Under-Eye Dark Circles: Dermato-Esthetic Treatment Solutions in Laval

Under-Eye Dark Circles: Why They Appear and What Causes Them

 

Each type of under-eye dark circle has a different cause. An accurate diagnosis is key to achieving natural, long-lasting results.

Under-eye dark circles are often associated with fatigue, but their appearance is far more complex than it seems. Whether they are hollow, blue, brown, or accompanied by under-eye bags, dark circles typically result from a combination of factors such as genetics, natural aging, and the naturally delicate skin under the eyes. This is why two well-rested individuals can have dark circles that look completely different in both color and depth.

In some people, the skin under the eyes is naturally thinner, allowing blood vessels to show through and creating a blue or purplish tint. Others have a more pronounced under-eye hollow, often accentuated with age, which casts a shadow that makes dark circles appear persistent. In other cases, increased pigmentation or early tissue laxity can darken the area (brown or pigmented dark circles) or make it look heavier.

Understanding the true cause of your under-eye dark circles is key, because each type—hollow, bluish/vascular, pigmented, or related to under-eye bags—requires a different medical approach. This is exactly what Dr. Brassard evaluates during a consultation to recommend a treatment that is targeted, natural, and truly effective.

 

What Types of Under-Eye Dark Circles Exist and Why Consult a Dermatologist?

 

Understanding your type of under-eye dark circle is key to choosing the right treatment. A dermatologist’s expertise improves accuracy and results.

Not all under-eye dark circles have the same origin. They can be hollow, blue or bluish, pigmented, or accompanied by under-eye bags, and each type appears for different reasons: volume loss, very thin skin that reveals blood vessels or even the underlying muscle, pigment accumulation, or progressive skin laxity under the eye.

Hollow dark circles (tear trough hollows / volume loss)

These occur when the tissue under the eyes loses volume over time. The hollow that forms between the eyelid and the cheek, also called the tear trough, casts a permanent shadow that makes the eyes appear tired, even when well rested.

Blue or bluish dark circles (vascular dark circles & skin transparency)

These dark circles often appear in people whose under-eye skin is naturally very thin. Because this delicate skin becomes more transparent, small blood vessels underneath become visible, creating a blue, purplish, or grayish tone.

In some patients, extremely thin skin may even reveal the contour of the muscle beneath the eye, which further intensifies the shadow or bluish appearance.

This combination of thin skin, visible vessels, and sometimes the underlying muscle structure explains why vascular dark circles can vary so much from one person to another.

Pigmented or dark brown circles (hyperpigmentation)

These are caused by an increased concentration of pigment in the skin. They are more common depending on skin type, genetics, and cumulative sun exposure.

Under-eye bags (skin laxity or forward fat protrusion)

With age, the skin and supporting tissues under the eye begin to loosen. A small pad of fat may also shift forward, forming an under-eye bag. This protrusion casts a shadow that accentuates the dark circle above it.

Because each type of under-eye dark circle responds to a different non-surgical dark circle treatment, hyaluronic acid fillers, PRP, radiofrequency tightening, or in some cases a surgical evaluation, consulting a dermatologist is strongly recommended.

At Clinique D in Laval, Dr. Brassard performs a dermatologist-led under-eye assessment to analyze the eye structure, skin quality, and the true underlying cause of your dark circles, ensuring the most appropriate, natural, and safe treatment plan.

 

How Does Dr. Brassard, Dermatologist, Determine the Right Treatment for Your Under-Eye Dark Circles ?

 

Each type of under-eye dark circle requires a precise dermatologic assessment. Dr. Brassard draws on 10+ years of experience to determine the ideal treatment.

Correcting under-eye dark circles requires a personalized medical approach, as two patients with similar concerns may have completely different underlying causes. During your consultation at Clinique D in Laval, Dr. Danielle Brassard performs a structured evaluation of the under-eye area to determine the treatment that best suits your anatomy and your goals.

Analysis of the under-eye structure

Dr. Brassard examines the shape of the eye area, the depth of the hollow, and the transition between the eyelid and the cheek to determine whether volume loss, often referred to as tear trough hollowing, is contributing to the appearance of your dark circles.

Evaluation of skin thickness and quality

Very thin under-eye skin can reveal underlying blood vessels and sometimes even the contours of the muscle, which influences whether the best approach is a treatment that strengthens the skin or one that targets the coloration of the dark circle. The degree of skin transparency is an important factor in vascular or bluish dark circles.

Assessment of the dark circle’s coloration

The dermatologist identifies whether your dark circles are bluish/vascular, brown/pigmented, or mixed, as each type responds to specific treatments such as gentle chemical peels, melanin-targeting skincare, or technologies adapted to your skin type. Pigmented dark circles, for example, require a different strategy than vascular dark circles or structural hollows.

Presence of under-eye bags or surface irregularities

When small fat pads or under-eye bags are present, Dr. Brassard evaluates their size and aesthetic impact to determine whether a dermatologic treatment is sufficient or whether a surgical evaluation would be more appropriate. Fat protrusion and tissue laxity can significantly influence the overall appearance of dark circles.

Medical history, skin sensitivity, and personal goals

Therapeutic choices are guided by your skin type, tolerance, previous treatments, and your desire for natural, harmonious results. Understanding your medical background helps ensure safe and predictable outcomes.

 

A recommendation based on expertise and precision

Based on these observations, Dr. Brassard selects the most effective treatment for your specific type of under-eye dark circle: hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvéderm, Belotero, or Restylane), PRP, Forma radiofrequency, mild peels, brightening treatments, or surgical referral when needed.

This methodical, dermatologist-led approach ensures a personalized, natural result tailored to the unique morphology of your under-eye area.

 

What Are the Best Treatments for Under-Eye Dark Circles?

 

Each type of under-eye dark circle responds differently to treatment. Discover the solutions most trusted at Clinique D.

There is no single universal treatment for correcting under-eye dark circles, because each type, whether hollow, bluish/vascular, pigmented, or accompanied by under-eye bags, requires a different approach.

At Clinique D in Laval, Dr. Brassard selects the most suitable solution based on the exact cause of your dark circles, the thickness of your skin, and the structure of your eye area.

Here are the most effective non-surgical treatments for improving the appearance of under-eye dark circles:

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (Tear Trough Filler)

Ideal for: hollow dark circles and volume loss

When dark circles are caused by a hollow under the eye or a pronounced transition between the eyelid and the cheek, hyaluronic acid fillers are often the most effective solution.

At Clinique D, Dr. Brassard uses fillers specifically formulated for this delicate area, including Juvéderm, Belotero, and Restylane.

These injectables help to:

• restore lost volume
• soften the tear trough hollow
• reduce the permanent shadow
• refresh the eye area for a more rested and harmonious look

The injection is performed with precision following a proven medical protocol meticulously executed by Dr. Brassard, a dermatologist with over 10 years of experience in hyaluronic acid injection techniques.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

Ideal for: bluish/vascular dark circles, thin skin, transparency, tired-looking eyes

PRP strengthens skin quality, stimulates collagen production, and improves microcirculation.

It is particularly effective when the under-eye skin is very thin, allowing small blood vessels, or in some cases, even the outline of the muscle, to become visible, which contributes to a bluish or purplish tint.

PRP helps to:

• gently thicken the skin
• even out the color
• improve brightness
• reduce the visibility of vessels or underlying muscle

This treatment is 100% natural and derived from your own blood.

Radiofrequency – Forma

Ideal for: fine lines, crepey texture, mild under-eye laxity

Forma radiofrequency uses gentle, controlled heat to contract existing collagen and stimulate new collagen production, firming the under-eye area. This treatment provides a tightening effect, a visible brightening, and smoother, more supple skin, all while being extremely comfortable.

The sensation is similar to a warm stone massage, making it an appealing option for:

• softening fine lines
• improving skin tone
• reducing crepey texture
• revitalizing a tired eye appearance

Forma radiofrequency can also be combined with fillers or PRP for a more comprehensive result.

Pigmentation-Focused Solutions

Ideal for: brown or dark pigmented circles

When dark circles stem from increased pigmentation, Dr. Brassard may recommend:

• brightening skincare,
• gentle peels,
• or technologies targeting melanin, depending on your skin type.

Pigmented dark circles often require a gradual treatment plan combined with consistent sun protection.

And what about under-eye bags?

Small under-eye fat pads can sometimes be softened with dermatologic treatments.

When the fat pad is more prominent, Dr. Brassard may recommend an evaluation with an oculoplastic surgeon for a possible blepharoplasty, which is often highly effective for restoring a smoother, more refined under-eye contour.

 

How to Book Your Appointment to Effectively Treat Under-Eye Dark Circles at Clinique D

 

Book your appointment easily at Clinique D for a personalized evaluation of your under-eye dark circles by Dr. Brassard.

At Clinique D in Laval, a consultation with Dr. Danielle Brassard will provide you with a personalized treatment plan to correct your under-eye dark circles in a natural and safe way. She will analyze your eye area and recommend the option that offers the best results for your specific situation.

Book your appointment today by calling 514-396-5351 or by completing the following online form: Book an appointment