As most of us are all too aware, the delicate skin under our eyes is one of the first places to show signs of aging – from fine lines and wrinkles to dark circles and sunken hollows that can make us look much more worn out than we feel.
While there are excellent eye creams, concealers, and other skincare or make-up products and techniques that can help, if you suffer from under-eye shadows that make you look tired no matter how well-rested you are, under-eye filler might just be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Dark circles or hollows under the eyes can be the result of many things, including genetics, the natural aging process, and lifestyle – like lack of sleep, lack of water, too much screen time, stress, poor diet, and so on.
Of course – it’s always recommended to tackle the lifestyle factors first, as the rest of your skin, body, and overall health and appearance will greatly benefit from those too!
But if you can’t shake those under-eye shadows no matter what else you do, chances are it’s due to your genetics and/or the natural aging process, in which case under-eye fillers are one of the few things that can make a truly noticeable difference.
What are under-eye fillers?
Also known as “tear-trough fillers”, under-eye fillers are a popular injectable treatment designed to tackle volume loss and other signs of aging under the eye.
Similar to other dermal fillers, the procedure involves injecting a gel-like substance into specific areas around the eye, which works by replacing volume in the area.
They are most effective at treating dark circles and replacing volume to reduce any hollowness under the eye, but can also smooth out the appearance of fine lines in the area.
Because it’s such a delicate area, only a very small amount of filler is used, it’s placed extremely carefully and specifically, and the results are incredibly subtle yet make a massive difference.
In fact, there’s nothing else that works as effectively at reducing dark circles…
Under-eye fillers are typically made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a safe and effective naturally occurring substance in the body that retains moisture and plumpness in the skin. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, are also used to augment and rejuvenate other parts of the face, such as the lips or cheeks, but when used for the under-eye it’s essentially a “watered-down” version to adjust for the more delicate skin in this area.
While HA fillers are by far the most commonly used for dark circles treatment and under-eye rejuvenation, other types of filler like Radiesse can also sometimes be used, depending on your exact needs and desired results. However, note that Sculptra – another excellent filler that is known for its natural and long-lasting results – is not suitable for under-eye use.
What under-eye filler can treat
The main purpose of under-eye fillers is to add volume to hollowed or sunken eyes, and reduce the appearance of dark circles – making you look more refreshed, your skin brighter, and banishing that look of tiredness.
Other benefits include the smoothing out of fine lines and wrinkles in the under-eye area, leading to an even more rejuvenated appearance.
In some cases, under-eye fillers can help treat puffy bags under the eyes, but generally speaking they are not as helpful for this under-eye concern.
It’s important to note that filler won’t help with dark circles under the eye that are caused by pigmentation, which may be linked to your natural complexion or from sun damage. In fact, in this case, the filler will actually make it more accentuated. But if your dark circles are due to a hollowness, skin laxity, or loss of volume that is linked to genetics or aging, under-eye filler is one of the most effective ways of treating it.
And don't worry if you’re unsure – this is exactly the type of thing your practitioner will look at during your consultation when determining whether this is the right treatment for you.
Is under-eye filler safe?
So long as it’s administered by a qualified, experienced, and skilled practitioner, yes – under-eye filler is safe.
While getting an injection so close to the eye may sound a little scary, it’s become an increasingly popular and common procedure, and the risks associated with under-eye fillers are extremely low when in the hands of a skilled professional.
As with most beauty procedures, there are some common side effects, which include:
- bruising
- swelling
- redness
- tenderness
These usually resolve within 24-72 hours, and some patients don’t experience any of these side effects at all.
One of the reasons hyaluronic acid fillers are the most common for this type of procedure is because they can be easily dissolved with an injection of hyaluronidase – an enzyme that breaks down the HA in the filler and reverses the procedure entirely. This means that should there be any adverse reactions, or if you don’t like the final result, it can be easily reversed.
While extremely unusual, rare side effects can include lumps or nodules that appear under the eye, although these are usually treatable with hyaluronidase. In very rare cases, if the procedure is not done properly and the filler enters a blood vessel, blindness can occur – and it’s for this reason that it is so important to only use a licensed, reputable, and skilled practitioner. (Something important for any beauty procedure, but more than ever in areas as delicate as the under-eye area).
At BodyTonic Cleveland, we prioritize our patient safety and ensure all treatments are performed by skilled and experienced practitioners, so you can rest assured you’re in excellent hands.
What to expect before and after getting under-eye fillers
As with many aesthetic treatments, the treatment itself is surprisingly fast and straightforward, but there are lots of things to take into account both before and after.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when getting under-eye fillers:
Before:
You’ll start with an in-depth consultation where your practitioner will discuss your skin and under-eye concerns and goals, figure out what is causing your dark circles, and assess your suitability for under-eye fillers. If it’s the right procedure for you, it will be explained in detail so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
To minimize bruising from the treatment, you need to avoid alcohol, fish oils, blood-thinning medications (e.g. ibuprofen and aspirin), and certain supplements for a few days before your appointment.
During:
After cleaning and numbing the area with a topical anesthetic, your practitioner will carefully inject the filler using either a fine needle or a cannula. The whole process typically takes less than 30 minutes and doesn’t hurt, although there may be a little discomfort.
After:
After the injections, you’re done and able to carry on with your day more or less as normal. There’s no downtime at all, although it’s recommended to remain in an upright position and avoid touching the treatment area for at least 3 hours, and you should avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat (e.g. saunas) for at least 24 hours. It’s normal to experience a little swelling, redness, or bruising, which usually subsides within a few days.
Results:
You’ll notice an immediate improvement, with the full effect visible once any swelling goes down, and a continued improvement over the following week or two.
How long do results last?
Generally speaking, under-eye fillers last anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on a range of factors.
However, one of the best things about under-eye fillers is that they tend to last longer than fillers in other parts of the face. This is because the area doesn’t get a lot of movement, especially compared to the lips and mouth area, and under-eye fillers are also typically injected deeper under the skin than other areas on the face – both of which are factors that contribute to longer-lasting results.
As a result, most people find that results last much closer to the 18-month mark, and in some cases even longer. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body metabolizes filler differently, and there’s never any guarantee of result duration.
Banish your tired eyes with under-eye fillers at BodyTonic Cleveland
Under-eye fillers are one of the most effective solutions for combatting dark circles, hollows, and fine lines around the eyes, and we’re proud to offer this specialized treatment at BodyTonic Med Spa.
If you live or work in the Cleveland area and are tired of looking tired, come and see us for a free no-obligation consultation to find out if under-eye fillers are right for you.
Our talented and experienced team will walk you through the entire process so you’ll know exactly what to expect, and see that you’re in the best hands.
