If you’ve been seeking an effective way to address dark circles and tired-looking eyes, tear-trough fillers could be the answer you’ve been searching for. Our award-winning aesthetics practitioner, Amish Patel, explains how this cosmetic procedure can help you achieve brighter, more youthful under-eye areas and what to expect in your treatment.
Tear trough filler is a medical aesthetics treatment designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles, hollowness, and signs of fatigue under the eyes. This popular injectable treatment is a quick and minimally invasive procedure involving injecting dermal fillers, typically of hyaluronic acid, into the tear trough area— the delicate space between the lower eyelids and the cheeks.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance within the body which helps retain moisture and provides volume and hydration to the skin. As we age, our collagen production slows down, and as the skin loses elasticity th, the fat in this area begins to diminish, which leads to volume loss, sunken appearance, shadows, and dark circles. Tear trough fillers effectively restore lost volume, creating a smoother, more vibrant under-eye profile, improved skin quality and a youthful appearance.
The procedure should always occur in a professional, hygienic medical environment by a skilled practitioner and involves only a few strategic injections with the gel-like substance hyaluronic acid filler. Results can last anywhere from six months to a year, depending on the specific product and other individual factors. The results are immediate, often showing a marked improvement in the overall appearance of the eyes, making individuals look more rested and youthful.
In addition to its primary focus on dark circles, tear-trough fillers can address other concerns, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin around the eye area. By carefully placing the filler, we can dramatically rejuvenate an ageing face.
Tear trough fillers do not directly remove dark circles but can significantly reduce their appearance. Dark circles can occur for several reasons, including genetics, fatigue, ageing, and even pigmentation issues. By adding volume to the tear trough area, dermal fillers help to reduce the shadows that naturally form due to the underlying hollowness. This volumisation creates a smoother transition between the lower eyelids and the cheeks, effectively making dark circles less noticeable.
However, it is essential to understand that tear trough fillers primarily address the hollowed areas rather than pigmentation. Under-eye discolouration can be due to vascular issues or skin pigmentation.
Additional treatments such as skin boosters, laser therapy or a targeted skincare programme could be an option and can be incorporated with your fillers for optimal results. It’s always best to consult a qualified practitioner to establish a comprehensive approach tailored to your individual needs.
Yes, there are different types of fillers designed to target other areas of the face; these hyaluronic acid-based fillers are the correct consistency to tackle the dark circles under the eyes effectively and are a different consistency to, say, cheek fillers, for example. Your practitioner must use the correct consistency to avoid tear trough deformity and to prevent any interference with facial expressions.
Yes. As with any injection process, there is always a small risk, but by choosing a medical professional injecting hyaluronic acid-based fillers with an excellent safety record, this treatment is an effective option for refreshing the tear trough region.
Before any procedure with us, you will have an initial consultation to explain the treatment to help you make an informed decision and to establish if you are a suitable candidate for tear trough fillers. During our private consultations, person to person, we will assess your under-eye area, discuss your treatment goals, review your medical history and any current medical conditions, and determine the best treatment route for you.
You’ll always have the opportunity to ask me questions or voice concerns. If you have a consultation with a medical practitioner but do not feel comfortable or under pressure to proceed with the treatment, always walk away. You should always feel reassured and confident in your injector’s ability.
On the day of your tear trough filler treatment, I will always recap the treatment plan with you before we begin. With all facial fillers, I will clean the area, then apply a topical numbing cream to ensure you are comfortable throughout the process. The numbing cream usually takes around 15-20 minutes to take effect. During this time, we can further discuss any last-minute questions.
Once the numbing cream has taken effect, I will begin the tear trough filler injections. Using a fine needle or cannula, I will carefully inject the dermal filler into the tear trough area, filling the natural contours of the skin. The injection technique we choose may vary based on your specific anatomy and the desired outcome. The filler is administered at precise points to ensure even distribution and to minimise discomfort. The skin around the eye and lips is the thinnest on the face, so as with lip fillers, a medical professional will know how to restore a lack of volume and inject to minimise excessive swelling.
After the treatment, I will share relevant post-treatment aftercare. As with all dermal filler treatments, there is a risk of mild swelling or bruising in the treated area, which is completely normal and usually subsides within a few days. To help minimise these side effects, I may recommend gently applying a cold compress to the area. It’s crucial to avoid strenuous exercise, touching or massaging the area, excessive sun or heat exposure, and other activities that could exacerbate swelling in the first 24-48 hours following the treatment.
We need to allow the tear trough injections to settle, and while this dermal filler treatment yields results immediately, with most clients noticing a significant improvement immediately after treatment, results continue to enhance as any swelling resolves, and you are left with beautiful, natural-looking results.
The effects of tear trough treatments vary based on individual factors such as skin type, age, whether you adopt a healthy lifestyle, the type of filler used, and the injection technique chosen by the practitioner. Generally, most clients can expect their results to last anywhere from six to twelve months.
Choosing an experienced practitioner using quality dermal filler injections will enhance your natural beauty and rejuvenate your under-eye region. The benefits of tear trough treatments with a skilled practitioner are that they will dramatically reduce the risk of complications and give you natural-looking tear trough filler results.
While dermal fillers are an effective treatment for dark circles, there are some alternatives which you could try in the first instance.
Eye creams containing caffeine might be worth a try because caffeine boosts circulation and restricts blood vessels; it can help minimise the appearance of dark under-eye circles and can help reduce puffiness. This is, however, only a temporary effect for as long as the active ingredient is active.
Drinking water can help reduce the appearance of dark circles by keeping your skin hydrated and plump. Optimum hydration can really improve skin elasticity and overall texture, which may diminish the visibility of under-eye shadows. Furthermore, incorporating foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can support skin health and contribute to a healthier complexion.
Getting enough sleep and managing stress levels are essential components for maintaining healthy skin and may help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Lack of sleep can lead to a dull complexion and accentuate shadows under the eyes, so aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to significantly impact your overall appearance, especially in the delicate under-eye area.