Dark Circles & Under-Eye Hollows Richmond, BC
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 that shows blood vessels, and pigmentation. Filler suits hollows, PRP may improve thin skin, and pigment is approached differently. At RAAC in Richmond, BC, Dr. Jiang's team identifies the cause before recommending anything; results vary.
- 3 Causes
- Hollows, thin skin and pigment
- Immediate
- Visible change from tear trough filler, which is temporary
- A few days
- Bruising or swelling is possible; most resume activities the same day
- 3 Causes
- Hollows, thin skin and pigment
- Immediate
- Visible change from tear trough filler, which is temporary
- A few days
- Bruising or swelling is possible; most resume activities the same day
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hyperpigmentation
Melanin overproduction in the periorbital area creates brown discoloration. Common in certain ethnic backgrounds and worsened by sun exposure.
Aging & Collagen Loss
Collagen and elastin breakdown makes under-eye skin thinner and less resilient, revealing underlying structures more prominently.
Lifestyle Factors
Poor sleep, allergies, dehydration, excessive screen time, and smoking all worsen dark circles by increasing inflammation and vascular congestion.
Genetic Predisposition
Bone structure, skin thickness, and melanin distribution are largely inherited, making some people predisposed to dark circles from a young age.
How Are Dark Circles Treated at RAAC?
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
Hyaluronic acid filler placed in the tear trough restores lost volume and softens the hollow shadow. The change is visible immediately and is temporary.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
For Thin Skin
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.
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.
Combination Approach
For complex cases, tear trough filler for structure may be combined with PRP for skin quality.
A Cause-Based Approach
Physician-Injected Fillers
Tear trough filler is a precise procedure. Our physicians use a cannula technique to help limit bruising and keep results natural.
Multi-Cause Diagnosis
We work out whether your dark circles come from volume loss, pigmentation, visible vessels or a mix, and plan accordingly.
Regenerative Option
Filler can be combined with PRP where it suits you.
Conservative Approach
Under-eye treatment requires restraint. We use precise, conservative volumes to avoid overfilling and unnatural results.
Dark Circles Q&A
Brighten Your Under Eyes
Book a consultation to find the cause of your dark circles and discuss which options might suit you.
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