Tear Trough Filler – What You Need To Know

Have you thought about tear trough filler (under-eye filler) but have some questions before you go ahead and get it? Having the tear troughs treated is very different from having fillers elsewhere on the face. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand the treatment, its benefits, side effects, and other important details…

What are tear troughs and why do we get them?

Our facial shape changes as we grow older. Our skin thins and gets crepey, and we see more pigmentation and hollowing around our eyes. It doesn’t help that we lose fat, bone, and volume in the area surrounding our eyes and cheeks, and that the fat pads around our eyes tend to slip, resulting in bulging, also known as eyebags. This, combined with the hollowing caused by bone and tissue loss, can result in deep depressions called tear troughs (between the cheek and the eyelid) that make us appear sleepy even when we aren’t.

What are tear trough fillers, and what do they do?

Dermal fillers can be used to treat the under-eye area, also known as the tear troughs, by restoring volume and reducing dark circles. It’s a really effective approach to rejuvenate the area and brighten the skin as well as increase collagen production while also waking up tired-looking eyes. 

Because hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring protein, most safe practitioners nowadays employ it as their choice of filler. It is not a permanent cure because the HA is slowly & safely broken down by the body over time, but it does have extraordinary benefits… HA stores 1,000 times its weight in water, making skin appear moisturised and smooth. Sounds amazing, right?!

Can any aesthetic practitioner treat tear troughs safely?

It’s critical to see a medically certified practitioner for under eye fillers because if they’re injected into the wrong region (or you have an allergic reaction to the solution), you’ll need to be in the hands of someone who knows what to do. All it takes is a needle to pierce a blood vessel to cause problems. This isn’t meant to scare you; it’s just a reminder that this is your face, and you don’t want to mess things up by going to someone who doesn’t know what to do if things don’t go as planned.

Does Tear Trough Filler Hurt?

Many fillers actually contain anaesthetic, so you won’t feel too much discomfort in most circumstances. Practitioners will often use a numbing solution to ensure you feel as little pain or discomfort as possible. At our clinic we use a special prescription-only medical numbing cream for maximum effect!

How soon will I see the results after a tear trough treatment?

The benefit of under-eye fillers is that you can usually see an improvement right away after the treatment. Any side effects tend to fade after a few days.

What are the side effects of tear trough treatments?

Although hyaluronic acid fillers are very safe generally, there is always the risk of negative effects with any procedure. Redness, swelling, and bruising are common side effects, but they usually go away after a few days.

Infection, scarring, migration (when the filler goes to a different region), vascular blockage, and blindness are all rare side effects. This is why it is so important to see a professional for these procedures.

How long does tear trough treatment last?

They usually last between 6 and 18 months, depending on the individual and how quickly they are metabolised. For some, it’s more, while for others, it’s a bit less. People who exercise more are thought to metabolise it faster (I’ll take any excuse to avoid the gym!), and this can also vary based on factors such as skin type and age.

Am I suitable for tear trough fillers?

Many patients who have deep depressions under their eyes can benefit from this procedure. However, you should book a consultation with a medically qualified practitioner to assess your needs and examine the area in detail because the under-eye area is complicated, and knowing the source of dark circles or puffiness is critical before treating it.

Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or attempting to conceive, as well as those who have a lidocaine allergy, should avoid using under-eye filler. It’s also not a good idea to inject this particular site if there is any skin infection nearby, so talk to your doctor about the best course of action in this circumstance. If you are prone to blood clotting or keloid scarring, you should avoid this treatment.

How long does a tear trough treatment take?

Treatments typically last 45-60 minutes. The initial step in your treatment will be to numb the area with the anaesthetic cream. This part alone is usually at least 15 minutes. The tear trough injections then take a further 15 minutes or so depending on the technique used by your practitioner.

What to do after a tear trough treatment

You should avoid exercise, saunas, sunbeds, and direct sunshine for the next 24 hours after your treatment. You’ll also have to wait about two weeks before having treatments like facials, or HydraFacials.

Ready to speak to a professional about this treatment? Book a consultation with one of our doctors or nurses today at our Wrexham (North Wales) or Nantwich, Cheshire clinics.