Treatment of infraorbital dark circles by autologous fat  transplantation: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Infraorbital dark circles are a cosmetic concern for a large number of individuals. However, the exact definition and precise cause has not been elucidated clearly. In our experience infraorbital dark circles due to thin and translucent lower eyelid skin overlying the orbicularis oculi muscle can be treated successfully with autologous fat transplantation.


OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to clarify the nature of dark circles under the eyes and determine the efficacy of autologous fat transplantation.


METHODS
Ten patients with dark circles due to increased vascularity and translucency of the skin were included. They received at least one autologous fat transplantation and follow-up evaluations were conducted at least 3 months after the last treatment.


RESULTS
An average of 1.6 autologous fat transplantations were done in both infraorbital areas. Patients showed an average of 78% improvement (average grading scale: 2.6 out of 4). Most of the patients showed improvement in the infraorbital darkening and contour of the lower eyelids.


CONCLUSIONS
Autologous fat transplantation is an effective method for the treatment of infraorbital dark circles due to thin and translucent lower eyelid skin overlying the orbicularis oculi muscle.
Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
M R
MR
Roh
T-K
TK
Kim
K Y
KY
Chung
D000328:Adult; D004954:Esthetics; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007723:Korea; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D050151:Subcutaneous Fat / Q000637:transplantation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult