Tear Trough Fillers: The Pros, Cons, and What to Expect

Do you have dark circles under your eyes? Blame the aging process.

This highly visible, super sensitive part of your face is called the tear trough, and it’s the site of some of the most noticeable age-related facial changes that don’t involve lines or wrinkles. Over time, the tear troughs deepen and darken, imparting a sunken and tired look that can seem impossible to shake.

Impossible without a little help from a trained medical provider, that is. Learn how targeted dermal filler injections can reduce swelling and improve coloration in your tear trough area.

Tear Trough Fillers: What Are They?

Also known as undereye filler or (incorrectly) as eye filler, tear trough fillers are hyaluronic acid filler injections targeting the “eye bags” under your eyes.

During the procedure, the plastic surgeon or dermatologist (or other trained medical provider) injects hyaluronic acid gel at multiple points under your eyes. Within days, you’ll notice improvements in volume and coloration alongside a reduction in bloating and swelling.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Tear Trough Filler Treatment?

If you’re between the ages of 20 and 65 and your medical history is unremarkable, you may be a good candidate for tear trough filler treatment.

The procedure works best for people with mild to moderate swelling and/or discoloration. If you have very deep troughs, excessive swelling, or thin undereye skin, the treatment may not be as effective. Your risk of complications could be higher too.

Pros of Tear Trough Filler

Pros of tear trough fillers include:

Quick results, with full effects appearing within one to two weeks if not sooner
Minimal recovery time, with normal activity possible immediately afterward (though strenuous exercise should be avoided for 24 to 48 hours and icing is recommended for at least 48 hours)
Low risk of serious complications when administered by a trained provider following proper injection technique
Natural-looking results
Longer-lasting results than makeup and other superficial interventions (typically 6 to 12 months)

Cons of Tear Trough Filler

Cons of tear trough fillers include:

Temporary results that fade over time
More expensive than superficial/cosmetic interventions, such as makeup
Possible side effects, including granulomas (small skin lumps that can be unsightly) and swelling or bruising
Relatively high cost for a temporary procedure, often $1,000 or more per treatment

Are Tear Trough Fillers Safe?

Tear trough fillers are regarded as safe, with some important caveats:

They should be administered by licensed, board-certified providers who have completed eye injection training and advanced dermal filler coursework
They should be purchased from reputable sources through traceable supply chains — “off the street” dermal fillers can have dangerous impurities
There is always some risk of mild to moderate side effects, such as headache, bruising, minor bleeding, swelling, and granulomas

Tear trough fillers rarely have serious or life-threatening complications. However, due to the proximity to the eye, care must be taken to avoid injection into nerves or blood vessels that may affect vision, as well as the vitreous humor itself. When filler is injected into a blood vessel, blood clots can form and may become life-threatening if they migrate away from the treated area.