Tear trough filler

Considering tear trough filler? Dr Yiannis from Anti Wrinkle Clinic shares who it suits, benefits, risks, aftercare and more in a safety-first guide

Written by
Dr Yiannis Valilas
Published on
21.04.2023

We all have days where we feel tired. Where no matter how many cups of coffee or splashes of cold water we take to the face, our fatigue fights back. But what if your eyes always look that way… no matter how well-rested you are?

You may find it has something to do with your tear trough. For patients experiencing a constant aged or fatigued appearance, I may suggest tear trough filler treatment. 

In some people, this area naturally sits a little deeper, and with time it can look more shadowed. That’s what could be creating the “I’m tired” look, even on good days. [1][2]Tear troughs, the hollows that develop under the eyes, can give off a constantly fatigued or aged appearance. Fortunately, we offer tear trough filler to help restore a more refreshed, awake look without the need for surgery.

What are tear troughs?

The tear trough is the small hollow between the lower eyelid and upper check. In some people, this area naturally sits a little deeper. As time marches on, this groove can become more pronounced, contributing to a sunken look that’s often mistaken for tiredness.[1][2]

While tear troughs are perfectly normal, they can be a cosmetic concern for many. Shadows in this area can make the face appear older or less vibrant than it actually is – even in young adults.

Why do tear troughs develop?

Tear troughs can be genetic, but they also tend to become more visible with age. As we grow older, the fat pads beneath the eyes shift, and volume in the mid-face begins to diminish. This loss of support and collagen causes the under-eye area to appear deeper and more hollowed out. Allergies and poor sleep can make it look worse, but for many people it’s a structural hollow rather than a skin problem. [1]

Stress, poor sleep, and even allergies can exaggerate the appearance of tear troughs, but it’s often a structural issue. This means that skincare alone usually isn’t enough to correct it. [2]

How I treat tear troughs at the Anti Wrinkle Clinic

I treat tear troughs with advanced Dermal Fillers specifically designed for the delicate under-eye area. I use premium hyaluronic acid-based fillers which are placed with precision to restore lost volume, soften the hollow, and reduce the appearance of dark shadows.

The procedure is quick (usually taking around 30 minutes) and involves minimal downtime. I use a cannula technique for added safety and to reduce the risk of bruising and swelling.[5] Results are visible almost immediately, though they continue to improve and settle over 1-2 weeks. [3][4]

My goal is never to overfill or change your natural features. Instead, I aim to subtly restore what time may have taken away, giving you a fresher and more awake appearance without making it obvious you’ve had anything done.

Is tear trough filler right for you?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for tear trough filler, which is why every treatment at the Anti Wrinkle Clinic starts with a thorough consultation. I will assess your skin quality, volume loss, and overall facial balance to determine whether tear trough filler, a different treatment entirely, or a combination approach is the right option for you.[1][2][6]

Book a consultation with Dr Yiannis today to see if tear trough filler could be the gentle, effective solution your tired eyes have been looking for.

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Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Tear Trough Filler is a prescription-only medicine, and can only be recommended after an individual consultation. Individual results may vary.

Reference list:

[1] EyeWiki. Tear Trough Deformity. https://eyewiki.org/Tear_Trough_Deformity

[2] Stutman RL, et al. Lower Eyelid Dark Circles: Review of Anatomy and Treatment Options. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/32/4/426/349621

[3] Diwan Z, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Filler for Tear Trough Correction: Prospective Study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7209844/

[4] Ophthalmology Times. Under-eye filler: cannula vs needle in tear trough treatment. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/under-eye-filler-cannula-vs-needle-in-tear-trough-treatment

[5] Spada J, et al. Needle versus Cannula to Treat Tear Trough: Prospective Comparison. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10627584/

[6] Moorfields Private. The 5 key risks of under-eye filler injections. https://moorfields.nhs.uk/private/about-moorfields-private/blog-articles/the-5-key-risks-of-under-eye-filler-injections

[7] MHRA. Blue Guide: Advertising and promotion of medicines in the UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-guide-advertising-and-promoting-medicines

[8] ASA/CAP. Cosmetic interventions: advertising guidance (includes under-18 rules). https://www.asa.org.uk/resource/cosmetic-interventions.html 

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a consultation before treatment?

Yes – every treatment at the Anti Wrinkle Clinic starts with a consultation. This is an important step to make sure the treatment you’re considering is both suitable and safe for you. During your consultation, I’ll take the time to understand your goals, review your medical history, and discuss what’s best for your skin.

Please note that payment doesn’t automatically guarantee a treatment. If anything comes up during your consultation that makes a procedure unsafe or unsuitable, I will explain why and recommend alternative options.

Who performs the Tear Trough Filler treatment?

All treatments are personally performed by Dr Yiannis (that’s me!), a fully qualified medical aesthetic practitioner with over 20 years of experience. My academic and clinical background includes:

  • General Dental Surgeon, University of Siena, Italy
  • Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry, University College London (Eastman Dental Institute)
  • Master of Science (MSc) in Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry, University of Manchester

That goes for every consultation and injectable treatment at the Anti Wrinkle Clinic. Everything that happens in my clinic, I personally carry out – ensuring consistency, safety, and care from start to finish.

Are your treatments regulated?

Yes – all injectable treatments at the Anti Wrinkle Clinic are prescription-only and fully regulated under UK medical guidelines. Treatments are prescribed and administered exclusively by Dr Yiannis, following an in-person consultation to confirm suitability.

Rest assured, we follow strict clinical and hygiene protocols, source products only from licensed UK pharmacies. 

Are there any risks or side effects?

As with any injectable treatment, there are possible side effects – but most are mild and settle quickly. After treatment you may experience swelling, tenderness, and slight bruising. The under-eye area is incredibly delicate, and some patients report puffiness that usually settles within 25 hours. 

If you notice swelling or tenderness lasting more than five days, lumps that don’t fade, or you experience severe pain, skin discolouration, or any vision changes, contact the clinic immediately on +44 20 3598 7358.

Who should avoid Tear Trough Filler treatment?

Tear Trough Filler isn’t suitable for everyone. You shouldn’t have treatment if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have an active skin infection, or have known allergies to any of the ingredients.

If you have certain medical conditions, are taking blood-thinning medication, or have recently had facial procedures or vaccinations, treatment may need to be delayed. Rest assured, all of this will be discussed in your consultation. 

Is Tear Trough Filler Painful?

Most patients describe brief pressure, similar to a prick. Tear Trough Filler is by no means unbearable, but if you’re particularly sensitive, I can apply a topical numbing cream beforehand.

Tenderness at the injection site usually settles within minutes, and most patients are able to return to normal activities directly after treatment. 

How long does treatment take and when will I see results?

The procedure is fairly quick, around 30 minutes in total. As for results, you should see improvement straight away, gradually settling over 1–2 weeks.

Can Tear Trough Filler be dissolved if I don’t like it?

Of course! All Hyaluronic-acid fillers can be adjusted or dissolved with hyaluronidase upon request. However, I usually recommend my patients wait 2 weeks for full results to develop and stabilise mark before making a decision.

Not sure where to start?

Learn more about our 5 Step Journey and book your Face-to-face hour with Dr Yiannis for a truly different consultation process.

5 Step Journey