Tear Trough Filler: How They Work, Procedure, Cost, & More

Tear trough fillers are making waves in the cosmetic industry for the wonders they do for your under eyes. Whether adding volume or smoothing out fine lines under your eyes, this injectable treatment comes on top of the solutions. 

If you are curious about their hype, explore this blog to learn more about how tear trough fillers work, their procedure, cost, benefits, and more. 

Let’s get into the details. 

What are Tear Trough Fillers?

The tear trough is the groove between your lower eyelid and upper cheek. 

Tear trough fillers are a cosmetic treatment designed to improve the area’s appearance under your eyes. The fillers add volume, making the skin look smoother and refreshed.

The most common substance used in tear-trough fillers is hyaluronic acid. This is a natural substance found in your body that helps hydrate and plump the skin. Filler in the tear trough provides a non-surgical and quick way to rejuvenate the skin under your eyes, requiring minimal to no recovery time.

How Do Tear Trough Fillers Work?

Tear trough fillers involve injecting a gel-like substance beneath the lower eyelid. This restores lost volume, reduces shadows, and enhances skin elasticity. Hyaluronic acid is the most commonly used filler for this area due to its compatibility with the body and the option to reverse its effects if they go wrong, in rare cases, or if you do not like the results.

Are Tear Trough Fillers Safe?

When performed by an experienced practitioner, tear trough fillers are safe. However, the procedure carries some risks, including swelling, bruising, and rare complications like vascular occlusion. Ensuring your treatment is done by a certified professional significantly reduces these risks.

The FDA has approved specific fillers like Juvederm Volbella for under-eye use, but many practitioners use off-label products based on individual needs. It’s crucial to discuss the type of filler and injection technique with your provider.

What are the Benefits & Side Effects?

Benefits of Tear Trough Fillers

• Restored Volumed Under Eyes: It smoothes hollow areas, fine lines, and wrinkles under the eyes by filling the volume with HA gel, giving a smoother look and balanced facial symmetry.
• Brighter Under Eyes: It reduces shadows in the tear-trough area, which leads to dark circles.
• Non-Surgical Fix: It is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require surgery or extended hours of downtime.
• Immediate Results: Improvements are visible very soon after the treatment is done.
• Customisable Procedure: This is tailored to each patient’s individual needs for optimal results.

Tear Trough Fillers Side Effects

• Temporary Swelling and Bruising: Mild swelling or bruising around the injection site, which subsides in a few days.
• Redness or Tenderness: Minimal redness or tenderness at the treated area, which fades quickly.
• Lumpiness or Asymmetry: Sometimes, lumps or unevenness can be evident but can usually be corrected.
• Eye-Bag Appearance: Overfilling leads to a puffy appearance of the eyes, which can always be adjusted.
• Discolouration: If the filler is injected too close to the skin’s surface, it might cause a bluish or purple hue, called the Tyndall effect.
• Risk of Infection: As with all injections, there is a small risk of infection. Proper hygiene and technique greatly reduce this risk.

Proper consultation with a qualified practitioner outweighs the risks and provides safe, effective treatment. It also prevents the consequences of a tear trough filler side effects.

Is Filler in the Tear Trough Worth It?

For many people, tear trough fillers are worth it because they improve the appearance of tired or hollow eyes. They offer a quick, non-surgical option to refresh your look with minimal downtime. However, results depend on the skill of the injector and individual anatomy. Consulting with a qualified professional helps ensure the treatment meets your expectations.

Who Can Have Fillers in Tear Troughs?

Tear trough fillers work best for individuals with mild to moderate hollowness under the eyes.

You may be a good candidate if:

• Have healthy skin with minimal sagging.
• Do not have excessive under-eye fat or thin skin.
• Understand the temporary nature of the treatment.
• There is no active skin condition.
• Are in overall good health.

Who is not a Good Candidate for Tear Trough Fillers?

Those with very dark circles caused by pigmentation, significant under-eye fat deposits, or medical conditions that increase their risk of complications may not be good candidates for tear-trough fillers. 

How the Tear Trough Procedure Goes?

Here’s a simple breakdown of what you may expect when you go for tear trough fillers.

• Consultation: Your doctor will assess your under-eye area, skin type, and suitability for the procedure.
• Preparation: The area is cleaned, and a numbing cream or ice pack may be applied to minimise discomfort.
• Injection: The filler is injected carefully into the tear trough using a fine needle or cannula.
• Shaping: The practitioner gently massages the area to ensure an even distribution.

The procedure typically takes 20–30 minutes, with minimal discomfort.

How Much Does Tear Trough Fillers Cost?

The cost varies based on the provider’s expertise, location, and the amount of filler required. On average, the procedure starts at £450. Since the effects last 6–18 months, you’ll need periodic touch-ups for maintenance.

How Long Does Tear Trough Filler Last?

The results of tear trough fillers are temporary, typically lasting 6 to 18 months. However, factors such as the type of filler used, your skin’s metabolism, and lifestyle choices can affect the duration of the results. Therefore, regular touch-ups are needed to maintain a consistent look over time.

How to Find the Right Practitioner?

Choosing a qualified and experienced practitioner is critical. Look for professionals who:

• Are board-certified in dermatology or cosmetic surgery.
• Have extensive experience with tear trough fillers.
• Provide before-and-after photos of previous clients.

Prepare questions for your consultation, such as:

• Which filler do you recommend for me?
• What is your experience with under-eye treatments?
• What are the potential risks, and how are they managed?

Bottomline on Tear Trough Fillers

Tear trough filler treatment is a minimally invasive way to rejuvenate your appearance and reduce signs of fatigue under your eyes. 

While the treatment is generally safe, proper research and an experienced provider are key to achieving natural and satisfying results. If you’re considering this procedure, schedule a consultation to determine if it’s the right choice for you.

FAQs

1. What is the alternative to tear trough filler?

Antiwrinkle injections, Blepharoplasty, and topical treatments with retinol and peptides may be the alternatives to tear trough fillers. 

2. What does an overfilled tear trough look like?

While smiling or gazing, an overfilled tear trough may appear lumpy or look like sausages.

3. What can go wrong with tear trough fillers?

When an inexperienced practitioner performs the procedure, tear trough fillers may go wrong and show signs such as lumps, discolouration, infection, oedema, and bruising.

4. Do eyes look worse after tear trough filler?

When performed by an expert doctor, tear trough fillers appear natural. However, in rare cases, lumps or discolouration under the eyes may occur.