Under-Eye Shadow Correction

Under-eye shadow correction is an aesthetic medicine treatment that improves the appearance of the eye area — the tear trough and dark, “tired” eyes. At the Dr Kuschill MEDESTETIS clinics (Krakow and Warsaw), we use carefully selected hyaluronic acid-based products — both those dedicated to the eye area and skin boosters that hydrate and improve the quality of the thin eyelid skin.

Under-eye shadows have various causes, and the choice of method depends on them. The most common include a hollow tear trough (a shadow cast by the groove at the border of the eyelid and cheek), thin, translucent skin revealing the vessels and muscle, discoloration, and the effect of fatigue and lack of sleep. Correctly assessing which of these causes predominates is key to the result.

The eye area is demanding and delicate, which is why the treatment is performed exclusively by a doctor after a thorough qualification. Not every type of shadow responds to a filler — in some cases (e.g. predominant discoloration), other methods may be more effective, which we discuss during the consultation.

We consider the treatment when the eye area looks shadowed, hollow, or tired. Typical indications are:

• a visible tear trough (a hollow at the border of the lower eyelid and the cheek)
• shadows and dark circles giving a “tired” look
• thin, dehydrated skin of the eye area with reduced firmness
• subtle unevenness and loss of volume in the under-eye area
• a wish to hydrate and brighten the skin around the eyes (skin booster)

For shadows that are mainly pigment-based, or where there is clear excess skin and “bags,” the effect of a filler alone may be limited — in that case the doctor will suggest a different approach or consultation.

The treatment is preceded by a consultation: the doctor assesses the eye area, identifies the predominant cause of the shadows, and selects the product and technique. We usually numb the skin with a cream; many products also contain lidocaine, which further increases comfort.

The product is delivered precisely — with a needle or cannula — into the tear trough area or, in the case of skin boosters, shallowly into the skin as hydrating micro-deposits. The doctor administers small amounts and continually assesses the effect to avoid overcorrection in this sensitive area.

Tear trough correction is usually a single treatment, whereas skin booster therapy most often involves a series of 2–3 treatments a few weeks apart.

The result is a smoothed tear trough, softened shadows, and better-hydrated, more radiant skin around the eyes — the gaze looks rested. Part of the change is visible immediately, but the full, natural effect appears once the temporary swelling subsides.

Durability depends on the product and your individual rate of absorption — it usually lasts from several to over a dozen months, after which the treatment can be repeated. The effect is natural and reversible, and the result depends on the cause of the shadows, which is why we do not promise the complete removal of dark circles.

After a treatment in the eye area, it is worth taking care of a few things:

• do not touch or massage the eye area for the first 24 hours (unless the doctor advises otherwise)
• gently cool the area if swelling appears
• sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first few nights to reduce swelling
• avoid the sauna, tanning bed, swimming pool, and intense exertion for 1–2 days
• do not apply eye makeup for a dozen or so hours
• protect the skin from the sun and apply SPF

Temporary swelling and slight bruising in this area are common and usually subside within several to over a dozen days. Intense or concerning symptoms should be reported to the clinic.

Contraindications:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding
• active infection or inflammation in the eye area (e.g. herpes, stye, conjunctivitis)
• hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid or lidocaine
• active autoimmune diseases
• clotting disorders or taking anticoagulant medication (individual assessment)
• a tendency to keloids and a predisposition to severe swelling of the eye area

Final eligibility is determined by the doctor during the consultation, assessing factors such as the type of shadows and the anatomy of the eye area.