Tear Trough Filler - benefits, results, risks and what to expect

How Does Tear Trough Filler Work?

During treatment, a trained medical practitioner injects a small amount of material under the skin or in a deeper layer (depending on your anatomy and technique used). The filler is used to fill the hollow. This can help to minimize the gap between the lower lid and cheek making the area look smoother.

In addition, Hyaluronic Acid is an agent to bind water. This property contributes to its bulk, but can be negative in the under-eye area because the water retention can lead to puffiness.

The treatment generally involves the following steps:

1. Facial evaluation: The specialist checks your under-eye area, cheek support, skin condition and current puffiness.

2. Treatment planning: They determine if a filler is right for you, and choose an appropriate product and injection technique.

3. Injection: A small quantity of filler is injected into the desired area with a needle or cannula.

4. Follow-up: Your doctor monitors the results after the initial swelling has subsided, and determines if more treatment is required.

The exact technique will vary depending on your anatomy. Blood vessels and sensitive anatomy are located under the eyes and the need to perform an injection requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy and proper clinical training. 

Who is the best candidate for a tear trough filler?

If you have a definite hollow under your eyes and have sufficient skin support, you might be a good candidate. The treatment should be considered if:

• Your under-eye hollows are present even when you are well rested.

• The darkness beneath your eyes comes partly from shadows created by a depression.

• You have mild volume loss beneath the eyes.

• Your skin has reasonable elasticity, with little excess skin or prominent fat bulging.

• You understand that the results are temporary and that complications are possible.

Who may not benefit from it?

Tear trough filler may be unsuitable, or require extra caution, if you have:

• Pronounced under-eye bags.

• Loose or excess lower eyelid skin.

• Frequent or persistent puffiness.

• Significant fluid retention beneath the eyes.

• Dark circles caused mainly by pigmentation.

• Very thin skin that makes filler irregularities more visible.

• An active infection or inflammation near the proposed injection site.

People with these concerns may benefit more from another treatment. For example, someone with prominent lower eyelid fat may need an assessment for lower blepharoplasty rather than additional volume.

A consultation should focus on the cause of the problem, not simply whether you want filler.

What Are the Benefits of Tear Trough Filler?

When used in an appropriate candidate, tear trough filler can offer several benefits.

Softer under-eye hollows

The added volume can reduce the depth of a hollow and create a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.

A less tired appearance

• Shadows from deep hollows can make the face appear tired. Reducing the hollow may soften this effect, even if your natural skin colour remains unchanged.

A nonsurgical approach

• Unlike lower eyelid surgery, filler treatment does not require an incision. The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting.

• However, nonsurgical does not mean risk-free. The eye area is anatomically complex, and serious complications are possible.

Adjustable treatment

• A clinician can plan the amount of filler according to your anatomy and desired result. 

• With hyaluronic acid filler, the product can often be dissolved using hyaluronidase if necessary, although reversal is not always simple or complete.

Relatively short initial recovery

• Most people can return to their usual daily activities soon after treatment. Bruising and swelling may still be visible for several days, so it is sensible to plan around important events.

How the procedure is performed?

• The initial appointment involves an examination and discussion of what you expect from the treatment.

• Your provider might photograph to show you the beginning look.

• The skin is cleaned and a numbing cream can be applied topically. There are also some fillers that are equipped with a local anaesthetic.

• The doctor then injects tiny amounts into certain targeted areas. Depending on technique and anatomy, a needle or blunt tipped cannula is used.

• The process typically lasts 15-30 minutes, depending on the assessment and preparation time.

• Some of the improvement might be noticed right away. But the final look isn't immediately apparent since the swelling and bruising can alter the look of the area temporarily.

• Avoid asking for additional filler just because the area is not evenly finished right away after the procedure. Let your provider evaluate the outcome once swelling has gone down.

How Long Does Tear Trough Filler Last?

The effects can last for up to 8-12 months, though some may see results sooner or later. There is reported variation in the length of results according to the type of filler used, method of injection and patient factors. 

Several factors affect how long your results last:

• The type and amount of filler used.

• Your metabolism and individual response to treatment.

• The depth and placement of the injection.

• Your facial anatomy and the amount of volume loss.

• Whether you develop swelling or other complications.

Filler does not disappear at exactly the same rate in everyone. You may still notice some improvement after the main effect has reduced. Do not schedule repeat treatment without getting assessed. Your clinician will assess the area first. Adding more filler before the previous product has settled or diminished may increase the risk of puffiness and an overfilled appearance.

Side effects and risks associated with Tear Trough Filler?

The skin under the eyes is thin and even a slight change in volume can be seen. This will make the area harder to treat than other areas of the face.

Common short-term effects

You may experience:

- Mild tenderness.

- Swelling.

- Bruising.

- Discolored area at the injection site.

- Temporary unevenness like appearance on the face.

These effects usually get better in a few days but may last longer for some people.

Persistent under-eye swelling

• A long-lasting puffiness is one of the problems people have with tear trough filler. The fillers in this area can lead to water retention, which is caused by the presence of hyaluronic acid attracting water.

• Those with existing bags and/or a predisposition to swelling may be at a higher risk of not being pleased with the result.

• If swelling persists, it's best to evaluate by a trained clinician instead of adding more filler.

Blue-grey discoloration

• Too close to the skin and the filler can result in a blue-grey tint. This can also be referred to as the Tyndall effect.

• It may be due to the scattering of light by the material beneath the skin that is thin. The colour change might require a medical evaluation and, in some instances, hyaluronidase therapy.

Hard areas and irregular surfaces

• The filler can cause unsmooth contours and/or bumps on the surface.

• This can be due to product levels, location, swelling and/or personal anatomy. If a provider is experienced, he or she should determine the cause before taking steps to manage it.

Infection and delayed reactions

Injection site can become infected. Nodules/migration of nodes and filler delayed inflammatory reactions have also been reported in few patients.

Rare, but serious complications:

• A filler injection can accidentally block a blood vessel. This may damage the skin and, in rare cases, affect blood supply to the eye and cause vision loss.

• Seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden vision changes, severe or unusual pain, pale or mottled skin, or rapidly worsening symptoms after treatment. Do not wait for a routine follow-up appointment.

• These risks make proper training, anatomical knowledge and a clear emergency response plan essential.

What can be done to lessen the risks?

All risks cannot be eliminated, but by careful planning, the risk of complications can be minimised.

Before treatment:

1. Choose a properly qualified medical professional. Inquire about their experience and training in using under eye filler.

2. Talk with your doctor about your health. Talk about prior fillers, medications, allergies and any eye-area conditions.

3. Inquire about the product to be used. Check if it is suitable for the under-eye and see if it can be dissolved.

4. Discuss alternatives. A responsible provider should communicate during this time when the use of a filler is inappropriate.

5. Inquire about complication management. The clinic should have a concise management strategy for urgent issues, such as suspected vascular complications.

Don't pick the provider just because they are the cheapest or guarantee you'll see amazing results.

There is a variety of filler required. Treatment of an acne should be tailored to the anatomy of the patient and not be based on a standard volume for all patients.

Tear Trough Filler Aftercare

You should receive instructions from your provider, tailored to the product and technique employed. The following is a list of general after cares:

• Do not rub or press on the area treated.

• Apply a cool compress as recommended by your clinician.

• Do not engage in strenuous activity during the time recommended by your provider.

• Adhere to make-up and skin care guidelines.

• Follow up appointment if recommended.

• A slight swelling or bruising does not necessarily indicate a problem. But, if there is any serious pain or change in vision or any abnormal skin color, it requires immediate evaluation.

• Don't massage the filler away if swelling continues unless your clinician tells you to do so.

Tear Trough Filler vs Other Treatments for Dark Circles

The best treatment depends on what causes your under-eye concern. No single procedure can address every type of dark circle.

Lower blepharoplasty may be more appropriate for people with significant fat bulging or loose skin. It can involve removing or repositioning fat, depending on the patient's anatomy.

Fat grafting uses fat taken from another area of the body. It may provide longer-lasting volume, but the amount of fat that survives can vary. Clinical reviews support choosing treatment according to the severity and type of tear trough deformity rather than using filler for everyone.

How Much Does Tear Trough Filler Cost?

The cost varies by country, city, clinic, product and provider experience. The amount required and whether you need a follow-up appointment can also affect the total.

A very low price should prompt questions about the product's authenticity, the clinician's qualifications and the clinic's ability to manage complications. Also ask what happens if you develop persistent swelling or need the filler dissolved. These costs may not be included in the original treatment fee.