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+65 6568 3555
Dark eye circles can cause the appearance of under-eye darkening or hollows, even in otherwise healthy individuals. This common concern affects people across different age groups in Singapore and may be influenced by genetics, lifestyle, or environmental factors. While not a medical condition, many seek aesthetic assessment to improve their appearance. Our IDS aesthetic doctors provide professional evaluation and evidence-based non-surgical treatment options tailored to your needs.
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Dark eye circles, medically known as periorbital hyperpigmentation, refer to darkening beneath and around the eyes. The under-eye skin is thinner than most areas of the face, which can make pigmentation, visible blood vessels, or natural shadowing more noticeable. Among individuals with Asian skin types, higher melanin levels can make this feature appear more prominent.
Due to excess melanin in the under-eye area, commonly brown/black. It may be influenced by genetics, sun exposure, or hormonal changes.
Bluish/purplish/reddish hues caused by visible vessels beneath thin skin; can fluctuate with fatigue, circulation, or fluid retention.
Shadowing from anatomical features such as tear-trough hollowing or age-related volume changes.
Many people have a combination of the above, requiring a combined approach.
Causes
Risk Factors
Dark eye circles may develop gradually; vascular prominence can fluctuate with sleep, hydration, and lifestyle factors.
Experiencing these features? Book a consultation with our trained aesthetic doctors for assessment and treatment planning.
Schedule ConsultationSeek evaluation if dark circles appear suddenly or on one side only, and if they do not improve with rest/skincare, and are a cosmetic concern. During consultation, our doctor may perform an examination and use diagnostic tools to assess pigmentation patterns, skin texture, and vascular prominence.
Typical initial assessment takes ~30–45 minutes, with most results available on the same visit.
Injectables may help restore under-eye volume and reduce the appearance of shadows caused by tear-trough hollowing. Treatment effects are temporary and reversible. Suitability and product type are determined after a professional assessment.
These are typically performed over several sessions, with intervals recommended by your doctor to allow gradual improvement.
Laser treatments may target pigmentation or visible vessels contributing to dark eye circles.
Q-switched lasers: Address melanin-based pigmentation
Fractional lasers: Support collagen renewal and skin texture
Long-pulsed lasers: Target vascular prominence
RF therapy delivers controlled heat energy to stimulate collagen production and improve under-eye firmness. It is a non-invasive procedure that may complement other treatment options such as injectables or topical care.
Topical formulations are commonly used as part of maintenance or combination care.
Retinoids: Retinol-based formulations can support collagen renewal and skin texture
Vitamin C: Provides antioxidant protection and helps brighten pigmentation
Kojic Acid (as prescribed): Target melanin-related darkening
Caffeine-based creams: May temporarily reduce the appearance of vascular prominence
Superficial chemical peels, such as glycolic or lactic acid, may help exfoliate and lighten mild pigmentation. These are typically performed in a series of sessions under clinical supervision to minimise irritation and achieve gradual improvement.
Our aesthetic doctor will recommend a plan based on whether pigmentation, vessels, structure, or a combination is most relevant.
Schedule ConsultationWhile generally harmless, dark eye circles may:
Dark eye circles often arise from a combination of pigmentation, vascular visibility, and structural factors. Identifying the main cause helps guide effective management. Our aesthetic doctors can assess your under-eye concerns and discuss non-surgical options suited to your skin type and goals.
Complete removal is not always possible, particularly in genetic cases. However, noticeable and sustained improvement may be achievable depending on the cause and treatment used.
Injectables may provide immediate volume restoration, while topicals typically show visible change after several weeks. Lasers and RF treatments usually work gradually over a series of sessions.
Most procedures involve minimal discomfort. Numbing methods or cooling devices are often used to enhance comfort during treatment.
When performed by trained and MOH-registered aesthetic doctors using approved products and techniques, injectables are generally considered safe. Possible side effects, such as bruising or swelling, are discussed during consultation.
Medical-grade formulations (e.g., retinoids, vitamin C, hydroquinone as indicated) can help when used consistently. Creams do not correct structural hollowing; in some cases require procedural options.
Not inherently, but harsh removal or sensitive-skin reactions can contribute to irritation. Use gentle, fragrance-free products and remove makeup carefully.
Arrange an evaluation with an aesthetic doctor to review diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches.
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Special Interest
Dr Tan graduated in 1971, with a Bachelors of Medicine (MB) and a Bachelors of Surgery (BS) from the University of Malaya. Dr Tan’s interest in dermatology led him to train at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology in London in the 1970s and he has since been focused in the field of aesthetic dermatology.
He is a member of numerous medical associations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons, and the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology. Dr Tan was one of the first local doctors to be certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. His personal interest in pigmentary disorders and acne has also led him to become an International Member of the Pigmentary Disorders Society of India, the Asian Society of Pigment Cell Research, and the American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS).
Dr Tan’s work has led him to be invited to speak at numerous international conferences in the US, Europe and throughout the Asia Pacific region. He is a co-editor of “Handbook of Cosmetic Microbiology”, a reference book published by Marcel Dekker, and his papers have been published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, International Journal of Dermatology, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, and Expert Review of Dermatology, and has contributed a chapter in the reference book ‘Pigmentary Disorders: A Comprehensive Compendium’.
Special Interest
Special Interest
Dr Yim graduated from Monash University in Australia with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. He has also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Dermatology from the University of London and more recently in Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics from Anglia Ruskin University in UK, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Family Physicians in National University of Singapore.
Dr Yim has been practicing aesthetic medicine in private practice since 2000. The former director of Clinical Aesthetics & Laser Centre has been offering a wide armamentarium of aesthetic services including Botulinum Toxins, fillers for facial enhancement, skin tightening, fractional lasers, threadlifts, and non-invasive body contouring treatments.
As a trainer for Allergan Medical Institute in Singapore, Dr Yim has been invited to speak and train for numerous aesthetic workshops and conferences including “The Advanced Facial Anatomy and Injectables Workshop”, Botulinum Toxins and Filler injectable training workshops organized by Allergan, “The Singapore Disease Conference 2008” and “1st International Conference on Healthcare Transformation 2008” and Forum for Professional Self-regulation jointly organized by the SingHealth Centre for Health Services Research and the NUS Medical Society, to name a few.
Dr Yim comes from a family of four doctors, all in private practice in family medicine. Despite the move into full-time aesthetic medicine, Dr Yim has also taken an interest in family medicine pursuing a Master degree in Medicine in Family Medicine in NUS in which he hopes to complete in 2020.
Outside of his profession, Dr Yim also actively participates in social projects such as tattoo laser removal for prison inmates and teenage delinquents. For leisure, he enjoys golf, reading, playing the piano and running – he has participated in several half-marathons.
Special Interest
Special Interest
Dr Liz Lum YX graduated from Trinity College in Dublin with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. She has also earned a graduate diploma in aesthetic medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM). Apart from these, Dr Lum has also attained certification by the Ministry of Health accredited bodies under the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetics Dermatology Education Group for various aesthetics procedures. Before joining IDS, Dr Liz Lum YX was a surgical trainee with the hand surgery department in SGH.
Jean Cocteau once said, “If there is a defect in the soul, it cannot be corrected on the face; but if there is a defect on the face and one corrects it, it can correct a soul.”
For this reason, Dr Liz Lum YX has a special interest in acne treatment that dates back to times when she had to deal with her own acne problems and breakouts. This drove her to identify the need for innovative products and treatments to treat acne problems. She strongly believes that many acne prone patients will benefit from a combination of innovative dermatological products, lasers and medications.
Dr Liz Lum YX’s other interests include injectables such as botulinum toxins, fillers and laser treatments for pigmentary disorders. Outside of her profession, she enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family, friends and loved ones over good meals, movies, and a cup of coffee.
Special Interest
Special Interest
Dr Michelle Wong graduated from The University of Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelors of Surgery and Bachelors of Medical Science. She obtained her post-graduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology with Distinction from the Queen Mary University of London, and holds a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM).
In aesthetics, Dr Wong believes she has discovered her ikigai – the intersection of what she is both good at and loves doing. Her preferred tools of the trade are injectables such as Botulinum Toxins & fillers, which she wields with finesse and intuition - often achieving what her patients desire but cannot express through words. Out of passion and interest, she regularly attends conferences and workshops, eager to learn about the latest treatments and techniques to further hone her craft.
Combining the science of medicine with the art of beauty, Dr Wong provides an honest consult to help her patients achieve their skincare and beauty goals. She believes in understated elegance – a focus on a less-is-more approach - and works to enhance her patients’ natural features whilst instilling self-confidence. Her reassuring and gentle approach puts patients at ease allowing her to achieve maximum results through safe and effective procedures.
In her free time, Dr Wong enjoys taking long walks with her dog at the park. Her family praises her inner domestic goddess that can whip up an impressive variety of home-cooked meals. She is also active in church medical missions and believes in contributing back to society through her God-given gifts and talents.
Special Interest
Special Interest
Dr Vivian Yong graduated from National University of Singapore in 2006, and has an experience of more than 10 years in Aesthetics. She has also accumulated extensive surgical skills and experience from various rotations in general surgery, ophthalmology, and ENT.
Dr Vivian has always had a natural inclination towards science subjects and this led her into medicine. During her medical graduate days, she developed a keen interest in Aesthetics and Skincare, and she believes that Aesthetics is one area that allows her to help a patient achieve their ideal artistic expression based on science. While Dr Vivian is always keen to accommodate her patients’ needs, she ensures that their welfare remains the utmost priority. This is why Dr Vivian is loved by her patients for always being meticulous and attentive to details.
Dr Vivian’s eye for beauty goes beyond aesthetics. Outside the clinic, Dr Vivian loves to spend her time in leather crafting and jewelry making, transforming basics into beauty. She also loves spending her quiet time exercising in the gym or chilling at home with her loved one.
Special Interest
Special Interest
Dr Sean is a dedicated medical professional with a diverse background in procedural disciplines and holistic care. He graduated with an MBBS degree from the National University of Singapore, earning recognition on the Dean's List for his exemplary performance in his final year Professional Examination.
Dr Sean is a dedicated medical professional with a diverse background in procedural disciplines and holistic care. He graduated with an MBBS degree from the National University of Singapore, earning recognition on the Dean's List for his exemplary performance in his final year Professional Examination. Fully registered with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC), Dr Sean is also certified to perform aesthetic procedures by the Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group (ADEG).
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr Sean actively engages in community service and leadership endeavours. He has contributed his medical expertise to humanitarian missions, including Naamjai Medical Missions trips to Thailand and a collaborative effort with plastic surgeons from NUH at Yangon's Defense Services General Hospital (DSGH).
Dr Sean's commitment to excellence extends beyond the medical field. As a former Singapore national athlete in pole vaulting, he has represented Singapore in numerous international competitions, earning accolades and setting records. Dr Sean’s passion for health and fitness is evident in his certification as a personal trainer and his dedication to maintaining an active lifestyle.
A proud new father, Dr Sean cherishes quality time with his family outside of work commitments, demonstrating a balanced approach to life and well-being. His belief in delivering quality care with a personal touch reflects his ethos as a compassionate healthcare provider.
Special Interest
*Due to MOH guidelines in Singapore, medical clinics cannot show before & after photos on their websites. However, we would be delighted to showcase our photographs and actual results during your in-clinic consultation with us.
Where we integrate technology, artificial intelligence and complementary skincare to address the most common skin problems.
Weekdays: 10am – 8pm
Saturdays: 10am – 5pm
Sundays & PH: Closed
Weekdays: 10am – 8pm
Saturdays: 10am – 5pm
Sundays & PH: Closed
This information is meant for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment suitability and expected outcomes vary from individual to individual. Please consult a registered medical practitioner for a full assessment.
2026 © The IDS Clinic PTE LTD. All Right Reserved.
2026 © The IDS Clinic PTE LTD. All Right Reserved.