The periorbital region is one of the most delicate areas of the face and typically the first to show signs of ageing. The skin here is far thinner than on the rest of the body, has fewer sebaceous glands and is under constant movement. Blinking and expressive activity thousands of times a day gradually give rise to crow's feet, dark circles, puffiness and volume loss. The good news: advances in medical aesthetics offer highly effective and safe options for these periorbital concerns.
Main Concerns Around the Eye Area
Each concern arises through a different mechanism and therefore calls for a different treatment approach. Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment.
- Dark circles (periorbital hyperpigmentation): may be vascular (blue-purple), pigmentary (brown) or shadow-based (caused by hollowing); each type requires a different treatment.
- Under-eye hollow (tear trough): the groove between the eyelid and the cheek; becomes more prominent with age and creates a persistently tired appearance.
- Under-eye puffiness (malar bags): results from anterior displacement of fat pads or fluid accumulation.
- Crow's feet: expression lines at the outer corners of the eye; deepen with smiling and sun exposure.
- Lower-eyelid laxity: develops due to skin looseness and weakening of the underlying muscle.
Treatment of Dark Circles
The treatment approach varies according to the type of dark circle. For the vascular type, under-eye dermal filler (hyaluronic acid filler) or salmon DNA (polynucleotide) skin therapy is preferred, while for the pigmentary type chemical peels, vitamin C mesotherapy or glutathione injections may be used. For the shadow-based type, tear trough filler is used to correct the hollow and eliminate the shadow effect.
Tear Trough Filler (Under-Eye Filler)
Tear trough filler is a delicate procedure that restores volume to the under-eye hollow through the injection of a fine-textured hyaluronic acid. This is one of the highest-risk injection zones on the face; experienced hands and the use of a cannula technique enhance safety. When performed correctly, the outcome is very natural and refreshing, giving the face an immediate sense of freshness and vitality.
"Under-eye filler is one of the most demanding of all facial filler procedures and requires the most detailed knowledge of anatomy. For this reason it must be performed by experienced hands."
Botulinum Toxin (Botox) for Crow's Feet
Botulinum toxin (Botox) treatment is highly effective for the crow's feet at the outer corner of the eye. Applied in minimal doses to the orbicularis oculi muscle, botulinum toxin softens these lines; however, precise dosing is critical. Excess botulinum toxin can cause eyelid drooping or affect the smile. Experienced physicians minimise this risk through anatomical assessment.
Periorbital Mesotherapy
Periorbital mesotherapy involves applying specifically formulated blends of vitamins, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to this delicate area using fine needles. It helps reduce dark circles, improves skin quality and softens fine lines. Considerably more effective than topical creams, this approach is a reliable option for overall rejuvenation of the eye area.
Which Treatment to Choose?
- Dark circles only: salmon DNA (polynucleotide) skin therapy or vitamin C mesotherapy; a peel may be added for the pigmentary type.
- Hollow only: tear trough filler.
- Crow's feet only: botulinum toxin (Botox) treatment.
- Combined concerns: a combination of filler, botulinum toxin and mesotherapy offers the most comprehensive outcome.
- Delicate, younger skin: starting with mesotherapy or salmon DNA is a safer approach.
In periorbital treatments, accurate diagnosis and appropriate technique selection are the key factors that determine success. At our Mersin clinic, a personalised treatment protocol is created after a periorbital assessment. You can book an appointment for a fresher, younger and brighter-looking eye area. Results vary from person to person. Any treatment plan is subject to physician assessment.