The under-eye area is one of the first places to show signs of aging. Thinning skin and lost volume can create hollows, shadows, and a tired appearance. While surgery may be an option for some, it isn’t always necessary to improve concerns in this area.
At the office of Mimi Lee M.D. PA in Little Rock, our tear trough fillers can help restore volume and smooth the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are commonly used to soften hollows and reduce the appearance of dark circles. This non-surgical approach provides subtle rejuvenation with minimal downtime.
How Aging Affects the Under-Eye Area
The tear trough is where the lower eyelid meets the upper cheek, and as you age, this area undergoes several changes. The fat pads beneath your eyes start to shift, creating hollows and accentuating dark circles. At the same time, collagen and elastin break down, leading to thinner skin that makes underlying blood vessels more visible.
Bone resorption can also impact this area. The eye socket gradually widens with age, reducing structural support for the lower eyelid. This can make the tear trough appear deeper and more pronounced. These changes affect the way light reflects off your face and contribute to a tired, sunken appearance that fillers can help improve.
How Dermal Fillers Can Rejuvenate the Under-Eye Area
Reducing Hollowing and Volume Loss
The tear trough naturally loses volume over time as fat shifts and bone density changes. Without that underlying support, the area can look sunken. We use tear trough dermal fillers to restore lost volume by carefully placing hyaluronic acid-based fillers beneath the skin. This adds subtle structure to the under-eye area and reduces the depth of the hollow while maintaining a natural contour.
Softening Dark Shadows
Dark circles under the eyes aren’t always caused by pigmentation. In many cases, they result from how light interacts with hollowing and thinning skin. When volume is lost, shadows become more visible and the under-eye area can look darker. By filling in the tear trough, we smooth the skin’s surface and change how light reflects off the area. This softens the appearance of dark shadows.
Enhancing Skin Hydration
Hyaluronic acid fillers attract water molecules, helping the skin retain moisture. This natural hydration effect improves the skin’s elasticity and texture and can make it look healthier and more supple. When the under-eye area is well-hydrated, fine lines appear softer, and the skin takes on a smoother, more even appearance. This added hydration can also support the skin’s overall function and keep it looking fresh between treatments.
Why Choose Fillers for Under-Eye Rejuvenation?
Fast Results With Minimal Downtime
Filler for tear trough rejuvenation offers immediate improvements with little to no recovery time. Once we inject the filler, you’ll see a noticeable difference in the volume and smoothness of the under-eye area. There may be mild swelling or slight bruising, but most patients return to normal activities the same day. Since the treatment is quick, it fits easily into a busy lifestyle.
Customizable Based on Your Facial Features
Every patient’s under-eye anatomy is different, which is why we take time to get to know every patient. The amount and type of filler used depend on the depth of the tear trough, skin thickness, and how the lower eyelid transitions into the cheek. Some patients need only a small amount of filler for subtle refinement, while others benefit from more support. We also consider facial proportions to ensure the results blend naturally with your features rather than creating an overfilled or puffy look.
Long-Lasting but Flexible Results
Hyaluronic acid fillers provide results that last anywhere from 9 to 24 months, depending on the product used and how your body metabolizes it. Over time, the filler gradually breaks down, and we can make adjustments through additional treatments. Since hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be dissolved, we have the flexibility to refine or reverse the treatment if desired. Fillers are a low-commitment option for under-eye rejuvenation and offer long-lasting benefits while still allowing for future refinements.
Types of Fillers Used for Under-Eye Rejuvenation
JUVÉDERM®
The JUVÉDERM family includes several hyaluronic acid-based fillers, but not all are ideal for the delicate under-eye area. JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA and JUVÉDERM VOLLURE are often used for under-eye rejuvenation because of their soft, smooth consistency. They integrate well into the tissue and create a natural transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek without adding too much volume. VOLBELLA and VOLLURE are formulated with a lower concentration of hyaluronic acid, which helps prevent excessive swelling in this sensitive area. They also contain lidocaine for a more comfortable injection process.
Restylane®
Restylane-L, Restylane Eyelight, and Restylane Refyne are effective under-eye fillers, offering subtle volume while maintaining a natural look. Restylane-L has a slightly firmer consistency, making it a good option for deeper tear troughs that can be improved with more structural support. It provides long-lasting results while still maintaining flexibility for natural facial movement. Restylane Eyelight is specifically designed for under-eye correction, formulated to fill hollowing while minimizing puffiness. Restylane Refyne is one of the finest fillers and works best for ultra-thin skin. Like JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA, these fillers are hyaluronic acid-based and can hydrate the skin while restoring lost volume.
Special Considerations for Tear Trough Filler Treatments
The under-eye area is delicate and requires precise techniques and expert hands to achieve natural-looking results. We use a blunt cannula to place the filler at the correct depth and provide smooth integration with less risk of bruising. Since this area is prone to swelling, we gradually add volume.
Preparation Steps for Under-Eye Fillers
- Begin Taking Arnicare Tablets: We recommend that you start taking Arnicare (Arnica montana) tablets two days before your appointment. These tabs help to minimize and prevent bruising after injectable treatments.
- Avoid Blood-Thinning Medications and Supplements: We may recommend stopping certain medications or supplements before your appointment, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or fish oil.
- Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Skincare Routine: Well-hydrated skin responds better to fillers. Drink plenty of water and use a good moisturizer in the days leading up to your appointment.
- Limit Alcohol Intake: Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and increase bruising, so it’s best to avoid it for at least 24 hours before treatment.
- Plan Ahead for Minimal Disruptions: While downtime is minimal, mild swelling or bruising is possible. If you have an important event, schedule your appointment at least two weeks in advance to allow time for the filler to fully settle.
- Arrive With Clean Skin: Remove all makeup, lotions, and skincare products before your appointment.
- Discuss Any Allergies or Medical Conditions: Let us know if you have a history of allergies, previous filler treatments, or any medical conditions that could affect your results.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Treatment
Before we begin, we go over your medical history to make sure fillers around eyes are the right option for you. We evaluate skin thickness, volume loss, and how your lower eyelid transitions into your cheek. If you have significant hollowing or skin laxity, we may recommend a combination of treatments for best results.
We always take steps to keep you comfortable during our treatments. VOLBELLA, VOLLURE, Eyelight, Refyne, and Restylane-L all contain lidocaine that numb the area during injection. We also apply a topical numbing cream before your treatment so you can receive injections without any discomfort.
What to Expect From Recovery and Results
Recovery after under eye fillers is usually minimal, but mild swelling or bruising can occur. Most of the swelling resolves within a few days after your treatment. You’ll notice an immediate improvement in volume, but the filler takes about two weeks to fully settle and integrate with the surrounding tissue.
Caring for Your Injection Sites After Treatment
Swelling is normal after treatment, but there are a few simple ways to keep it to a minimum. Once you have received your filler injections, try to avoid heavy exercise, salty foods, or excessive heat. Applying ice gently to the area over the next day or two can also help reduce any puffiness. It’s best not to rub or massage under your eyes, since the filler needs time to settle into place. If you notice any bruising, taking Arnicare pills for two days—or longer, if needed—can support the healing process. Most people are able to return to their regular skincare and makeup routine within 24 hours, but be sure to leave the area clean and free of make-up and lotion for the rest of the day following your treatment.
Common Questions About Under-Eye Fillers
How Long Do Tear Trough Fillers Last?
The longevity of fillers for under eyes depends on the type of filler used and how quickly your body metabolizes it. Hyaluronic acid fillers like JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA and Restylane Eyelight can last between 12 and 18 months. Since the under-eye area doesn’t experience as much movement as the lips or cheeks, fillers may break down more slowly.
How Do I Know If I Am a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
If you have hollowing, dark shadows, or a sunken appearance under the eyes, dermal fillers may be a good option. The best candidates have healthy skin with good elasticity and no excessive lower eyelid laxity. If the under-eye area has significant puffiness due to fluid retention or fat protrusion, fillers may not provide the best results. During a consultation, we assess your anatomy and discuss whether this treatment is right for you.
What Other Concerns Can Be Treated With Dermal Fillers?
Beyond under-eye rejuvenation, dermal fillers can also enhance the cheeks, soften nasolabial folds, refine jawline contours, and add definition to the lips. Fillers can also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by hydrating and volumizing the skin. Restylane and JUVÉDERM both feature other products that can be used elsewhere on the face, and we also offer Radiesse®, a biostimulating filler that can increase collagen production in the lower face.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Provider for Under-Eye Fillers
The under-eye area can be a challenging area to treat correctly, so choosing the right provider is important. Look for a provider who has many years of experience and takes the time to understand your facial anatomy and concerns. Make sure the provider you choose understands that treating the under-eye area is more than adding volume and requires the right techniques and a subtle and artistic touch.
About Mimi Lee M.D. PA
Dr. Mimi Lee has spent decades refining her expertise in aesthetic treatments, offering patients precise, minimally invasive solutions. With a long background in microinjections and facial rejuvenation, she has personally administered thousands of fillers and neuromodulator treatments. Her deep understanding of facial anatomy allows her to assess each patient individually so that enhancements complement their unique features.
Dr. Lee is also known for her thoughtful approach to patient care. She takes the time to listen, evaluate concerns, and recommend treatments based on what will truly benefit each individual. Every treatment is performed by Dr. Lee herself, so patients receive expert care from start to finish. Whether addressing under-eye hollowing or refining facial contours, she focuses on precision, balance, and creating results that look refreshed rather than overdone.
Refresh Your Under-Eye With Dermal Fillers
Using fillers around the eyes can soften hollowing, reduce dark shadows, and restore volume without surgery. With precise placement and an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy, we create results that look smooth and natural. To schedule a consultation at the practice of Mimi Lee M.D. PA in Little Rock, AR, call (501) 588-7824 or reach out through the online form.