How to Treat Dark Circles With Dermabrasion

Dark circles under your eyes may the result of too little sleep or a change in the seasons, in which case you can treat them once or as they appear. Sometimes, however, dark circles can become a permanent or recurring problem, in which case you'll need more than a little make up to treat them. Dermabrasion, which is a surgical procedure applied directly to the skin, may be an effective means of getting rid of them. It's a complicated procedure, however, and before you consider it, you should know all of the facts.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Dermabrasion is safe, but it is a serious surgical procedure, and you may be able to treat your dark circles through some other means. A qualified skin specialist can let you know whether the procedure is right for you and what kind of results you can expect in your particular case.
2. Determine whether you need to use dermabrasion in conjunction with other procedures. Dermabrasion itself is a sort of "controlled scraping," using surgical tools or (more recently) lasers to help give the skin a smoother and more healthy appearance. You may need to combine the procedure with a face peel, dermaplaning (a similar procedure used to treat deep scars), or a simple facelift in order to treat the dark circles properly.
3. Find out how many dermabrasion sessions you will need. Sometimes, dermabrasion requires multiple sessions in order to treat the problem thoroughly, and you should prepare for as many treatments as your surgeon recommends.
4. Decide on a doctor. Your dermatologist may be able to perform the procedure herself, or she may have somebody she can recommend to you for the procedure. PlasticSurgey.com also offers a search page containing a number of experts in dermabrasion procedures (see Resources below).
5. Set a surgery date. Your doctor will schedule a date for you and provide very specific instructions on how to prepare for it, such as what to eat and drink beforehand. In addition to any other instructions, you want to avoid taking aspirin or smoking before a dermabrasion procedure, since they thin the blood and interfere with clotting.
6. Check to make sure you don't have any medical problems with the anesthesia. Dermabrasion usually requires the use of a local anesthetic, and you should consult with your doctor to ensure that it doesn't conflict with any other medications you may be taking.
7. Drive to the surgery site with a friend. Although dermabrasion to treat dark circles is usually an outpatient procedure, you should have someone drive you home after it is done.
8. Rest and follow your doctor's instructions after the surgery. It usually takes a few days for the swelling and redness to diminish, and talking and eating may be difficult until they do. Give yourself time to recover properly, and ease back into your routine only when you feel up to it.

Tips & Warnings

• You will often feel a tingling or burning sensation in your face after a dermabrasion procedure. While you should always consult your doctor about any post-surgery symptoms, this is usually not a cause for concern.