Under-Eye Concerns - Dark Circles | Hollows
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than many other areas of the face.
Changes in skin quality, pigmentation, facial volume, underlying anatomy and ageing can all influence the appearance of the under-eye area.
Common concerns include dark circles, under-eye hollows, fine lines, crepey skin, puffiness or eye bags, and changes in the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.
At Face and Body Adelaide, under-eye concerns are assessed individually because similar-looking concerns can have different causes. Your practitioner considers skin quality, facial anatomy, volume distribution, medical history and treatment preferences before discussing whether treatment may be appropriate,
Common Under-Eye Concerns
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Under-eye hollows or tear-trough shadowing
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Crepey or thin-looking skin
- Changes in skin texture
- Puffiness or eye bags
- Pigmentation around the eyes
- Loss of support through the upper cheek
- Changes in the lower eyelid-to-cheek transition
- Under-eye asymmetry
More than one factor may contribute to the same concern. For example, dark circles may be related to pigmentation, visible blood vessels, shadowing from hollowness, thin skin or a combination of these.
Why Does the Under-Eye Area Change?
Thin and Delicate Skin
The skin around the eyes is naturally thin. Changes in collagen, elastin and skin thickness with age may make fine lines, texture changes and underlying structures more noticeable.
Facial Volume and Structural Changes
Age-related changes in facial fat, bone and soft-tissue support can alter the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek. This may contribute to hollowness or shadowing in some individuals.
Pigmentation and Visible Blood Vessels
Pigmentation can contribute to a darker appearance around the eyes and may be influenced by genetics, skin type, sun exposure and inflammation. Because under-eye skin is thin, underlying vessels and tissues may also be more visible, contributing to blue, purple or darker tones.
Puffiness and Eye Bags
Puffiness may be temporary or related to individual anatomy, fluid retention, allergies or other factors. More persistent lower-eyelid bags can also be influenced by age-related structural changes and fat distribution.
Lifestyle and Medical Factors
Sleep, allergies, irritation and other health or lifestyle factors can affect the appearance of the eye area. New, persistent, one-sided or unusual swelling or discolouration may require medical assessment rather than cosmetic treatment.
Understanding Dark Circles and Under-Eye Hollows
Dark circles are a broad description rather than a single diagnosis. A darker appearance may come from increased pigment, visible vessels, thin skin, anatomical shadowing, under-eye hollows or several factors occurring together.
Some people naturally have a more pronounced hollow between the lower eyelid and cheek, while others notice this area becoming more apparent with age. Changes in mid-face volume and underlying structural support can contribute, so the under-eye area should be assessed together with the cheek and surrounding facial structures.
Identifying the likely cause is important because a treatment directed at pigmentation will not necessarily address anatomical shadowing, and an approach directed towards volume will not correct every type of dark circle.
Fine Lines & Crepey Under-Eye Skin
Fine lines around the eyes can be influenced by repeated facial movement, natural ageing, changes in collagen and elasticity, skin dryness and cumulative sun exposure. The under-eye area requires careful treatment selection because its skin and anatomy differ from thicker areas of the face.
Management Options for Under-Eye Concerns
Rejuran for Under-Eye Skin Concerns
Rejuran may be considered for selected under-eye skin concerns following individual assessment. Depending on skin quality and anatomy, it may be discussed as one option within a broader under-eye management plan. Suitability, expected recovery, potential risks and treatment limitations should be discussed before proceeding.
PRP and PRF
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) are autologous approaches prepared from a person’s own blood. They may be discussed for selected under-eye concerns as part of an individual skin-quality or regenerative treatment plan. Expected response, number of sessions, risks and limitations vary according to the indication and individual circumstances.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing may be considered for suitable individuals with concerns such as fine lines, texture changes or age-related changes in the skin around the eyes. Because periocular skin is delicate, treatment depth and intensity require careful assessment. Expected downtime, pigmentation risk, aftercare and other potential complications should be discussed before treatment.
RF Microneedling and Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling or microneedling may be considered for selected concerns involving under-eye skin texture, fine lines or skin quality. Treatment parameters must be selected carefully for the eye area, and suitability depends on anatomy, skin condition, medical history and the specific area being treated.
Pigmentation-Focused Management
If pigmentation contributes to the darker appearance, skincare or selected skin treatments may be discussed depending on skin type and the likely cause. Not all dark circles are caused by pigment, so assessment is important before choosing a pigmentation-focused approach.
Under-Eye Volume and Structural Concerns
Where hollowness or structural support is a significant contributor, suitable treatment options may be discussed during a consultation with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Treatment recommendations are based on individual assessment, including your concerns, anatomy, medical history and clinical suitability.
The under-eye area has complex anatomy and treatment carries specific risks. Clinical assessment is required to determine whether treatment is appropriate and whether surrounding areas, such as the mid-face, should also be considered.
Why a Combination Approach May Be Considered
Under-eye concerns often have more than one contributing factor. A person may have fine lines and changes in skin quality together with hollowness, pigmentation or changes in mid-face support.
For this reason, an individual plan may involve one treatment or a staged combination of approaches. Treatment selection, sequencing and intervals should be based on individual assessment rather than a standard protocol.
Our Personalised Approach
At Face and Body Adelaide, the under-eye area is assessed in relation to the surrounding face rather than as an isolated feature. Your practitioner may consider skin quality, pigmentation, lower-eyelid anatomy, cheek support, facial volume, symmetry and the transition between the lower eyelid and mid-face.
The aim of consultation is to identify the likely contributors to your concern and discuss appropriate options, alternatives, limitations and risks before you decide whether to proceed.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Your practitioner may assess:
- Under-eye skin quality and thickness
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Pigmentation and skin tone
- Under-eye hollows and shadowing
- Puffiness or lower-eyelid bags
- Cheek and mid-face support
- Facial symmetry
- Previous cosmetic procedures
- Relevant medical history, medications and allergies
- Your concerns, preferences and expectations
Depending on the findings, your practitioner may discuss skin-focused treatment, structural or volume-related options, a staged combination approach, referral for medical assessment, or no cosmetic treatment. There is no obligation to proceed following consultation.
Risks and Considerations
All cosmetic procedures have potential risks and limitations. The under-eye area has delicate skin and complex anatomy, so treatment selection requires particular care.
Depending on the procedure, temporary effects may include redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness or pigmentation changes. Some procedures carry uncommon but potentially serious complications requiring prompt recognition and management. Relevant risks, alternatives, expected recovery and aftercare should be discussed before treatment as part of informed consent.
Individual responses and outcomes vary. Cosmetic treatment cannot guarantee complete removal of dark circles, hollows, wrinkles or eye bags.
Who May Not Be Suitable for Treatment?
Suitability depends on the underlying concern and treatment being considered. Some treatments may need to be postponed or may not be appropriate in the presence of active skin or eye-area infection or inflammation, certain medical conditions, particular medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or other treatment-specific contraindications.
Previous cosmetic treatment around the eyes or mid-face should be disclosed. New or sudden swelling, significant one-sided changes, persistent irritation, pain, visual symptoms, a new lesion or unexplained bruising may require medical assessment rather than cosmetic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
Why do my under-eyes look hollow?
Under-eye hollows may relate to natural anatomy or age-related changes in facial volume and structural support. The cheek and mid-face can also influence the appearance of this area.
Are under-eye hollows the same as eye bags?
No. Hollowness generally refers to a depression or groove, while eye bags usually describe fullness or protrusion beneath the lower eyelid. Some people can have both.
What treatment is best for dark circles?
Can CO2 laser help under-eye fine lines?
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing may be considered for suitable individuals with fine lines or texture changes around the eyes. The delicate periocular area requires careful assessment of treatment intensity, recovery and risks.
Can PRP or PRF be used under the eyes?
PRP and PRF may be discussed for selected under-eye concerns as part of an individual management plan. Expected response, risks and the number of sessions vary between individuals.
Can different under-eye treatments be combined?
Is there downtime?
Under-Eye Consultation in Adelaide​
If you are concerned about dark circles, under-eye hollows, fine lines, crepey skin, puffiness or other changes around the eyes, a consultation can help identify the factors contributing to the appearance and determine whether cosmetic treatment may be appropriate.
At Face and Body Adelaide, treatment planning is based on individual assessment. Depending on your concerns and anatomy, your practitioner may discuss one treatment category or a combination of approaches, along with alternatives, potential risks, expected recovery and limitations.
Book a consultation with Face and Body Adelaide.