radiation
  • Allergies and frequent eye rubbing

That's why not every treatment is effective for every type of dark circles.

Dark under-eye circles caused by thin skin and visible vessels

The skin around the eyes is one of the thinnest areas of the body. Blood vessels can therefore show through the skin and create a bluish or purplish shadow. As we age, the skin becomes even thinner and loses collagen and elasticity. This makes the vessels even more noticeable. Treatments here primarily focus on improving skin quality and supporting regeneration of the eye area.

Dark circles caused by a pronounced tear trough

Another common cause is the so-called tear trough. This creates a hollow beneath the eye that casts a shadow. The face can therefore look tired, even though there is no actual dark pigmentation. The tear trough can be hereditary or may become more pronounced due to age-related volume loss. In selected cases, treatment with hyaluronic acid may be an option.

Pigmented dark circles

In some people, the skin under the eyes is actually more heavily pigmented.

Such brownish dark circles can be caused, among other things, by:

  • genetic factors
  • UV radiation
  • hormonal influences
  • skin inflammation
  • frequent rubbing of the eyes

can be aggravated.

Pigment-related dark circles require different treatment methods than those for a deep tear trough.

What treatment helps with dark circles?

The appropriate method depends on the cause. A careful analysis of the eye area is therefore particularly important.

Hyaluronic acid for dark circles and the tear trough

In the case of a pronounced tear trough, hyaluronic acid can be used to make the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek more harmonious. Through targeted volume replacement, the shadow under the eye can be reduced and the eye area can appear fresher.

However, it is important to note: the area under the eyes is anatomically particularly complex.

Treatment with hyaluronic acid is not suitable for every patient. With an inappropriate indication or too much filler, swelling or unnatural results can occur, for example. Therefore, treatment should only be performed after a careful medical assessment.

Further information about treatment of dark circles with hyaluronic acid can be found on our website here:Hyaluronic acid for under-eye circles

PRP for tired eye areas

Another option is PRP plasma treatment. For this, a small amount of the patient’s own blood is first drawn and specially processed. The platelet-rich plasma obtained from this contains the body’s own growth factors and is then introduced into the area to be treated. PRP can support the skin’s natural regeneration processes and is particularly suitable when improving skin quality is the main goal.

Possible goals are:

  • Support for skin regeneration
  • Improvement of skin texture
  • Fresher-looking eye area
  • Support for collagen production

Because autologous material is used, PRP is not primarily focused on traditional volume augmentation.

For more information about a PRP treatment, please visit our website here:Vampire lifting – plasma lifting (PRP)

Skinbooster for more hydration

If the skin under the eyes is dry and fine dehydration lines appear, Skinbooster treatments can be another option. Hyaluronic acid is used to intensely hydrate the skin and improve its quality. Unlike traditional fillers, Skinbooster treatments are not primarily intended to fill a deep tear trough.

They can instead help to:

  • to better hydrate the skin
  • reduce fine lines
  • to improve skin texture
  • to make the eye area appear fresher

For more information about a Skinbooster treatment, please visit our website here:Skin Booster

Microneedling and radiofrequency microneedling

Collagen-stimulating procedures can also be used for certain changes around the eyes. Microneedling creates controlled microchannels to stimulate natural regenerative processes. In radiofrequency microneedling, those micro-impulses are additionally combined with radiofrequency energy.

Depending on skin type, the following may occur:

Supports collagen production
fine lines may be reduced
Improved skin texture
Treated mild skin laxity

through the right diet.

Whether and in what form a treatment in the delicate eye area is appropriate must be decided on an individual basis.

Further information about treatment with radiofrequency microneedling can be found on our website here: Potenza™ Radiofrequenz (RF) Microneedling

Laser treatment for dark circles

For certain skin changes around the eyes, modern laser- or light-based procedures may also be suitable.

Depending on the technology, for example:

  • pigmentation
  • certain visible vessels
  • fine lines
  • Sun damage
  • Uneven skin texture

be treated.

Because the eye area is particularly sensitive, the right technology and appropriate eye protection are crucial.

You can find more information about laser treatment for dark circles on our website here:Laser treatment for dark circles

PDO thread lift for a firmer eye area

If skin laxity and fine lines around the eyes are present, a PDO thread lift may also be an option at JUVENIS. Very fine, absorbable PDO threads are inserted into the skin. They can stabilize the tissue and at the same time stimulate the body's own collagen production.

The PDO thread lift can particularly help with:

  • to tighten the skin around the eyes
  • to reduce fine lines around the eyes
  • to stimulate collagen production
  • to improve skin texture
  • to give the eye area a fresher appearance

The threads used are gradually absorbed by the body over time. However, the regenerative effect can persist beyond that, since the treatment supports the formation of new collagen. Whether a PDO thread lift is appropriate for under-eye circles or other changes around the eye area depends on the cause and the individual's skin condition.

For more information about a PDO thread lift, please visit our website here:Polydioxanone (PDO) thread lifting

Peels for under-eye circles and pigmentation

Medical peels can also be used for certain forms of under-eye circles and changes around the eyes. Especially for superficial pigmentation or an uneven skin tone, a tailored peel can help improve the skin's appearance.

Depending on skin type and condition, peels can:

  • support skin renewal
  • reduce superficial pigmentation
  • refine skin texture
  • promote a more even complexion
  • reduce the appearance of fine lines

Because the skin around the eyes is particularly thin and sensitive, the type and intensity of the peel must be chosen carefully. A professional assessment is therefore especially important.

For more information about a peel at JUVENIS, please see our website here:Chemical peels and fruit acid peels

What helps with pigmented under-eye circles?

If the dark shadows are mainly caused by pigment, treating the hyperpigmentation is the main priority.

Depending on skin type, the following measures may be appropriate, for example:

  • Consistent sun protection
  • pigment-regulating skincare
  • selected chemical peels
  • certain laser- or light-based procedures

Patience is especially important with pigmentation. Overly aggressive treatment can encourage new pigment changes in certain skin types.

Dark circles or eye bags – what's the difference?

Dark circles and eye bags are often confused with one another. Dark circles mainly present as dark shadows or hollows under the eyes. Eye bags, by contrast, arise from a protrusion in the lower eyelid area. Fat tissue, skin laxity, and fluid retention can play a role. The treatment differs accordingly. In pronounced eye bags, non-surgical treatment may only achieve limited improvements. In some cases, a surgical lower eyelid correction may be the more appropriate method.

Can creams remove dark circles?

An eye cream can nourish the skin and provide moisture. Certain active ingredients can also have a positive effect on pigmentation and skin quality. However, a pronounced tear trough or anatomically caused shadows cannot be completely eliminated with a cream. Skincare is therefore important, but it does not replace medical-aesthetic treatment for structural causes.

What can you do yourself about dark circles?

Some measures can help make the eye area look fresher:

  • sufficient sleep
  • sufficient fluids
  • Consistent sun protection
  • gentle skin care
  • avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously
  • have allergies treated if necessary
  • avoid smoking

For genetically caused dark circles or a pronounced tear trough, lifestyle changes are nevertheless limited in what they can achieve.

Which treatment is right?

The most important question is not, "Which treatment is the most effective?", but: Why are the dark circles visible?

Put simply:

For a pronounced tear trough:
Hyaluronic acid can, in selected cases, provide a more harmonious transition.

For thin, fine, or skin in need of regeneration:
PRP or collagen-stimulating procedures may be considered.

For dehydrated skin and fine lines caused by dryness:
Skin boosters can help improve skin quality.

For pigmentations:
Pigment-regulating treatments, peels, or appropriate light-based procedures may be useful.

For pronounced eye bags:
A different treatment, up to and including surgical correction, may be required.

Often, various procedures can also be combined.

Treating dark circles at JUVENIS in Vienna

At JUVENIS in Vienna, a thorough assessment of the eye area is performed before every treatment. It is analyzed whether the dark shadows are caused, for example, by volume loss, a pronounced tear trough, thin skin, pigmentations, or a combination of different factors. Depending on the findings, different treatment options may be considered, including hyaluronic acid, PRP, Skinbooster, PDO thread lift, medical peels, Microneedling or radiofrequency microneedling, as well as selected laser and light-based procedures. The goal is not to artificially alter the eye area, but to gently reduce a tired appearance and achieve a fresh, natural look.

Conclusion: Treat dark circles specifically rather than indiscriminately

Dark circles can have very different causes. Therefore, there is no single treatment that is equally suitable for all patients. While hyaluronic acid may be an option for a pronounced tear trough, PRP, Skinbooster and Microneedling focus more on improving skin quality. A PDO thread lift can be an option for reduced skin firmness, while medical peels can be used particularly for certain pigmentations and uneven skin texture. Which treatment or combination is appropriate always depends on the individual cause of the dark circles.

JUVENIS in Vienna offers services related to Health & preventive care, Radiance & posture as well as Outer beauty that make you outwardly radiant and enhance your well-being.

Contact us, we will be happy to inform you!