Dark circles — four causes, four protocols
Reviewed By
Dr Vishal Patel
BDS Liverpool · MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry Manchester · GDC 103127 · AACD Member · Invisalign Diamond II Provider · IFAAS (International Fellowship in Advanced Aesthetic Science) · Facial anatomy & cadaver course, Dr Ali Pirayesh, University of Amsterdam · Harley Academy foundation training in injectable aesthetics · IBSA-trained (Profhilo) · NeoStrata-trained (skin peels) · Lynton Lasers trained, incl. ONDA
Last Updated
October 1, 2026
Under-eye dark circles have four common causes — pigmentation, vascular show-through, tear-trough hollow, thin skin quality. Each responds to different modality. The honest assessment is most of the work.
Dark circles: four causes, matched treatment
Why dark circles happen
- Pigment in the under-eye skin, more common in darker skin: skincare and, sometimes, laser (from £80).
- Thin skin showing blood vessels beneath: under-eye polynucleotides (from £250).
- A hollow casting a shadow: tear trough filler (£250 for 0.5ml) or cheek support.
- Puffiness or bags: often need a surgical opinion rather than filler.
Which is the best treatment for dark circles?
The one matched to the cause, and most people have more than one. We assess your under-eyes carefully and will say if a treatment is unlikely to help, or if filler could make things worse. Where loose skin contributes, our guide to sagging skin may be relevant.
Realistic results
Dark circles can usually be improved but rarely erased. If redness around the eyes and cheeks is also a concern, our guide to rosacea explains the options. Sleep, hydration, allergies and sun protection also matter.
Why see us
Injectable treatments are prescribed and administered by Dr Vishal Patel, BDS, MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry, GDC 103127, the clinic’s sole aesthetic prescriber. For filler specifically, see dermal fillers in Islington. The clinic is at 222 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 3AP, two minutes from Essex Road station and a short ride from Angel, Highbury, Canonbury, Hackney and Stoke Newington. Many patients cycle or use a Lime or Forest e-bike.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Vishal Patel · BDS · MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry · GDC 103127. Last reviewed 1 October 2026.
Dr Vishal Patel
Clinical lead · Sole aesthetic prescriber · 10 years in facial aesthetics
BDS Liverpool · MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry (Manchester) · GDC 103127 · International Fellowship in Advanced Aesthetic Science (IFAAS) · Facial anatomy and cadaver course with Dr Ali Pirayesh, University of Amsterdam · Harley Academy · IBSA and NeoStrata trained
We will tell you when a treatment is not the right answer. That honesty is part of the treatment.
Read Dr Patel’s profile →An honest assessment, then a plan.
Consultation — £65
A skin assessment with an honest view of what will help. The fee is redeemable in full against treatment.
Your plan
Matched to the cause of your dark circles.
Review
We reassess and adjust.
Start with a consultation
- £65, redeemable in full against treatment
- Cause assessed first
- Honest advice
Or call 020 8127 4567 · WhatsApp +44 7974 910222
222 Essex Road, Islington N1 3AP · Mon–Fri, 8am–7pm
This page is part of our wider guide to dermal fillers, which sets out every option we offer side by side. For textural change elsewhere on the face, see our guide to acne scarring.
Further reading
Tear trough filler in London
Under-eye hollows are the most technically demanding filler treatment in aesthetic medicine. Done carefully, completely natural-looking; done badly, very obvious. We treat conservatively, using cannula technique, with careful patient selection.
Polynucleotides for under-eye hollows: a tear-trough alternative
Why the most delicate area of the face is the one place where "more filler" is most often the wrong answer
Cheek filler in London
Cheek filler restores mid-face volume lost with age, lifts the lower face indirectly, and works particularly well when paired with cosmetic-dentistry treatment for whole-face redesign.
Skin boosters in London
Skin boosters are a category of injectable treatments — Profhilo, Sunekos, polynucleotides — that improve skin quality from underneath rather than from the surface like topical skincare can.
Laser pigmentation removal in London
Q-switched laser and Lynton IPL, matched to the type of pigment, with honest advice about melasma.
Medical-grade facials in London
Clinical facials built around professional skincare and your skin concern, overseen by Dr Vishal Patel.
Transparent pricing
All prices include consultation, treatment, and aftercare. No hidden fees. 0% APR finance available on plans over 12 or 24 months.
Clear prices, set out before you start.
Redeemable in full against treatment
Per session
0.5ml · £395 for 1ml
Per session
Included
- Assessment by Dr Patel
- A written plan
Quoted separately
- Skincare products, priced separately
0% APR finance over 12 months via Tabeo, subject to status.
FAQ
If your question isn't here, call reception on +442081274567 or book a free discovery call.
View all FAQs →What causes dark circles under the eyes?
Pigment, thin skin showing vessels, a hollow casting a shadow, or puffiness, often in combination.
Which is the best treatment for dark circles?
The one matched to the cause, assessed at consultation.
Should I have tear trough filler?
Only for a genuine hollow with good skin quality. Filler can make bags look worse.
What are under-eye polynucleotides?
DNA-fragment injectables that improve thin, crepey skin without adding volume.
What skincare helps dark circles?
SPF, and products with ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide and retinol for the eye area.
How much does it cost to remove dark circles?
At Dental & Wellness London, pigment treatment is from £80, polynucleotides from £250 and tear trough filler £250 for 0.5ml.
When would you decline to treat dark circles?
When filler would make bags or puffiness worse, or when the cause needs a medical or surgical opinion.
What results can I expect?
A visible improvement, rarely complete removal.
