As we get older, our bodies naturally start to reveal visible signs of ageing.
The under-eye area, known as the tear trough, is often one of the first areas to show this. This area can develop dark circles, hollowness, wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity.
This can result in a tired or aged appearance. Dermal fillers, a revolutionary injectable treatment, offer a highly effective, non-surgical solution to rejuvenate this area, restoring a youthful and refreshed look.
Here’s everything you need to know about this treatment, its benefits, and how it stands apart from other options:
What are Dermal Fillers & Why are they so Popular for Tear Trough Treatment?
Tear trough filler is an injectable substance containing hyaluronic acid used to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours.
When injected into the tear trough area, dermal fillers work by distributing evenly through the delicate under-eye skin layers. This hydrates the skin and promotes the natural production of collagen.
The process improves the skin’s elasticity and firmness, making it particularly effective for facial rejuvenation, including delicate areas like tear troughs.
The popularity of tear trough fillers stems from their ability to deliver subtle, natural-looking results.
Patients appreciate the simplicity and minimal downtime associated with dermal fillers, often referred to as a “lunchtime treatment” – many of our patients get their treatment done during their lunch break from work!
You can significantly improve your under-eye skin texture, hydration, and overall glow with this treatment.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers For The Under-Eyes
- Increased Volume: Dermal filler enhances the radiance, plumpness, and texture of the skin, which is particularly beneficial for hollow skin under your eyes.
- Collagen Stimulation: The treatment naturally stimulates the production of one of the vital proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity.
- Improved Skin Quality: Dermal filler smoothes out fine lines under your eyes and restores a youthful glow.
- Natural-Looking Results: It doesn’t create the “overfilled” look but improves skin health for subtle and natural results.
- Minimal Downtime: The procedure is quick and relatively painless, allowing patients to return to normal activities almost immediately.
Who is Suitable for Tear Trough Filler?
Tear trough filler can be a good option if the main cause of a tired under-eye look is hollowing (volume loss), a visible tear trough groove, or mild shadowing where the cheek meets the lower eyelid. It tends to suit people with good skin quality who prefer a gradual, natural refreshment over a drastic change.
If your under-eye concern is primarily noticeable eye bags (fat prolapse), significant skin laxity/crepey texture, or pigmentation rather than hollowing, filler may not be the best standalone option.
Treatment may also be postponed if you have an active skin infection, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have uncontrolled medical conditions or a history of severe allergic reactions. During your consultation, we may suggest alternatives (or a combined plan) such as skin boosters or resurfacing treatments.
The Procedure of Dermal Filler Injections
Before Your Treatment
Before undergoing dermal filler for tear trough treatment, you’ll have a consultation with one of our expert practitioners. They will assess your suitability for the procedure, particularly for the tear trough area, and discuss your aesthetic goals.
This is also the time to disclose any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you are taking.
To reduce the risk of bruising, we often advise patients to avoid alcohol, aspirin, or other blood-thinning substances in the days leading up to the treatment.
During
The procedure involves injecting the filler into specific points within the tear troughs and surrounding areas. Using a fine needle or cannula, the practitioner carefully administers the product to ensure even distribution and optimal results.
The session typically lasts around 15-30 minutes. While there might be slight discomfort during the injections, a topical numbing cream can be applied to improve comfort.
After
Post-treatment, patients may experience mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites. These effects are temporary and usually go away within a few days.
We usually recommend avoiding intense physical activities, excessive sun exposure, and extreme temperatures (such as saunas or hot tubs) for at least 24-48 hours following the procedure.
Following these aftercare guidelines ensures the best possible results and reduces the risk of complications.
Comparing Dermal Fillers with Other Treatments
Dermal Fillers vs Profhilo
Both dermal fillers and Profhilo are injectable treatments that use hyaluronic acid, but they work differently and provide different results. Dermal fillers work by plumping up specific areas where volume loss has occurred, such as the tear trough area.
The hyaluronic acid in fillers is cross-linked, making it more gel-like and structured, which helps create immediate and targeted volume enhancement. The results usually last between 6 and 18 months, depending on the type of filler used and the person’s metabolism.
On the other hand, Profhilo is a bio-remodelling injectable, which refers to injectable treatments designed to improve skin quality. It hydrates, improves skin firmness, and stimulates collagen and elastin production rather than adding volume. Unlike fillers, Profhilo spreads beneath the skin after injection, working as a skin booster to enhance hydration, elasticity, and overall skin quality.
This treatment is particularly effective for tightening and rejuvenating the skin, lasting between 6 months and a year.
While Profhilo is more focused on skin health and rejuvenation, dermal fillers are best for volumising and reshaping facial features, such as the under-eye area.
Dermal Fillers vs Botox
Botox works by temporarily relaxing facial muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles caused by expressions, such as crow’s feet or forehead lines. Dermal fillers, however, add volume to the skin by enhancing plumpness and stimulating collagen production.
For comprehensive anti-ageing results, many patients choose to combine both treatments.
Botox addresses dynamic wrinkles, while dermal fillers restore lost volume, smooth static wrinkles, and enhance facial contours, providing a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Botox typically lasts between 3 and 4 months.
Combining Dermal Fillers with Other Aesthetic Treatments
Dermal fillers can be effectively combined with other non-surgical treatments to maximise results. For example, treatments such as microneedling or chemical peels can further promote collagen production and improve skin texture. A customised treatment plan designed by one of our practitioners can help you achieve your specific aesthetic goals.
Expected Results and Efficacy
How Many Sessions Are Required?
The number of dermal filler sessions needed for the tear trough area depends on individual skin conditions and aesthetic goals. Usually, only one session is needed, with a possible touch-up session two to four weeks later for the best possible results.
These sessions allow the hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin and promote collagen production effectively.
How Long Do Results Take to See?
The results of tear trough dermal fillers are visible almost immediately after the treatment. However, the final results usually take 1 to 2 weeks to fully settle as any initial swelling, bruising, or minor irregularities go away.
Safety
Dermal fillers for the under-eyes are often considered to carry minimal risk when performed by experienced practitioners (like those at Light Touch Clinic). Side effects are minimal, typically limited to mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites. They usually subside quickly.
Clinical studies on under-eye HA fillers show visible improvement in under-eye hollows, with a good safety profile when treatment is carried out by trained clinicians.
Recovery Timeline (What to Expect)
- Immediately after: The product may cause mild swelling, tenderness, and slight unevenness as it settles.
- 24-48 hours: Swelling/bruising is most noticeable (if it happens); makeup may help once the skin has healed.
- 3-7 days: Most day-to-day swelling settles; any bruising usually goes away.
- 2 weeks: Results typically look their most “finished” once the area has fully settled, which is a common review point.
- Top-up/review: If necessary, a conservative adjustment is often considered between the 2-4 week mark.
Seek urgent medical advice if you develop severe or worsening pain, whitening/grey (dusky) discolouration, blistering, or any sudden vision changes.
Final Thoughts
Dermal fillers are a groundbreaking treatment offering a natural and effective solution for facial volume loss, particularly in areas like tear troughs.
By deeply restoring volume and stimulating the natural production of collagen, it reduces signs of ageing while restoring a radiant, youthful appearance.
At Light Touch Clinic, we pride ourselves on delivering safe, effective, and personalised care to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Reclaim your youthful glow and discover the transformative power of tear trough fillers.
To find out whether dermal filler tear trough treatment is the right one for you, do not hesitate to contact us. You can speak with a qualified practitioner who can assess your needs and create a personalised treatment plan.
