A Guide To Tear Trough Fillers
Tear trough fillers have become a popular non-surgical solution for those looking to reduce the appearance of under-eye hollows, dark circles, and a tired-looking appearance. By using hyaluronic acid-based fillers, this cosmetic procedure helps to restore lost volume and improve skin quality. But how do you know if tear trough filler treatment is right for you? And how can you ensure the safest and best possible outcome? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from candidacy and safety to recovery and handling potential side effects.
What are tear trough fillers?
Tear troughs are hollows beneath the eyes that create shadowing, contributing to a fatigued appearance. Unlike eye bags, which result from excess skin, tear troughs are caused by loss of volume in the under-eye area, leading to a sunken appearance.
A tear trough filler procedure involves injectable fillers placed precisely in the eye hollows to plump the area, smooth facial contours, and achieve a more youthful, refreshed look. This minimally invasive cosmetic procedure is an effective treatment for improving skin quality and reducing the appearance of eye bags without surgery.
Determine If It’s Right for You
Tear trough filler injections are ideal for individuals experiencing:
- Loss of volume or deep grooves beneath the eyes
- Dark circles caused by volume loss rather than pigmentation
- A tired or aged appearance due to under-eye hollowing
However, this treatment may not be suitable if you:
- Have significant skin laxity or excessive under-eye puffiness
- Have a medical history of severe allergies to injectable hyaluronic acid fillers
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have an active skin infection in the area
An experienced practitioner will assess your facial structure, bone structure, and skin thickness to determine if this is the right approach to treatment.
Dr Ahmed explains Tear Trough Filler
How Tear Trough Fillers Compare to Other Under-Eye Treatments
Tear trough treatment with injectable fillers provides immediate volume restoration, unlike under-eye creams, which gradually improve skin quality. Compared to laser treatments that enhance collagen production, fillers directly address facial hollows.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a more natural approach but requires multiple sessions. Combining fillers for tear troughs with other aesthetic treatments can lead to optimal outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make Sure It’s Safe
The safety of dermal filler treatment depends on multiple factors, including: Choosing an experienced practitioner: A qualified injector understands vascular structures and facial muscle movement, ensuring filler placement at the proper depth.
Selecting the right type of filler used: Hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvederm or Restylane provide natural results and can be dissolved if necessary.
Ensuring precise depth of injection: Proper depth prevents complications with fillers, such as excessive swelling or the Tyndall effect.
Understanding potential side effects: Common side effects include mild swelling and bruising, while more serious complications, like vascular occlusion, require expert intervention.
How to Guarantee a Great Result
To achieve optimal outcomes from tear trough dermal filler:
Consult an expert injector: A skilled practitioner tailors filler selection to suit your anatomic structures and facial structure.
Adopt a comprehensive treatment approach: Combining filler for midface volume with tear trough filler can create a balanced aesthetic outcome.
Set realistic expectations: Injectable treatments improve under-eye volume but may not eliminate all concerns.
Consider indirect treatment approaches: Sometimes, treating the midface first leads to better tear trough correction.
Recovery & Aftercare - What to Do
Post-procedure care is crucial for a smooth recovery and long-lasting results:
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Avoid strenuous activities for 48 hours.
- Stay upright for at least four hours post-treatment.
- Use arnica cream or bromelain supplements to minimise bruising.
Follow a comprehensive approach to skincare, avoiding harsh treatments around the eyes.
Most patients experience minimal downtime, with results settling within two weeks.
How Long Do Tear Trough Fillers Last?
Tear trough filler injections typically last 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used, metabolism, and lifestyle.
What to Expect Over Time
Immediately after treatment: Mild swelling and bruising may occur.
1-2 weeks post-treatment: The filler settles, revealing final aesthetic outcomes.
6-12 months post-treatment: Gradual volume reduction as the body metabolises the filler.
12-18 months post-treatment: A touch-up session may be required.
How to Extend Results
Stay hydrated and maintain good skincare.
Avoid excessive sun exposure and intense exercise.
Schedule maintenance treatments before the filler fully dissolves.
What Happens If I Get a Complication?
While rare, complications with fillers include:
Persistent swelling or lumps: Gentle massage by your practitioner can help smooth out the filler.
Tyndall effect (blueish tint under the skin): Occurs if filler is placed too superficially and may require dissolving with hyaluronidase.
Vascular occlusion (blocked blood vessel): A serious but rare issue requiring immediate intervention with hyaluronidase.
Studies have shown that injectable hyaluronic acid fillers in the tear trough area are effective and well-tolerated when administered by an experienced practitioner (Lassus et al., 2013).
Tear trough fillers are a highly effective aesthetic filler option for restoring lost volume and rejuvenating the under-eye area. By selecting a skilled injector, following proper aftercare, and managing expectations, patients can achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results.
If you’re considering dermal filler injections for your tear troughs, book a consultation with Dr Ahmed at The Aesthetics Doctor to discuss your personalised treatment plan and ensure the best possible outcome.
Featured Articles
Sculptra vs Lanluma
Top 10 Amazing Benefits of Microneedling To Uplift Your Skin
The Best Acne Treatments to Improve Your Skin in 2024
The Best Filler Combinations for Full-Face Rejuvenation
As we age, loss of facial volume, deep lines, and skin laxity can contribute to a tired, sagging, or hollow look. While individual dermal filler treatments can target specific areas, a holistic approach combining multiple aesthetic treatments provides natural-looking, harmonious results.
