Say Goodbye to Dark Circles: How Under-Eye Fillers Can Transform Your Look
Dark circles under the eyes are a common problem that many people struggle to find an effective solution.
From skincare serums to home remedies, countless products promise results, yet fail to deliver lasting improvements.
For those who want a truly transformative approach, under-eye fillers have become the go-to treatment for hundreds of thousands of people.
Dermal fillers offer a quick, minimally invasive solution to under-eye hollowness and dark circles, promising individuals to regain a youthful, refreshed appearance.
In this article, we will explore how under-eye fillers work, the differences between dark circles and hollowness, who is a good candidate for treatment, and what to expect during the procedure.
We will also delve into the emotional benefits of this treatment and why it has become a go-to solution for many people seeking to improve their under-eyes.
Understanding the Under-Eye Area
The under-eyes are particularly delicate due to the thinness of the skin and the lack of fat in this region.
As we age, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner, leading to a more pronounced appearance of veins, shadows, and hollows.
This is exacerbated by the natural loss of fat and collagen, which contributes to a sunken, tired look.
For some, these changes happen early due to genetics, while others experience them as part of the aging process.
The under-eye area is prone to two main issues: dark circles and hollowness.
While these are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to distinct concerns that may require different approaches for treatment.
Causes of Dark Circles and Hollowness
Before exploring how dermal fillers can treat the under-eye area, it’s important to understand the difference between dark circles and hollowness.
Dark Circles
Dark circles can result from several factors, including genetics, pigmentation, thinning skin, and poor blood circulation.
The skin under the eyes is thinner than in other areas, making blood vessels more visible, which can cause a dark or purplish hue.
For some individuals, dark circles are exacerbated by hyperpigmentation, a condition where the skin produces excess melanin, leading to a darker appearance.
Dark circles are often hereditary, meaning if your family members have them, you're more likely to develop them too.
While lifestyle factors like lack of sleep, stress, dehydration, and sun exposure can worsen dark circles, treatments like PRP combined with microneedling may offer a better option for healing the skin over time but they do not address the underlying lifestyle factors that you should treat as soon as possible.
Under-Eye Hollowness
Under-eye hollowness is a result of age-related volume loss in the mid-face and around the eyes.
As we age, the fat pads that once provided support in this area diminish, leading to a sunken or hollow appearance. This creates shadows under the eyes, making the eyes look tired and aged even when you're well-rested.
This is especially pronounced with overhead lighting in restaurants, bars, nightclubs or even at the office.
In some cases, hollowness and dark circles overlap, as both conditions contribute to the appearance of tired, aging eyes. However, they are not the same. Understanding the root cause of your under-eye concerns is critical to determining the right treatment.
Dark Circles vs. Under-Eye Hollowness: Understanding the Differences
Though dark circles and hollowness often coexist, they are distinct issues.
Dark circles primarily involve pigmentation or visible blood vessels, whereas hollowness is an issue due to a lack of volume in the tear troughs.
For dark circles caused by pigmentation or thin skin, topical treatments or microneedling with PRP may help lighten the area.
However, for under-eye hollowness, dermal fillers can be an effective solution.
Fillers add volume to the tear trough, reducing the effect that makes dark circles more noticeable.
Can You Have Both Dark Circles and Hollowness?
It’s common for people to have both dark circles and hollowness. The combination of these two concerns can make the under-eye area appear even more tired and sunken.
Dermal fillers can address hollowness by restoring volume and smoothing out the transition between the under-eye area and the cheeks, which in turn minimizes the appearance of dark circles.
However, if pigmentation is a significant factor, additional treatments like laser therapy, microneedling or topical creams may be necessary. You can combine microneedling with PRP to further accelerate the results.
What Are Under-Eye Fillers?
Under-eye fillers are a type of dermal filler specifically designed to add volume to the under-eye area, effectively treating the hollowness that contributes to the appearance of dark circles.
The most common type of filler used for this area is hyaluronic acid, such as Restylane or Juvéderm.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body, making it a safe and effective option for restoring volume and hydration to the skin.
There are different types of dermal fillers, if you have other concerns and don’t know if hyaluronic acid fillers are what you need, we suggest you read our previous article.
When injected into the under-eye area, dermal fillers plump the skin, filling in hollow areas and smoothing out the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek.
This results in a brighter, more youthful appearance, reducing the shadows and tired look associated with dark circles.
How Under-Eye Fillers Work: Filling the Hollows for a Brighter Appearance
As we age, we lose both fat and collagen, which are essential for maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity.
The loss of these components leads to sagging and hollowing under the eyes, creating deep shadows and accelerating the appearance of dark circles.
When dermal fillers are injected into this area, we can effectively lift and fill these hollows, not only refreshing the under-eye area but also providing a more youthful appearance.
“Am I a Good Candidate for Under-Eye Fillers?”
Under-eye fillers are ideal for individuals who have noticeable hollowness or dark circles caused by volume loss. Those with a sunken appearance under their eyes, tired-looking eyes, or shadows due to hollowness are good candidates for this treatment.
Fillers are particularly effective for people with mild to moderate dark circles where the underlying cause is structural.
However, fillers may not be suitable for individuals with severe pigmentation or very thin skin, where dark circles are due to pigmentation rather than volume loss.
In these cases, alternative treatments like laser therapy, chemical peels or microneedling coupled with PRP may be more appropriate.
Also, if you wake up with prominent puffiness that stays in your face for a large part of the day, you may not be a good candidate because this puffiness under the eyes is emphasized with fillers.
Types of Dermal Fillers Used for the Under-Eyes
The most commonly used dermal fillers for the under-eyes are hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane and Juvéderm.
These fillers offer a smooth, natural result and are easily reversible if needed. Hyaluronic acid attracts water, making it particularly effective at hydrating and plumping the skin.
Restylane Eyelight, for example, is slightly firmer and often used for more pronounced hollows, while Juvéderm offers a softer, more subtle correction.
At Revery Medical Aesthetics, we typically choose fillers with little hydrating effect to avoid that puffy, swollen look that is noticeable with other fillers.
Both fillers provide lasting results, but individual preferences and the specific needs of each patient will determine what is the best option.
What to Expect During your Under-Eye Filler Treatment
An under-eye filler treatment is quick and minimally invasive, typically taking 30-45 minutes.
Here’s what you can expect during the process:
Consultation: Your provider will assess the under-eye area to determine if you are a good candidate for fillers, while also discussing your goals and expectations for the treatment.
Preparation: The area will be cleaned, and in some cases, a numbing cream may be applied to minimize discomfort.
Injection: Using a fine needle, the filler is carefully injected into the tear trough area, ensuring even distribution and natural-looking results.
Post-Treatment Care: After the procedure, you may experience mild swelling or bruising, but these side effects usually subside within a few days.
Aftercare instructions: You will be provided a set of aftercare instructions like not working out for at least 24 hours after the treatment, and not touching or massaging the injection site as you can move the filler before it’s completely set.
Before and After: Real Results from Under-Eye Fillers
Under-eye fillers are best demonstrated through before-and-after images of real patients.
Fillers provide immediate results, with most patients noticing a significant improvement in their appearance.
Hollows are filled, shadows are reduced, and the overall look is refreshed and youthful.
While results are visible right away, the full effect of the treatment becomes more apparent after a few days, once any swelling has subsided.
How Long Do Under-Eye Fillers Last?
The longevity of under-eye fillers varies depending on the type of filler used and the patient’s individual metabolism.
On average, hyaluronic acid fillers for under-eye treatment like Restylane and Juvéderm last between 18 to 24 months. Some patients may experience longer-lasting results, while others may need touch-ups sooner.
But did you know you can actually make your filler last longer? We’ve covered the factors that contribute to filler longevity here.
Risks and Side Effects of Under-Eye Fillers
Like any cosmetic treatment, under-eye fillers come with some risks and potential side effects.
The most common side effects include:
Temporary bruising
Swelling
Redness
Tenderness
Although they typically resolve within a few days.
More serious complications, though rare, can include:
Infection
Vascular occlusion
Allergic reactions
Overfilling
Discolouration (Tyndall effect)
This is why it’s crucial to choose a skilled, experienced practitioner who understands the delicate anatomy of the under-eye area.
Under-Eye Fillers vs. Topical Treatments: Which Is Better?
While topical treatments like eye creams and serums can offer some improvement, they often fall short of delivering the dramatic, more immediate results that many people seek.
Creams may help with hydration and pigmentation, but they do not address volume loss or hollowness, which are the primary causes of dark circles in many individuals.
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, offer immediate and significant improvement by addressing the primary cause of under-eye hollowness.
For long-lasting, noticeable results, fillers are a far more effective option than topical treatments.
Combining Under-Eye Fillers with Other Cosmetic Treatments
To maximize the rejuvenating effects of under-eye fillers, many patients combine them with other treatments such as:
Laser Therapy: For pigmentation issues or fine lines around the eyes.
PRP Microneedling: To improve skin texture and stimulate collagen production.
Botox: To reduce wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes.
Cost of Under-Eye Fillers: Is It Worth the Investment?
The cost of under-eye fillers varies depending on the type of filler used, the practitioner’s expertise, and the location of the clinic.
On average, under-eye filler treatments are $600 per session.
Compared to other treatments that require frequent reapplication or provide minimal improvement, under-eye fillers offer a more effective solution to under-eye concerns.
Choosing the Right Provider for Under-Eye Fillers
Choosing a qualified, experienced provider is crucial to achieving natural-looking and safe results with under-eye fillers.
Reading reviews, seeing before-and-after photos, and scheduling a consultation can help you find the right provider for you.
How Under-Eye Fillers Can Boost your Confidence and Self-Esteem
One of the most overlooked benefits of under-eye fillers is the emotional impact they can have.
For many people, dark circles can make them feel self-conscious or appear tired even when they are well-rested, leading them to searching for a solution that can address these problems in a comprehensive way.
By addressing these concerns, under-eye fillers can boost your confidence, making you feel more refreshed, youthful, and attractive.
A Brighter, Youthful Appearance with Under-Eye Fillers
Under-eye fillers offer a transformative solution for those struggling with dark circles and hollowness.
By restoring volume, dermal fillers can help you achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance that lasts for months.
Whether you're dealing with tired-looking eyes or simply want to boost your confidence, under-eye fillers provide an effective, minimally invasive option for rejuvenation.
If you’re looking to get under-eye fillers in LaSalle, near Windsor, schedule a FREE consultation to know if fillers are the right fit for your situation.
Dr. Bryce Leontowicz will assess your under-eye area and customize a treatment plan just for you.
