Dark circles under the eyes can make the face appear both tired and older. Many people use heavy makeup to conceal them but using too many products can irritate the skin and cause additional skin issues.
Microneedling is an effective and safe cosmetic solution for the delicate under-eye area, addressing not only dark circles but also puffiness, fine lines, and other skin aging signs.
This article explores how to use microneedling for dark circles under the eyes and rejuvenate your overall appearance.
What Is Microneedling Under the Eyes?
Microneedling is a safe, FDA-approved treatment that addresses fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation issues, acne scars, stretch marks, and dark under-eye circles.
The treatment stimulates collagen synthesis by making controlled micro-injuries with fine needles. The process tightens the skin in the delicate under-eye area, reduces dark circles and puffiness, and improves overall texture.
Note: Did you know that dark circles are not always caused by aging? Other factors include genetics, dehydration, unhealthy diet, sun exposure, allergies, and fatigue.
How Does Microneedling Under the Eyes Work?
As we age, our body produces less collagen, and the fat pads in our cheeks deflate, leading to hollow under-eye patches that may appear blue, purple, black, or translucent. The skin becomes thinner and starts showing pools of blood vessels underneath.
Microneedling involves the use of a device with fine, sterile needles that puncture the skin’s surface, triggering skin repair and natural collagen and elastin production. The restored collagen fills in the hollows, erases creases, and eliminates dark spots under the eyes.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling Under the Eyes?
If you are struggling with prominent dark under-eye circles, microneedling could be an ideal solution. However, certain conditions may disqualify you from the procedure.
You can safely undergo the treatment if you belong to the following groups:
- Healthy adults of all skin types and tones aged 22 years or older.
- Individuals who prefer minimally invasive procedures and a natural collagen boost.
- Patients with persistent skin issues in the under-eye area, including dark circles, puffiness, thin or crepey skin, uneven tone, and creases.
- People who understand that results appear gradually and require regular maintenance.
- Healthy individuals with no active skin infections or serious medical conditions.
If your dark circles were caused by rapid weight loss, deep tear trough anatomy, or vascular issues, you may have to consider alternative solutions. A trusted skin expert can help you combine microneedling with other treatments like dermal fillers for enhanced results.
What Are the Benefits of Microneedling Under the Eyes?
Microneedling rejuvenates the under-eye area, helping you look more refreshed, well-rested, and youthful.
Its key benefits include:
- Reduced dark circles under the eyes.
- Less under-eye puffiness.
- Even skin tone.
- Brighter under-eye area.
- Refined skin texture.
- Increased skin thickness.
- Enhanced elasticity.
- Improved microcirculation.
- Enhanced product absorption.
- Smoother fine lines and crow’s feet.
- Quick and minimally invasive procedure.
- No downtime or recovery necessary.
Microneedling Under the Eyes Procedure
This is a quick, walk-in procedure that typically lasts up to 20 minutes and requires minimal preparation. However, you should keep the under-eye area clean and makeup-free and avoid direct sun exposure, retinoids, exfoliants, and blood thinners several days before the procedure.
First, the provider thoroughly cleanses the treatment area and applies a numbing cream to minimize discomfort. When the numbing product sets in, the provider uses a handheld device with hundreds of tiny, ultra-fine needles that create tiny punctures on the skin. The needles are usually 0.25-0.5 mm, and the depth is adjusted for the thin, delicate under-eye area.
The device doesn’t cause any serious injuries, only small wounds on the skin’s surface to trigger the body’s natural healing mechanism. The body responds to the treatment by overproducing collagen, which renews and plumps up the skin.
Discomfort is minimal, and most patients describe the sensation as a slight prickling or tingling.
The Results of Microneedling Under the Eyes
The procedure gradually reduces the appearance of dark under-eye circles, puffiness, and small creases. Initial improvements are visible after two weeks and become more prominent after several weeks with the gradual increase of collagen.
You may need multiple treatments to get the desired effect. The number of required treatments depends on your physical characteristics and the size of the problem area.
Sessions are spaced four to six weeks apart. The results are long-lasting, with maintenance treatments every six months.
Note: Botox in under-eye area uses a different technique to also produce excellent results.
Is Microneedling Under the Eyes Safe?
The skin under your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than other facial areas. However, microneedling needles used in this area are shorter (around 0.25–0.5 mm) and do not penetrate deeper skin layers, which prevents injuries and irritation.
The FDA has approved the use of microneedling devices for this delicate under-eye area, and the procedure is considered gentle and safe when performed by a qualified professional.
Microneedling Under the Eyes: Side Effects
While microneedling is generally considered a safe and painless procedure, it is not entirely risk-free. Most side effects are mild and clear up on their own after a few days.
Common risks include:
- Redness
- Bruising
- Dryness
- Tightness
- Itching
- Stinging
- Rough skin
- Peeling
- Crusting
- Discomfort
Less common risks include:
- Bleeding
- Pigmentation changes
- Lines on the face
- Infection
- Allergic reaction
- Reactivation of herpes
- Swollen lymph nodes
Who Should Avoid Microneedling Under the Eyes?
You should avoid microneedling if the following applies to you:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active skin infections or inflammation
- Active acne
- Cold sores or herpes
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Rashes
- Open wounds
- Immunodeficiency (i.e., weakened immunity)
- Wound-healing disorders
- Keloid or hypertrophic scarring history
- Blood-clotting disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
- Use of blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, aspirin)
- Skin cancer in the area
Microneedling Under the Eyes Cost
The cost of microneedling under the eyes varies based on several factors, including the provider’s location, the type of device used, the number of sessions required, and the overall condition of your skin.
Since microneedling is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is typically not covered by insurance and must be paid out of pocket.
Total costs generally range from $160 to $800 per session, depending on the number of maintenance treatments and add-on enhancements such as serums, radiofrequency, or PRP injections.
At Vibrant Skin Bar, we offer three types of microneedling:
- Microneedling – 60 minutes | $300
- Microneedling with StemFactor – 60 minutes | $400
- Microneedling with Vitamin A – 60 minutes | $450
Microneedling Under the Eyes FAQ
If you are new to the procedure, you may still have some questions and concerns. Read the answers to these most frequently asked questions about microneedling for the under-eye area.
How Deep Can You Microneedle Under the Eyes?
The typical needle depth for the under-eye area ranges from 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm. These ultra-fine needles are designed to treat the thin, sensitive skin around the eyes safely.
A common misconception is that deeper microneedling produces better results. In reality, the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the provider’s skill, precision, and the quality of the microneedling device.
Can You Overdo Microneedling Under the Eyes?
Yes, you can overdo microneedling under your eyes.
The skin around the eyes is thin, delicate, and sensitive. Frequent touch-ups, at-home microneedling kits, and inexperienced providers can damage the skin and lead to broken capillaries, bruising, increased flaking, prolonged redness, and irritation.
Does Microneedling Under the Eyes Make You Age Faster?
When done correctly, microneedling does not accelerate aging. On the contrary, the procedure rejuvenates the skin, boosting collagen, improving circulation, and brightening tone.
However, it may contribute to premature aging if performed by an untrained provider who uses poor-quality microneedling tools.
Note: Read about when the skin starts aging and how to catch the early signs.
Conclusion
Microneedling effectively conceals dark under-eye circles by stimulating natural collagen production and improving microcirculation. It is a safe, FDA-approved procedure that addresses a range of skin concerns with little to no recovery time. With regular maintenance, the skin becomes visibly brighter, firmer, and more rejuvenated.
Contact our Vibrant Skin team of professionals to learn more about microneedling.
