Dermafiller Eyelid Surgery Alternative

Dark circles are a common cosmetic concern - yet, until recently, effective treatment proved elusive. Now, new advances in aesthetic medicine offer patients a minimally invasive solution: dermafillers. With dermafillers such as RADIESSE®, JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel and Restylane®, San Francisco facial plastic surgeon Dr. David Mabrie can reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Dr. Mabrie works with men and women from throughout the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, Walnut Creek and Pinole. Request a consultation online or call us at (415) 445-9513 for more information.

The Surgeon For You

Dr. David Mabrie offers:

Double board certification
Excellent training & experience
Specialization in the face and neck
A trainer's skill in injectable filler techniques

What Causes Dark Circles?

Depending on the cause and each individual's anatomy, dark circles (indentations) can appear. These dark circles can be caused by multiple factors. In most individuals, the skin directly under the eyes is so thin that the muscle and blood vessels can be seen more clearly. This is why almost all of us have some degree of darkness under the eyes. Other causes include:

Insufficient fat in the area below the eyes, causing "hollowing." This can be present even in younger individuals, but tends to worsen with age as soft tissues of the upper cheek drift downward.
Inadequate cheek bone projection.

Before

After 3 Syringes Perlane

Tear Trough Deformity

The severe shadowing prominent under this patient's eyes created an exhausted appearance. She is an excellent example of how combining filler treatments to the tear trough areas under the eye with fillers to the cheek area can benefit the overall results.

How Can Dermafillers Help?

In cases with physical hollowing, either from insufficient fat or poor cheek projection, dermafillers can achieve improvement. Once injected, dermafillers add volume and hydration, plumping the skin from within. For a better understanding of how they work, you can read more about facial dermafillers in San Francisco, including Restylane, RADIESSE, and JUVÉDERM Injectable Gel.

Before

After 2 Syringes Restylane

Under Eye Depression

This patient was unhappy with how the bags under his eyes made him look tired all the time. Dr. Mabrie treated him with 2 syringes of Restylane along the entire edge of the orbital bone. What a well-rested effect!

Before

After 4 Syringes Restylane

Cheek and Midface Projection

This woman came in and spoke with Dr. Mabrie about getting fuller lips. Dr. Mabrie suggested not only injectable dermafillers for her lips but also for the cheeks and under eye area. The additional procedure very effectively restored volume loss in the cheeks, filling in depressions and diminishing the dark circles beneath her eyes.

Dermafillers for Dark Circles

Using a very fine needle, Dr. Mabrie injects a small amount of the dermafiller material below the eyes or along the cheek bone. The type of filler, the amount of filler, and the location of the injections will be determined based on each person's unique anatomy and the cause of their dark circles. Results appear immediately and will generally last anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on the filler used. The treatment can be repeated regularly to maintain attractive results.

Side effects from dermafillers are similar to that of BOTOX® Cosmetic in San Francisco. Some common injection-related reactions such as edema, swelling, bruising, pain, itching, discoloration, and tenderness at the injection site may occur. For additional information, read what to expect during and after your treatment.

For a gentler injection procedure, Dr. Mabrie offers the innovative microcannula injection method. These blunt-ended microcannulas cut fewer arteries and veins than needles, resulting in significantly less after-treatment bruising and swelling. The microcannula technique is available upon request.

Watch dark circles/cheek augmentation video

Dr. Mabrie believes that it is very important for patients to have realistic expectations of what dermafillers can achieve. The truth is: everyone is different. No two people will have the exact same results from an eye dermafiller procedure. Because dermafillers are not permanent, Dr. Mabrie has the opportunity to work with each patient over time to fine-tune the procedure and accomplish the desired results. For men and women seeking permanent improvement, Dr. Mabrie also performs lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).