Thinking about having tear trough filler (under-eye filler) but have some questions before you commit yourself? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to give you a better idea of the treatment, the benefits, side effects and more…
If you just want to book someone safe in the knowledge that they're medically-qualified, safe, insured and verified by Glowday, you can compare and choose someone in your area right here
As we get older, our facial structure changes. Our skin becomes thin and crepey, and we see more pigmentation and hollowing under the eyes. It doesn’t help that we lose fat, bone and suffer volume loss around our eye and cheek area, and that the fat pads near our eyes can slip, causing bulging, otherwise known as eyebags. This, combined with the hollowing from the loss of bone and tissue, can cause deep depressions known as tear troughs (between the cheek and the eyelid), and make us look tired, even when we’re not. If one more person asks me if I didn’t sleep well after an 8 hour-long snooze, I swear to God...
Fortunately, though, there are treatments that can help with this issue, and one of the most popular is under-eye filler - or tear trough fillers. The final results can be quite awesome. Let’s get the scoop and cover some essential tear trough FAQs.
Before and after of tear trough filler treatment from Dr Jessica Halliley, notice how the hollowness under the eye is reduced by filler.
What are tear trough fillers?
Dermal fillers can be injected into the under-eye area, AKA the tear troughs, to treat the area, restoring volume and minimising darkness under the eyes. It’s an effective way to wake up tired looking eyes while also brightening skin and increasing collagen production. Who needs coffee?!
Nowadays, most practitioners use hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, as HA is a naturally-occurring substance. It’s gradually broken down by the body, so is not a permanent solution, but one that can have amazing effects. Hyaluronic acid is great as it is able to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, making skin look smooth and hydrated. And who doesn’t want that?
Who is qualified to treat eye bags and dark circles?
It’s so important to see a medically qualified practitioner for under eye fillers, as if injected into the wrong area (or you should happen to have an adverse reaction to the solution), it’s vital that you’re in the hands of someone who knows how to deal with the situation. All it takes is for a needle to hit a blood vessel and this could cause issues. Not intended to scare - just to remind you that this is your face, and you don’t want to mess it up by going to someone who doesn’t know how to react if a treatment doesn’t go to plan.
Practitioners will often use a numbing solution to make sure you feel as little pain or discomfort as possible, and many fillers actually contain anaesthetic, meaning in a lot of cases, you likely won’t feel anything.
How soon will I see results?
The great thing about under eye fillers is that you can generally see a difference straight after the treatment. It can take a few days for the side effects to subside, after which you should start to see an even bigger improvement. Bye bye eye bags!
What are the side effects?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are FDA-approved, but as with any treatment, there’s always the chance of side effects. Common side effects include redness, swelling and bruising, but these tend to ease off after a few days.
Rare side effects include infection, scarring, migration (where the filler moves to a different area), vascular occlusion, and blindness. If you experience any of these, contact your practitioner immediately for advice on what to do.
How long do tear trough fillers last?
They generally last around 6-18 months, but this really depends on the individual and how quickly they metabolise them. For some people, it’s more, for others, less. It’s thought that people who exercise more tend to metabolise it quicker (though that’s not necessarily a reason not to go to the gym), and this can also vary depending on factors like skin type and age.
Am I suitable for them?
This treatment is a great treatment for many people who have deep depressions in their under-eye area. However, it’s important to book a consultation with a medically qualified practitioner before your appointment as the under-eye area is complex, and it’s essential to know what the cause of dark circles or puffiness is before treating it.
Are tear trough fillers right for me?
Under-eye filler is not suitable for individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive, or for people who have an allergy to lidocaine. It’s also not a good idea to inject in this particular spot if the area is infected, so have a chat with your practitioner to determine the best treatment in this case. You should also avoid this treatment if you are susceptible to blood clotting or suffer with keloid scarring.
What should I avoid before and after the fillers?
In the week leading up to your appointment - and the next few days following it - you should avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil and vitamin E as these can lead to bleeding and bruising. But always check with your GP or practitioner if you are taking any prescription medication containing aspirin. You should also stop using products such as retinol and glycolic acid during this period to ensure there’s less chance of irritation. Make sure to tell your practitioner about any illnesses and supplements or medication you are taking, so they can determine whether the fillers will affect this.
How much do they cost?
It can depend on so many factors including how much filler you need and where you live. The important thing is not to be tempted by cheap treatments, offers and special deals. These will almost always mean the practitioner isn't medically qualified and is using inferior products - maybe even unlicensed filler. Overall expect to pay between £350-£500 per treatment session.
How long does it take?
Treatments tend to take between 30-60 minutes. The first part of your treatment will be administering an anaesthetic to make you comfortable. If it hurts at all, you need to tell your practitioner as it should be 'uncomfortable' or feel strange, but not painful.
After your appointment, you should avoid strenuous exercise for the next 24 hours, as well as saunas, sunbeds and direct sunlight. You’ll also need to wait around 2 weeks before getting facials.
Fancy booking your first tear trough filler appointment? Glowday lists hundreds of medically qualified practitioners, whose profiles, tear trough before and after images and reviews you can now check out! No more need to Google tear trough filler near me - we've got you covered!
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