Tear trough fillers are becoming increasingly popular for patients looking to reduce the appearance of the crease known as a tear trough. This is the area between the lower eyelid and the cheek, which can become hollow, often due to age or weight loss, leading to a less youthful appearance. 

To improve the appearance of these, the tear trough filler is injected to fill in the hollows or wrinkles and to restore youthful vibrancy to the eye area. 

What is the procedure like?   

The procedure is a relatively quick and minimally invasive procedure performed by a physician in a medical office setting. It typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes and can be completed in less than one hour, including initial consultation and post-treatment instructions.  

Tear trough filler treatments are usually done in a doctor’s office or clinic. During the treatment, the doctor will first thoroughly cleanse the areas around the eyes and then apply a numbing cream before injecting the filler. The filler material is typically a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler, such as Juvederm or Restylane. Using a fine needle, the doctor will inject the filler in the tear trough, or hollow, area beneath the eye. The entire procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes and results can last up to two years. 

The fillers are typically made of hyaluronic acid, or other ingredients and can be used to add volume and reduce indentations around the eyes. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that, when injected, boosts fullness and smooths out the area beneath the eyelids.  

Who is a suitable candidate?    

Ideal filler candidates have skin with enough thickness and elasticity to allow for augmentation. Ideally, they will be looking to correct hollowing or darkening in the area or notable tear troughs which have developed due to fat herniating through the surrounding muscles. Those with bags arising from factors like sleep or salt intake are not suited for tear trough fillers.  

Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, have an allergy to lidocaine, have an infection in the area, are prone to blood clotting, or have a history of keloid scarring should not receive under-eye filler. If you are uncertain as to whether you are a candidate for this treatment, it is best to consult with a practitioner.  

Fillers may not be able to help if your dark circles are the result of hyperpigmentation. They may even make the circles more visible. Your practitioner will be able to tell if the circles can be treated with fillers and let you know what your options are. If the cause of your dark circles is skin pigmentation, then you may want to look into chemical peels and laser skin treatments. 

Results and recovery 

By undergoing this procedure, you can enjoy a revitalised complexion with decreased wrinkles and lines. The tear trough filler procedure can also be used to increase volume in areas like the lips, brows, cheeks, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds for a more youthful look. The result is smoother, more radiant skin.  

Recovery from tear trough filler treatments is usually fairly straightforward and quick.  

After a tear trough filler treatment, patients can expect some mild swelling and bruising, which should fade relatively quickly over the next few days. The treated area may also be slightly tender to the touch and feel slightly lumpy, but this too should subside as the filler settles.   

While the treatment’s immediate results can be visible immediately, the best results often come a few weeks after the treatment, as the filler continues to settle into place and the natural healing process starts to take effect.  

For best results, it is important to follow the advice of your practitioner and avoid strenuous activities, prolonged sun exposure and alcohol consumption for the first few days after treatment. 

Risks and side effects 

After the treatment, you may experience redness, swelling, tenderness, itching, and other minor reactions. These reactions are a normal part of the process and generally disappear in a few days. However, if they linger or more effects arise, you should contact your practitioner.  

Dermal fillers can be a great way to achieve a more youthful look, but experienced and knowledgeable practitioners must carry them out to ensure a positive outcome. It is always essential to ensure that you visit a reputable clinic to avoid any risk of botched fillers.  

A reputable clinic will always ensure that you undergo a full consultation and examination before being recommended for this treatment. The practitioners should be highly trained; specialised injection techniques are necessary to avoid rare complications like tissue necrosis or blindness when using fillers not made for the under-eye area. 

Tear trough filler treatments are a quick, minimally invasive and safe way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles and tear troughs, restoring a youthful look to the eye area. It is important to only seek treatment from experienced practitioners and to follow the post-treatment instructions for best results. With the proper care and maintenance, the results can last up to two years, making it an excellent option for those looking to restore the vibrancy and youthfulness of their skin.