Dark Eyelid Circles A Unique Solution
Posted October 19, 2012 in Coleman Technique for Fat Grafting, Face, Minimally Invasive and Non-Invasive Fat Removal, Natural Facial Rejuvenation
Finally, a Solution for Raccoon Eyes!
There is now a solution for dark pigmentation of the eyelids. Dr. Sydney Coleman at TriBeCa Plastic Surgery in New York City has developed a new method for grafting fat which not only smoothes eyelids, but also lightens dark eyelid circles.
The Principle for Treatment of Dark Eyelid Circles with Fat
The new technique involves placement of a very thin layer of stem-cell rich concentrated autologous fat (your own fat harvested from a donor site in your abdomen, thigh or lovehandle). As the skin and underlying tissue heal after grafting, the skin color, thickness, tone and quality change dramatically, as can be seen in these before and after photos.
Dark eyelid pigmentation is one of the most common cosmetic problems for women and men, and one for which there has been little help. There are a plethora of creams on the market which claim to improve dark circles, but with little proven relief. Darker-skinned individuals are particularly prone to this problem. The skin around the entire eye appears dark, creating an appearance of one who is perpetually sleep-deprived.
The Technique for Placing Fat into Dark Eyelid Circles
Dr. Coleman’s procedure is usually done under light, “twilight-“ type anesthesia, and takes about an hour. He places the concentrated fat with special tiny instruments through puncture sites in the skin. There is bruising and swelling afterwards, which can usually be hidden by sunglasses. The bruising can last for three weeks or more, and the change in skin color may take a few months to evolve. Patients feel the wait is worth the effort, and are thrilled with the results.
Patient Example for Treatment of Dark Eyelid Circles
- Intense lightening of dark eyelid skin before (left) and 18 months after (right) placement of a thin layer of concentrated Coleman fat grafts. Note the improvement in wrinkling of the upper and lower eyelid skin next to the eyelashes. Also note the improvement in the white scar at the end of the eyebrow.
- Before (above) and18 months after (below) placement of an extremely thin layer of concentrated fat immediately under the skin. Note the lightening of the dark circles in both the upper and lower eyelids. These photographs taken with a ring-flash allow the viewer to see not only the dramatic lightening of the skin, but also the changes in skin texture and shape. This change creates a much healthier appearance. The patient was extremely happy with her results and felt much more confident about her appearance.
Before (above) and18 months after (below) placement of an extremely thin layer of concentrated Coleman fat immediately under the skin of these lower eyelids all the way up to the eyelashes. This overhead flash allows the viewer to appreciate the subtle volume correction possible with Coleman fat grafting. The shadows created by the bulge under the eyelashes and the tear trough have been filled. By thickening the skin and placing a barrier between the thickened skin and the underlying muscles and blood vessels, the skin is much lighter.
- Smiling images before (above) and 18 months after (below) placement of a thin layer of Coleman concentrated fat demonstrate the natural appearance with facial motion. Note decreased wrinkling associated with the increased collagen of the eyelid skin even in this young person.
- The upper eyelids before (above) and 18 months after (below) placement of an exceedingly thin layer of concentrated Coleman fat demonstrate a change in color with only a subtle increase in fullness of the area.
- Markings placed immediately before the procedure illustrate where the fat is to be placed. This allows the patient to participate in the planning. The green arrows indicate where a change in shape of the lower eyelids will take place. The orange lines represent the limits of placement. No fat is placed outside of the orange lines. Red dots represent where tiny punctures will be made for the small Coleman placement cannulas.
Please note that in these photographs the only color adjustment done was auto contrast and brightness.
Dr. Coleman warns that this procedure is not for everyone or for every type of darkness around the eyes. Please call TriBeCa Plastic Surgery at +1 212 571 5200 for more information.
.Written by the office staff at TriBeCa Plastic Surgery
Read about Dr. Coleman’s development of these special procedures in Cosmetic Surgery Times.
For more information please refer to earlier posts concerning eyelids and rejuvenation: