TEAR TROUGH FILLER

What is Tear Trough Filler?

Tear trough filler, also known as under-eye filler, is a non-surgical treatment designed to restore volume beneath the eyes, reducing the appearance of hollows and creating a brighter, more refreshed appearance. Using carefully selected hyaluronic acid filler, Dr Sultan can soften under-eye shadows and improve the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek, whilst maintaining a natural look.

Under-eye filler is generally used to describe filler treatment around the lower eye area, while tear trough filler specifically targets volume loss in the hollow between the lower eyelid and upper cheek. The aim is not to create additional volume unnecessarily, but to restore balance where volume loss is contributing to a hollow or shadowed appearance.

This highly specialised treatment is only suitable for carefully selected patients. During your consultation, Dr Sultan will assess your facial anatomy, skin quality and the cause of your under-eye concerns to determine whether tear trough filler is the most appropriate option or whether another treatment would provide a better result. Careful patient selection is widely recognised as one of the most important factors for achieving safe, natural outcomes.

Tear trough filler is one of several treatments available within the broader range of dermal fillers, which can be used to restore volume and enhance different areas of the face.

Key Information

Price: From £461

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Areas: Under-eye (tear trough)

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Time: 30 - 45 minutes

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Recovery: 2-7 Days

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Pain: Mild - Moderate (with numbing)

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Frequency: 12 - 18 months (Longevity varies depending on the individual and the product used.)

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Additional information

  • Tear trough filler and under-eye filler are designed to restore lost volume beneath the eyes, helping to reduce the appearance of tired-looking hollows and shadows. Treatment is most suitable for patients whose under-eye concerns are caused primarily by volume loss rather than prominent eye bags, excess skin or fluid retention.

    Treatment may be suitable if you wish to:

    • Improve hollow or sunken under-eyes

    • Reduce the appearance of dark shadows caused by volume loss

    • Create a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek

    • Refresh a tired appearance without surgery

    • Restore facial balance with subtle, natural-looking results

    Not every patient is suitable for tear trough filler. Individuals with significant eye bags, excess skin or fluid retention may benefit from alternative treatments instead. A detailed consultation ensures the safest and most appropriate treatment plan.

    For patients whose concerns are primarily related to skin quality rather than volume loss, Polynucleotides may be considered as an alternative under-eye treatment.

    What is the difference between tear trough filler and under-eye filler?

    Tear trough filler is a specific type of under-eye filler treatment that addresses volume loss within the tear trough. The term under-eye filler can be used more broadly to describe filler treatment around the lower eye area.

    The suitability of filler depends on the underlying cause of the concern. Where a hollow or loss of volume is contributing to under-eye shadowing, carefully placed hyaluronic acid filler may help restore a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.

    If the concern is primarily related to thin, delicate or lax skin rather than volume loss, a regenerative treatment such as polynucleotides may be more appropriate.

  • Tear trough filler uses a soft hyaluronic acid gel to replace volume that has been lost beneath the eyes. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found within the skin that attracts water and provides hydration and support.

    When placed precisely beneath the tear trough, the filler softens the hollow between the lower eyelid and upper cheek. This reduces shadowing, giving the eyes a brighter, less fatigued appearance whilst maintaining normal facial movement.

    The under-eye area requires exceptional precision due to its delicate anatomy. Dr Sultan uses conservative treatment techniques and carefully selected products to achieve subtle, natural enhancement whilst prioritising safety.

    Because the under-eye area is anatomically complex, not every patient who searches for under-eye filler will be suitable for treatment. Careful assessment is important to distinguish volume loss from other causes of under-eye ageing, such as skin laxity, pigmentation, prominent fat pads or fluid retention.

  • For optimal facial rejuvenation, tear trough filler can be combined with other treatments depending on your concerns.

    These include:

    • Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox®) to soften crow's feet and dynamic wrinkles around the eyes.

    • Morpheus8® to improve skin quality, firmness and collagen production.

    • SkinPen® Microneedling to enhance skin texture and stimulate collagen.

    • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to improve skin quality and support under-eye rejuvenation.

    • Medical-grade skincare to improve pigmentation, hydration and long-term skin health.

    For patients whose under-eye concerns are primarily related to skin quality, Polynucleotides may be considered instead of, or in some cases alongside, filler depending on the individual's anatomy and treatment goals.

    Where under-eye hollowness forms part of wider facial volume loss, you may consider a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan using specialized treatments. Such as Dermal Fillers (hyaluronic acid) to instantly restore volume to areas like the cheeks, Collagen Stimulators (such as Sculptra or Radiesse) to rebuild the skin's natural support structure over time, Fat Grafting surgery for long-lasting volume, or Skin Boosters to improve overall tissue thickness and texture.

    During your consultation, Dr Sultan will recommend the most appropriate combination for your individual concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Following treatment you should:

    • Avoid touching or massaging the treated area for 24 hours.

    • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

    • Do not apply makeup around the eyes for 12 hours.

    • Avoid excessive heat, saunas and steam rooms for 24 hours.

    • Sleep with your head slightly elevated on the first night if possible.

    • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours to help minimise bruising.

    • Apply a cool compress if mild swelling occurs.

    • Protect the skin with a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen as part of your daily skincare routine.

    Mild swelling or bruising is common and usually settles within a few days.

  • Although tear trough filler is generally safe when performed by an experienced medical practitioner, the under-eye is one of the most technically demanding areas to treat.

    Common temporary side effects include:

    • Swelling

    • Bruising

    • Tenderness

    • Redness

    Less common risks include:

    • Asymmetry

    • Persistent swelling (oedema)

    • Visible or palpable filler

    • Tyndall effect (bluish appearance beneath thin skin)

    • Filler migration

    • Infection

    • Granuloma formation

    Rare but serious complications include:

    • Vascular occlusion

    • Skin necrosis

    • Visual disturbance or blindness

    These risks are minimised through careful patient selection, expert knowledge of facial anatomy and appropriate injection technique, but cannot be eliminated entirely.

    The delicate anatomy of the under-eye is one reason why tear trough filler requires careful assessment and precise treatment planning. Where filler is not considered appropriate, alternative approaches such as regenerative under-eye treatments may be discussed.

  • Prior to arrival

    For one week before treatment:

    • Stop using topical retinol, exfoliating acids, vitamin C and abrasive scrubs around the treatment area.

    • If you take blood-thinning medication, including aspirin or ibuprofen, discuss this with your prescribing doctor before stopping any medication.

    • Attend treatment without eye makeup if possible.

    On arrival

    Dr Sultan will perform a detailed consultation, assess your facial anatomy and discuss whether tear trough filler is appropriate for your concerns.

    Clinical photographs will be taken before treatment.

    Once your treatment plan has been agreed, a topical anaesthetic will be applied before carefully placing the filler beneath the eyes using an advanced injection technique.

    Most patients experience minimal discomfort.

    Results

    Results are visible immediately, although mild swelling may initially obscure the final outcome.

    The filler usually settles over 10–14 days, revealing a smoother, brighter and more refreshed appearance.

    A complimentary review appointment may be recommended if required.

  • Tear trough filler may not be suitable for:

    • Patients who are pregnant

    • Patients who are breastfeeding

    • Patients with significant lower eyelid bags

    • Patients with excess lower eyelid skin

    • Patients with chronic under-eye swelling or fluid retention

    • Patients with active skin infection near the treatment area

    • Patients with certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions

    • Patients with unrealistic expectations

    During your consultation, Dr Sultan will advise whether tear trough filler is the most appropriate treatment or recommend a more suitable alternative where necessary.

    If your main concern is skin quality rather than loss of volume, Polynucleotides may offer a different approach to under-eye rejuvenation.

    For broader concerns relating to changes around the eyes as you age, see Ageing Eyes.