Tired-looking eyes, even after a good night’s sleep? Eyebags and dark under-eye circles are common concerns that affect both men and women, often making one appear older, more fatigued, or even unwell. These issues can be persistent and difficult to conceal with skincare or makeup alone. To address these concerns, we have to first identify the root causes in order to determine the most suitable treatment option.
Eyebags refer to the mild swelling or puffiness that forms under the eyes, usually due to the weakening of the muscles and tissue structure around the eyes. Fat may shift forward to occupy the lower eyelid area, creating a bulging appearance.
Dark circles, on the other hand, are the discolouration seen around the under-eye area. They may appear bluish, brownish, purplish, or greyish, depending on your skin tone and the underlying cause.
These are usually brown in colour and result from hyperpigmentation caused by genetics, sun exposure, or eczema.
Often bluish or purplish in appearance, these occur due to visible blood vessels under thin skin and poor circulation.
Caused by shadowing from volume loss or tear trough hollows under the eyes, these are more noticeable under certain lighting conditions.
A combination of the above types, commonly seen in patients with multiple contributing factors.
These are usually brown in colour and result from hyperpigmentation caused by genetics, sun exposure, or eczema.
Often bluish or purplish in appearance, these occur due to visible blood vessels under thin skin and poor circulation.
Caused by shadowing from volume loss or tear trough hollows under the eyes, these are more noticeable under certain lighting conditions.
A combination of the above types, commonly seen in patients with multiple contributing factors.
There are several factors that contribute to the formation of eyebags and dark circles. These include:
Natural collagen and elastin loss leads to thinner skin, sagging, sunkenness, and fat protrusion under the eyes.
UV damage can trigger melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation around the eyes.
Rubbing or scratching the eye area due to irritation can worsen pigmentation and swelling.
Smoking, alcohol consumption, poor hydration, and high salt intake may exacerbate under-eye puffiness and discolouration.
Poor sleep quality can lead to fluid retention and poor circulation, making blood vessels more visible under the eyes.
A strong family history of periorbital pigmentation or prominent eyebags can increase one’s likelihood of developing these concerns.
At Mizu, we believe in a holistic, personalised approach to treating under-eye concerns. Depending on the underlying cause, our doctors may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes, skincare, and in-clinic procedures.
For patients with volume loss or prominent tear troughs, hyaluronic acid fillers can restore volume and reduce the shadowing effect that contributes to dark circles. Filler treatment is carefully administered by our doctors to ensure natural-looking results with minimal downtime. Read more
Skin boosters containing hyaluronic acid, polynucleotides and other nutrients may help to hydrate and strengthen the thin skin around the eyes, reducing fine lines and improving texture. This is especially beneficial for dull or crepey skin that accentuates dark circles. Read more
Radiofrequency microneedling helps to stimulate collagen production, tighten loose skin, and improve skin tone. When applied to the under-eye area, this procedure can firm up sagging skin, reduce fine lines and improve vascular dark circles. Read more
Thermage Eye is a non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) treatment designed specifically for the delicate eye area. It works by delivering controlled RF energy to the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen regeneration and tightening existing collagen fibres. This may help tighten loose skin under the eyes and reduce the appearance of eyebags and fine lines. Thermage Eye is FDA-approved and suitable for those experiencing early signs of ageing around the eyes. Read more
HIFU Eye utilises focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production in the skin around the eye. It comes with a 2.0mm handpiece that is designed to fit the contours of the eye area. This treatment helps to tighten the skin around the eyes and may help reduce the appearance of eyebags and fine wrinkles. Read more
Pigmentation laser, such as Q-switched or Pico laser, reduces dark eye circles by targeting melanin deposits beneath the thin under-eye skin. It also stimulates collagen production, thickening the skin to make underlying blood vessels less obvious. Read more
While in-clinic procedures often offer more visible results, daily application of topical skincare may support long-term maintenance. Eye creams that contain ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, caffeine and peptides may help to brighten and strengthen the skin.
Simple daily habits can also go a long way in preventing or minimising under-eye concerns:
When performed by an experienced aesthetic doctor using the right filler products, under-eye filler is generally safe. At Mizu, we conduct a detailed assessment to determine suitability before proceeding with any procedure.
When performed by an experienced aesthetic doctor using the right filler products, under-eye filler is generally safe. At Mizu, we conduct a detailed assessment to determine suitability before proceeding with any procedure.
Treatment frequency varies depending on your chosen solution and the severity of the concern. Fillers may yield immediate results, while skin boosters and RF microneedling usually require multiple sessions for optimal effect.
Most under-eye treatments have minimal to no downtime. You may experience mild swelling or bruising for a few days, which typically resolves on its own.
Mizu Aesthetic Clinic is led by Dr YZ Tan, who brings years of experience as a trainer of anti-ageing and injectable protocols for treating different types of skin concerns. Our doctors take the time to assess each patient’s skin concern comprehensively, designing a treatment plan that is both safe and effective. We believe in subtle enhancements that preserve your natural features, helping you look refreshed, not altered.
Take the first step towards brighter, refreshed eyes. Schedule a personalised consultation with our medical team to discuss your concerns and explore the best treatment options for your skin type.
This page is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. For an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan, please consult with our licensed medical professionals.
