I found a really great article about dark circle under eyes and here’s why. For each non-surgical and surgical cosmetic procedures, they break it down to few important points that I think most of you will be interested. The important points include:

• How the procedures work

• The cost and the duration

• Discomfort level during treatment

• Downside of the procedures

• When you can return to work.

And here’s the meat. I hope you enjoy the article.

Non-Surgical

• Thermage

How it works: As we age, collagen — a fibrous protein found in connective tissue, bone and cartilage — stretches, making skin sag and wrinkles appear. Thermage is a deep heating technique that uses a hand-held device to tighten collagen, while activating new collagen growth. It smooths and tightens skin around the eyes, helping to decrease wrinkles and heavy eye folds. The effect lasts up to three years.

Cost: $1,100-$2,000 for one treatment, which can take 60 to 90 minutes.

Pain factor: A bit of discomfort, such as a deep heat sensation, during treatment.

Downside: May cause swelling or redness shortly after treatment.

Return to work: Immediately.

• Liquid lift

How it works: Combines Botox injections with the dermal filler Juvederm to help lessen dark circles and bags under eyes.”It is important to understand the difference between Botox, a muscle relaxer, and Juvederm, Restylane and collagen, which are fillers,” said Beverly Hills dermatologist Stuart H. Kaplan. “The easiest way to visualize the difference is to think of a crease as a valley between two mountains. Botox prevents the mountains from being pushed together, and fillers fill in the valley.”

Cost: $1,200-$1,500 for a treatment that takes one hour.

Pain factor: Minimal discomfort.

Downside: Touch-ups needed every four to six months; some swelling or bruising.

Return to work: The same day or the next day.

• Affirm

How it works: A laser treatment helps minimize tiny lines.

Cost: $250 for one, 15-minute treatment.

Pain factor: Minimal.

Downside: Some redness. Usually need four to six treatments.

Return to work: Immediately.

• Injectable Botox

How it works: Botulinum toxin diminishes crow’s-feet — those tiny lines around the outside corners of the eyes — when injected into the eyelid muscle, said Dr. Jeffrey Gallups with Milton Hall Plastic Surgery. Patients initially will need about five injections per year.

Cost: Injections start around $200 per treatment, under 15 minutes.

Pain factor: Possible bruising and swelling.

Downside: The possibility of upper eyelid droop, which can be controlled with eyedrops. Some patients have great results; others don’t.

Return to work: Immediately.

Heavy Lifting

• Upper and lower eyelid surgery

How it works: A doctor removes skin, along with some muscle and fat. Droopy lids often compromise peripheral vision. In some cases, doctors can avoid visible incisions by removing excess fat from lower eyelids.

Cost: $1,500-$3,000 for upper and lower lids.

Pain factor: Some bruising and swelling. Outpatient surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Downside: Dry eyes can persist for a significant amount of time. No eye makeup for seven days.

Return to work: In seven-14 days.

• Brow lift

How it works: May be combined with upper eyelid surgery or performed alone. The procedure — typically a small incision behind the hairline — raises a drooping eyebrow, opens up the eye area and creates facial symmetry.

Cost: $2,000-$4,000.

Pain factor: Some bruising and swelling. Outpatient surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Downside: Temporary numbness of the forehead. Can be permanent.

Return to work: In seven-14 days.

• Skin resurfacing

How it works: Can improve the texture by smoothing fine lines, lightening dark circles and removing signs of sun damage such as brown spots. Done with chemical peels or laser treatments. Resurfacing can be combined with the above procedures.

Cost: $500-$1,000.

Pain factor: Some swelling. Outpatient procedures done under local anesthesia.

Downside: Skin can be red for a minimum of two weeks. No makeup for at least two weeks.

Return to work: In seven days.

[source]