Louis P. Bucky, MD, FACS
Award-Winning, World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon
Premiere Destination for Finest Injectables & Skin Care
Under Eye Fillers
The under eye area, particularly the tear trough, is often one of the first regions of the face to show signs of aging. The skin under the eye is the thinnest skin on the body. This makes it susceptible to early signs of aging as the skin loses elasticity, collagen production decreases, and facial fat begins to diminish, creating a hollow appearance beneath the eyes. These changes lead to common cosmetic concerns that can make the face appear tired or older than it is.
Under eye fillers, in the right candidate, are a highly effective, non-surgical solution for addressing hollowing under the eyes. Hyaluronic acid products that have a low affinity to water are the best option. At Bucky Plastic Surgery in Philadelphia, our expert team offers personalized under eye filler treatments to restore lost volume and rejuvenate the under eye area, providing a refreshed and youthful appearance.
- Cosmetic Concerns for the Under Eye Area
- How do Under Eye Fillers Work?
- Benefits of Under Eye Fillers
- Who is a Candidate for Under Eye Fillers?
- Preparing for Your Under Eye Filler Treatment
- The Under Eye Filler Procedure
- Recovery After Under Eye Fillers
- Under Eye Fillers Results
- FAQs About Under Eye Fillers
Cosmetic Concerns for the Under Eye Area
Common concerns in this area include:
- Dark circles – often caused by shadowing from volume loss or thinning skin.
- Under Eye hollows or a sunken look – resulting from the reduction of facial fat and collagen.
- Under eye bags and puffiness – accentuated by aging, dehydration, or poor sleep habits.
- Fine lines and wrinkles – due to the thinning of the delicate skin under the eyes.
Though aging is a significant factor, other contributors include genetics, lifestyle habits like smoking, and environmental factors such as sun exposure. These concerns can arise in younger individuals as well, with some noticing changes as early as their 20s. Under eye fillers offer a non-surgical solution to restore lost volume and refresh the under eye area, creating a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.
How do Under Eye Fillers Work?
Under eye fillers, often referred to as tear trough fillers, are a non-surgical solution designed to restore volume and smooth the under eye area. As we age, the natural levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) in our skin decrease, leading to hollowing, dark circles, and a more tired appearance. By replenishing this lost volume with HA-based fillers, such as those from the JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® families, the under eye area can appear more refreshed and youthful.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps retain moisture and maintain fullness. When injected into the tear troughs, HA fillers help to hydrate, plump, and smooth the skin, smoothing the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek to effectively reduce the shadowing and hollowness that contribute to the look of dark circles and under eye bags. The result is a subtle yet impactful improvement that restores a rested, rejuvenated look to the eyes.
Under eye filler injections provide long-lasting results that can enhance the natural contours of the face, offering an immediate, non-invasive option for those looking to combat under eye aging.
Benefits of Under Eye Fillers
Under eye fillers offer a non-surgical solution to address the common signs of aging around the eyes, providing significant enhancement without the need for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Using hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, this treatment delivers quick, long-lasting results with minimal downtime. Some of the key benefits include:
- Reduces dark circles – By restoring volume and minimizing shadows, under eye fillers help reduce the appearance of dark circles beneath the eyes.
- Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles – HA fillers can soften fine lines and creases, creating a more rejuvenated look.
- Eliminates hollows – These fillers plump the tear trough area, restoring lost volume and reducing the hollow, sunken look.
- Camouflages under eye bags and puffiness – By smoothing the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek, fillers help diminish the appearance of puffiness and bags.
- Non-surgical – This minimally invasive treatment avoids the complexity and recovery time associated with cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).
- No downtime – Patients can return to normal activities immediately, with little to no recovery time required.
Under eye filler injections provide a fast and effective way to rejuvenate the under eye area, offering natural-looking results that enhance the overall appearance.
Who is a Candidate for Under Eye Fillers?
Under eye fillers are a great non-surgical option for individuals looking to address concerns like under eye hollows, dark circles, or puffiness. Good candidates for this treatment typically include those who:
- Healthy skin – Candidates should have overall good skin health, without any conditions that might interfere with the treatment or affect results.
- Realistic expectations – It’s important to understand that while under eye fillers can significantly enhance the appearance by restoring lost volume, they may not address all concerns, especially those related to pigmentation or visible blood vessels.
- Volume-related dark circles – This treatment is most effective for dark circles caused by shadowing from volume loss, rather than pigmentation.
Individuals with good skin elasticity who are seeking a refreshed, youthful look are typically the best candidates. However, those with more severe skin laxity or significant under eye fat deposits may benefit more from surgical treatments, such as blepharoplasty, to achieve their desired results.
Preparing for Your Under Eye Filler Treatment
A successful under eye filler treatment starts with a comprehensive initial consultation. During this meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals, ask any questions, and establish clear expectations for the treatment. This consultation is essential for ensuring that you and your provider are aligned on the desired outcome. Your provider will also review your medical history to confirm that you’re a suitable candidate for hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers such as those from the JUVÉDERM and Restylane families.
To minimize the risk of bruising or swelling, it is recommended to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements—such as NSAIDs and fish oil—in the days leading up to your procedure. Additionally, steering clear of alcohol and caffeine can help further reduce the chances of swelling. On the day of your treatment, it’s important to arrive with a clean, makeup-free face to ensure the best possible application of the filler.
The Under Eye Filler Procedure
The under eye filler procedure is a quick and minimally invasive treatment, typically taking around 20 minutes with little to no discomfort. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
Your experienced injector will begin by thoroughly cleansing the under eye area and applying a numbing cream to ensure maximum comfort throughout the procedure. Using a fine needle or cannula, they will precisely inject the hyaluronic acid-based filler into the tear troughs to restore lost volume and smooth the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek.
This efficient treatment provides a refreshed, youthful look with minimal downtime, making it an ideal option for those seeking quick, noticeable results.
Recovery After Under Eye Fillers
One of the key advantages of under eye filler treatments is the lack of required downtime. After the procedure, you may experience minor swelling or redness at the injection sites, but these effects typically subside on their own within a day or two. Some patients choose to apply a cold compress to help reduce any swelling in the treatment area more quickly.
Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately following the treatment, allowing them to enjoy their refreshed, rejuvenated appearance without any significant recovery period.
Under Eye Fillers Results
You’ll likely notice an immediate improvement in the appearance of hollows, dark circles, and puffiness under the eyes. The results are both instantly visible and long-lasting. By restoring volume to the tear trough area, under eye fillers help to smooth the skin, reduce shadowing, and create a more refreshed, youthful appearance.
These results typically last several months, depending on factors such as the specific type of filler used and individual response to the treatment. With minimal maintenance, many patients enjoy a rejuvenated look for an extended period before considering additional treatments.
FAQs About Under Eye Fillers
While the idea of injections near the eye may seem uncomfortable, most patients report that the procedure is virtually painless. A topical anesthetic is typically applied to numb the area before treatment and the products we use contain lidocaine, minimizing any discomfort during the injections.
The cost of tear trough dermal filler treatments varies depending on factors such as the type of filler used and the number of syringes needed to achieve your desired results. Each treatment is personalized, and you will receive a clear understanding of the cost during your consultation.
Results are usually noticeable immediately after the procedure, as the hyaluronic acid filler plumps the skin and smooths the under eye area. Any minor swelling typically subsides within a few hours, revealing a more refreshed, youthful appearance.
Under eye fillers are not permanent. On average, results last about one year, as the hyaluronic acid in fillers such as JUVÉDERM and Restylane is gradually metabolized by the body. After this period, touch-up treatments may be required to maintain the results.
There is little to no downtime after under eye filler treatment. While some patients may experience mild swelling or bruising at the injection sites, these effects typically resolve within a few days. Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after treatment.
Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as JUVÉDERM and Restylane, are FDA-approved and widely considered safe. Side effects are rare, but some patients may experience temporary redness, swelling, bruising, itching, or tenderness at the injection site. These symptoms generally subside within a few days.
Yes, under eye fillers can be combined with other cosmetic treatments for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Many patients opt to pair under eye fillers with BOTOX® or additional dermal fillers to address fine lines, wrinkles, and other areas of concern. You may also consider other injectable treatments, such as lip augmentation or a lip flip, to help you achieve an even more youthful appearance. Be sure to discuss your goals during the consultation to create a tailored treatment plan.
Contact Us
If you’re ready to rejuvenate your under eye area with filler treatment or have any questions, the team at Bucky Plastic Surgery is here to help. Contact our Philadelphia office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a refreshed, youthful appearance.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the risks of dermal fillers? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers/safety/. Accessed September 25, 2024.
Dr. Bucky has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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