Why Do We Get Dark Circles?
Before we dive into treatment, it’s important to understand what causes under eye circles in the first place. In most people, they’re a result of one or more of the following:
- Pigmentation: Common in medium and darker skin tones, where melanin builds up under the eyes
- Vascular issues: Thin skin can reveal dark blood vessels beneath the surface
- Volume loss: Tear trough hollowing and displaced fat pads create shadows that exaggerate the appearance of darkness
- Skin quality: Dehydrated or thin skin makes discolouration and under eye wrinkles more visible
Lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep, managing stress, reducing alcohol intake, and protecting against sun damage, can all make a difference. Genetics and the ageing process also play a major role.
The Role of Laser in Treating Dark Circles
Laser therapy can offer an effective way to tackle some of the most persistent causes of dark circles under your eyes. We offer several specialist laser systems to ensure the treatment is safe, targeted, and tailored to your specific skin type and concern.
UltraClear® Laser

UltraClear is a high-performance CO2 laser that can be used in a light fractional mode, making it gentle enough for the delicate skin under the eyes. It helps to resurface the skin, improve texture, and stimulate collagen and skin regeneration. This leads to firmer, smoother skin with improved reflectivity, meaning less shadow and dullness beneath the eyes.
excel® V Laser

If vascular issues are the main cause of your under eye circles, the excel V laser is one of the most effective solutions. It works by targeting and reducing the visibility of dark blood vessels beneath the skin, helping to improve overall skin tone and support effective dark circle removal.
M22 Multi-Platform Laser

The M22 is a versatile system that combines multiple laser and light technologies. It can treat pigmentation irregularities, broken capillaries, and uneven skin tone. For patients with mixed concerns such as both vascular visibility and sun-induced pigmentation, the M22 allows us to create a more comprehensive treatment plan.
What to Expect from Laser Treatment
Laser therapy around the eyes is a specialised procedure that should only be performed by experienced practitioners. All laser treatments begin with a full consultation and skin analysis to determine suitability and select the most appropriate technology, including options such as the CO2 laser or M22.
Most treatments for dark circles under your eyes involve minimal discomfort and are well tolerated. You may experience mild redness or swelling in the treated area, but this usually resolves within a few days. Results begin to show after a few weeks, with improvements continuing as collagen production and skin regeneration increase.
A course of treatments may be recommended depending on the severity of your concerns. Our practitioners will also advise on aftercare, including sun protection, hydration, and ongoing skin care to maintain results.
Combining Lasers with Other Treatments
In many cases, lasers alone may not address all aspects of under eye rejuvenation. That’s why we offer a multi-layered approach, which may include:
- Polynucleotides: A regenerative injectable treatment that improves skin quality and boosts hydration, particularly effective for crepey or thin skin under the eyes
- Skin boosters: These injectables enhance hydration and elasticity, helping to smooth fine lines and reduce under-eye wrinkles
- Tear Trough Fillers: Dermal fillers using hyaluronic acid can restore volume and reduce the shadowing effect caused by hollowing. We are always transparent when discussing under eye filler cost and expected outcomes
By combining modalities, we’re able to treat the skin under the eyes from every angle, texture, tone, pigmentation, and volume for a more complete and natural-looking result.
Final Thoughts on Laser for Dark Circles
Laser therapy can be a highly effective option for dark circle removal, particularly when tailored to your specific cause. Whether you’re dealing with pigmentation, vascular visibility, or changes in texture. PHI Clinic’s range of technologies including UltraClear, M22, and the CO2 laser ensures you have access to the most advanced solutions available.
If you’re ready to explore your treatment options, book a consultation with our expert team in London and discover what truly works for your skin.


