Under eye filler may be right for you if you have hollowness, dark shadows, or a sunken appearance under your eyes caused by volume loss. This treatment uses dermal filler to restore volume to the tear trough area, reducing the appearance of dark circles and creating a more refreshed, youthful look. Results are visible immediately and typically last 12 to 18 months. However, under eye filler is not the right solution for everyone, and candidacy depends on the underlying cause of your concerns.
What Is Under Eye Filler?
Under eye filler, also called tear trough filler, is a non surgical treatment that uses injectable dermal filler to add volume beneath the eyes. The filler is placed in the tear trough, the hollow area between your lower eyelid and cheek, to smooth the transition and reduce shadows that create a tired appearance.
“The under eyes and cheekbone area are among the most common treatment areas for fillers,” notes the kalon Dermatology team. This popular treatment can significantly improve the appearance of dark circles when performed by an experienced provider.
What Causes Dark Circles and Under Eye Hollows?
Understanding the cause of your under eye concerns is essential for determining whether filler is the right treatment. Dark circles and hollowness can result from several factors:
Volume Loss: As we age, we lose fat and bone density in the mid face, creating a hollow appearance under the eyes. This is the primary concern that filler addresses effectively.
Genetics: Some people naturally have deeper tear troughs or thinner skin under the eyes, making shadows more visible even at a young age.
Thin Skin: The skin under the eyes is the thinnest on the body. When it becomes even thinner with age, blood vessels underneath can show through, creating a dark or purple appearance.
Pigmentation: In some cases, dark circles are caused by excess melanin in the skin rather than shadows from volume loss. Filler does not address pigmentation issues.
Lifestyle Factors: Lack of sleep, dehydration, allergies, and fatigue can all contribute to the appearance of dark circles.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Under Eye Filler?
Under eye filler works best for people whose dark circles or tired appearance is primarily caused by volume loss or hollowness. You may be a good candidate if you:
Have a visible hollow or depression in the tear trough area.
Notice shadows under your eyes that make you look tired.
Have good skin quality without significant puffiness or bags.
Are looking for a non surgical option to refresh your appearance.
Have realistic expectations about what filler can achieve.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate?
Under eye filler is not the right solution for everyone. You may not be a good candidate if you have:
Under Eye Bags or Puffiness: If you have bulging fat pads under your eyes (bags), adding filler can make the area look worse. Bags typically require surgical correction.
Pigmentation Issues: If your dark circles are caused by excess melanin rather than shadows from volume loss, filler will not improve the discoloration. Other treatments like laser or chemical peels may be more appropriate.
Very Thin or Crepey Skin: Extremely thin skin can show filler irregularities. Your provider will assess your skin quality during consultation.
Significant Excess Skin: If you have loose, sagging skin under the eyes, filler alone may not provide the improvement you seek.
What Results Can You Expect?
When under eye filler is used on the right candidate, results can be transformative. You can expect:
Reduced Hollowness: The tear trough area looks smoother and fuller, eliminating the sunken appearance.
Diminished Dark Circles: By filling the hollow area, shadows are reduced, making dark circles less noticeable.
Refreshed Appearance: Patients often look more awake and rested after treatment.
“The usual approach is to make it as natural and appealing as possible,” says the kalon Dermatology team. The goal is subtle improvement that makes you look refreshed, not obviously treated.
How Long Does Under Eye Filler Last?
Under eye filler typically lasts 12 to 18 months. The tear trough area has minimal movement compared to areas like the lips, so filler tends to last longer here.
“Fillers on the face and other areas may last eight months up to a year,” notes the kalon Dermatology team. Under eye filler often falls on the longer end of this range due to the limited facial movement in the area.
Some patients find their results last even longer, with touch ups needed only once a year or less. The longevity depends on your individual metabolism and the specific filler used.
What Happens During Treatment?
Under eye filler is a delicate procedure that requires precision and expertise. Here is what to expect:
Consultation: Your provider will examine your under eye area, discuss your concerns, and determine if you are a good candidate for filler. They will explain what results you can realistically expect.
Preparation: The treatment area is cleaned and a topical numbing cream is applied. This ensures your comfort during the procedure.
Injection: Using a fine needle or cannula, your provider carefully injects small amounts of filler into the tear trough. The filler contains lidocaine for additional comfort. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Assessment: Your provider will assess symmetry and make any adjustments needed. You can see your results immediately.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery from under eye filler is minimal. Most patients return to normal activities immediately. However, the under eye area is prone to swelling and bruising, so you may experience:
Swelling: Mild to moderate swelling is common and can last several days. The area may look slightly overfilled initially.
Bruising: Bruising around the eyes is more common than with other filler areas. It can last up to two weeks but can be covered with makeup after 24 hours.
Tenderness: The treated area may feel tender for a few days.
Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions. Generally, avoid rubbing your eyes, strenuous exercise, and excessive heat for 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
Under Eye Filler at kalon Dermatology
At kalon Dermatology, our experienced team provides personalized under eye filler treatments for patients throughout Brooklyn and Staten Island. The under eye area requires precision and expertise, and our board certified dermatologists and skilled providers have the training and experience to deliver safe, natural looking results.
Our team includes Dr. David Biro, a board certified dermatologist named one of New York’s Top Doctors, and Dr. Michael Gladstein, a Castle Connolly Top Doctor with nearly three decades of experience. Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation to determine if under eye filler is the right solution for your concerns.
“Every treatment begins with a cosmetic consultation to determine your personalized treatment plan and the number of syringes needed for optimal results,” explains the kalon Dermatology team.
Contact kalon Dermatology today to schedule your consultation and learn if under eye filler is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does under eye filler hurt?
Most patients describe under eye filler as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. Topical numbing cream is applied before treatment, and the filler contains lidocaine for additional comfort. You may feel some pressure during injection, but the procedure is well tolerated.
How much filler do I need for under eyes?
Most patients need about half a syringe to one full syringe per side. The exact amount depends on the depth of your hollowness and your desired results. Your provider will recommend the appropriate amount during your consultation.
Can under eye filler make dark circles worse?
If you are not a good candidate for under eye filler, the treatment can potentially make dark circles appear worse. This is why a thorough consultation is essential. Filler works best for volume loss and hollowness, not for pigmentation issues or puffy under eye bags.
What if I do not like my under eye filler results?
Hyaluronic acid fillers, which are most commonly used under the eyes, can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This provides a safety net if you are unhappy with your results or if any complications arise.
Can I combine under eye filler with other treatments?
Yes. Under eye filler is often combined with cheek filler for comprehensive mid face rejuvenation. Restoring volume to the cheeks can provide additional lift and support to the under eye area. Some patients also add Botox to address crow’s feet or forehead lines in the same visit.
At what age should I get under eye filler?
There is no specific best age. Some people have genetic hollowness under the eyes even in their 20s, while others do not develop volume loss until their 40s or later. The right time is when under eye hollowness bothers you enough that you want to address it.