How tear trough fillers help combat tired-looking eyes
By Dr Martina Pirklova
Dip Imp Dent RCS (Eng). Level 7 Certificate in Injectable Aesthetic Non-Surgical Interventions
One of the most common requests I get from patients is to help reduce under eye hollows and dark circles. Even young patients can complain of looking tired, having a darkness under their eyes and being tired of looking tired!
Traditionally, treatment of this area would have been via a surgery, known as a blepharoplasty, that repairs drooping eyelids. Thanks to developments in non-surgical procedures we can now offer an effective dermal filler treatment to combat tired-looking eyes, known as tear trough fillers.
What is the tear trough?
The tear trough is the hollow area on our faces between the lower eyelid and the cheek bone. This ‘groove’ creates a junction where the skin on our cheeks meets the more delicate skin around our eyes.
What causes the dark circle appearance in this area?
Hereditary factors can make this ‘groove’ deeper for some people than others adding to the shadowy, dark circle appearance. However, ageing also increases the appearance of dark, tired looking eyes.
As we age, the skin in this area becomes thinner, loses collagen and elastin which results in a loss of volume. Hence, the deepening of the tear trough groove and an increase in the appearance of dark circles and tired-looking eyes.
Finally, lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, an unhealthy diet and sun exposure can also worsen skin elasticity and strength.
How tear trough fillers can help
Tear trough fillers use a very light hyaluronic acid dermal fillers to replace lost volume to these delicate areas. At REclinic, we use a dermal filler product specifically designed for the under-eye area called Teosyal Puresense Redensity 2 by Teoxane. This thin gel contains Lidocaine, an ingredient that reduces any discomfort and is less hydrofilic which helps to reduce risk of swelling. The filler product also contains a mix of amino acids, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins that help hydrate and replenish the skin as well as providing a natural light reflection.
To protect the delicate eye area, the product is applied using a canulla rather than a needle.
Treatment time is around 30 minutes and no anaesthesia is required. The results can be seen almost immediately, although some bruising and swelling can occur but often settles after a couple of days. Patients can expect the results to last up to 12 months.
Are tear trough fillers a ‘stand-alone’ treatment?
As with any other treatment, a patient’s journey starts with a thorough overall facial assessment and consultation. In order to create balanced and natural-looking results it is important to address any loss of volume in all areas of the face.
In the vast majority of cases, most patients require some cheek volume loss replacement treatment prior to a direct tear trough filler and in some cases the cheek filler treatment is enough to resolve the tired-looking appearance.
In picture A of our model, we can see a flattening in her mid-cheek region which is contributing to the tired look. This has to be treated first to create a natural and attractive cheek look and to give a 'scaffold' for the tear trough filler. Image B shows the post-treatment natural-looking results.
What are the risks?
Dermal filler treatments are generally very safe when carried out by an experienced professional. However, the tear trough area is an extremely delicate part of the face and it is imperative you only see a qualified medical practitioner with an expert knowledge of facial anatomy for this sort of treatment.
Not all under eye concerns can be effectively treated using tear trough filler which is why it is imperative that any treatment be preceded by a thorough consultation. At REclinic, we always conduct a thorough facial assessment, explore medical history and take time to understand the patient’s end goals. This ensures we can give the most appropriate advice and tailor any treatment plan specifically to them.
Would you like to find out more?
You can find further information about tear trough fillers on our website.
If you would like to book a FREE consultation with Dr Martina please get in touch via our contact page.
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