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Dark circles treatment in Vienna

In brief

In a dark circles treatment, Dr. Handl uses, depending on the cause, an injection treatment or a small procedure on the lower eyelid. The treatment takes 30 to 90 minutes and is performed as an outpatient under local anaesthesia; scars lie barely visible in the eyelid crease. Office work is possible after about two days, sport after four weeks. Prices start at €2,400.

Medical review
This text was medically reviewed by our team on 6 October 2026
Cost:
from €2,400
Dark circles treatment in Vienna

At a glance

Location
Practice
Outpatient or inpatient
outpatient
Duration of the treatment
30-90 minutes
Type of anaesthesia
local anaesthesia
Recovery phase
5-7 days
Scars
barely visible, in the natural eyelid crease
Desk work / office work
after 2 days
Sport
after 4 weeks
Check-ups
depending on healing, on the 2nd, 7th and 21st day after surgery
Special notes
sun protection, cooling

Dark circles treatment

Dark circles have different causes

“You look tired” – patients with dark circles under their eyes often hear this comment. Dark circles can make the face look tired and exhausted even when this is not the case at all, which is why many people would like to do something about these dark shadows.

Dark circles can have various causes. A common cause is lack of sleep or poor sleep quality. Stress, fatigue, an unbalanced diet or lack of fluids can also cause dark circles. Other causes can be genetic predisposition, ageing, allergies or conditions such as an underactive thyroid. In some cases, medication or external influences such as sunlight or smoking can also lead to dark circles. A doctor can make an exact diagnosis and carry out further examinations if necessary to determine the cause of the dark circles.

Injection treatment with hyaluronic acid

Only successful with the right indication

Scientific studies have shown that treating dark circles with hyaluronic acid can indeed be promising. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is known for its hydrating and skin-firming properties. When treating dark circles, hyaluronic acid is injected under the skin to restore volume and moisture in the affected area. This can help reduce the appearance of dark circles and shadows under the eyes and make the face look younger and more radiant overall.

It is important to note, however, that treatment with hyaluronic acid is only advisable under optimal conditions. It is the treating doctor's responsibility to ensure that the treatment is carried out safely and effectively. Dr. Handl and his team always strive to achieve the best possible result and will give you an honest and direct answer as to whether this treatment is suitable for you.

If treatment with hyaluronic acid in this particular area is not suitable for you, modern alternatives will be explained to you. There is a wide range of treatment options that can be used depending on your individual needs and wishes to achieve an optimal result. Your doctor will inform you about all the options and help you make the best choice for your needs.

PhilArt – polynucleotides

The latest option in minimally invasive treatment

Polynucleotides are the latest trend in the world of beauty treatments. These long-chain molecules are known to stimulate cell regeneration and rejuvenate the skin from within. One example is PhilArt, an injectable gel made from polynucleotides.

Polynucleotides promote skin hydration and eliminate free radicals that can accelerate skin ageing. They also help create an optimal environment for the growth of fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen. Polynucleotides thus ultimately promote the production of new collagen and elastic fibres and stimulate the body's own cell regeneration.

What sets PhilArt apart from other beauty treatments is that it is based on natural ingredients. The polynucleotides in PhilArt are obtained from European freshwater fish intended for human consumption and are subject to comprehensive control of the production chain. The manufacturing process is based on Polynucleotide High Purification Technology (PN-HPT®), which contributes to the highest possible purification and thus ensures product safety.

Polynucleotides have a proven safety and efficacy profile and are characterised by good tolerability and a low risk of side effects. The use of PhilArt and other polynucleotide-based beauty treatments is based on more than 70 years of research presented in more than 100 studies at national and international congresses.

Overall, polynucleotides offer a promising option for those who want to rejuvenate their skin from within. PhilArt and other polynucleotide-based beauty treatments offer a safe and effective way to regenerate the skin and improve its appearance.

Surgical treatment of dark circles

Often combined with an eyelid lift

Surgical removal of dark circles by means of a lower eyelid lift is an effective method for very slack skin around the eye area. Protruding eye bags, sunken lower eyelids and dark circles can be treated.

Removing excess skin and fat pads and reshaping the lower eyelid achieves smoother, younger-looking skin. The surgical incision is made along the lower lash line, just below the lashes, and leads to barely visible scars. The operation can be performed under local anaesthesia, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia. Compared with minimally invasive procedures, however, the recovery time after the operation is longer.

After a lower eyelid lift, you should cool your eyes for a day or two and take it easy. You should also avoid sport for about two weeks and avoid extreme temperatures, such as in saunas or sunbeds, as well as intensive fitness exercises.

The day of treatment

The course of the procedure depends on the method chosen.

Preparation, risks and aftercare

Preparation

Dark circles have different causes: hollows under the eye, fat pads, thin skin or pigmentation. In the consultation, Dr. Handl clarifies which cause applies to you and whether an injection with hyaluronic acid or a small procedure on the lower eyelid will bring the better result.

The treatment is performed as an outpatient under local anaesthesia. After consulting us, avoid blood-thinning medication such as aspirin, as well as alcohol and, if possible, nicotine, which delays wound healing. Come without eye make-up.

Risks

Depending on the cause of the dark circles, either surgery or injections are used. Bruising, swelling and infection are possible. In surgery on the lower eyelid, the eyelid can temporarily pull away from the eye, and asymmetries or visible scars rarely remain. In an injection with hyaluronic acid, the filler can show as slight swelling or a bluish tinge. Blockage of a blood vessel by the filler is very rare.

In the informed-consent consultation, Dr. Handl discusses all risks in detail and in relation to your personal situation.

Aftercare

Cool the eye area regularly in the first days and sleep with your upper body raised. Office work is usually possible again after two days. Swelling and bruising subside after 5 to 7 days. Do not wear eye make-up until the punctures or incisions have healed.

Check-ups take place around the 2nd, 7th and 21st day. Wait about four weeks before doing sport. Protect the eye area consistently with sunscreen.

Frequently asked questions

Which dark circles treatment is right for me?

Everyone's anatomy is different. In a personal consultation, your individual circumstances and the results you would like are discussed in detail. On this basis, the appropriate method is then chosen with Dr. Handl.

Personal consultation

Tell us what you would like to discuss. We will get back to you within two working days to arrange a personal consultation with Dr. Handl.

Prefer to call? +43 1 877 20 20

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